Explore, Discover, and Connect with Nature
Get ready for an adventure like no other! Thanks to a kind donation from Geocaching, EcoFest 2025 challenges you to explore the natural beauty of Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond while engaging in a whānau-friendly treasure hunt with a sustainability twist. Whether you’re an experienced geocacher or brand new to the game, this is an exciting and interactive way to connect with your surroundings, learn about local environmental initiatives, and take action for Papatūānuku.
How It Works
Geocaching is a free real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates to find hidden caches in public parks, reserves, and community spaces. All you need is a smartphone or GPS device and a sense of adventure! Download the app and sign up for a free account to begin.
In honour of EcoFest, each of the supporting hubs (Beautification Trust, EcoMatters, Kaipātiki Project and Waiheke Resources Trust) have set up caches across Tāmaki Makaurau in spots that highlight local conservation efforts, repair and repurpose initiatives, and other conscious living engagement opportunities. You can search for these in addition to the array of standard geocaches you’ll see on the map. Inside these special caches we will be releasing ‘trackables’ with EcoFest-themed missions that challenge you to discover new locations and get inspired to take action! We will also include the usual array of sustainable gifts and logbooks.
Tip: If you find a trackable and complete its mission, keep the adventure going by looking for caches labeled “TB Hotel” or “Travel Bug Hotel”—these are popular spots for moving trackable items forward!
Join the Mission
EcoFest geocaching isn’t just about the thrill of the hunt — it’s about being part of a bigger movement. By taking part you’ll:
- Discover hidden gems in your local environment
- Learn about restoration work happening in your community
- Take simple actions to support sustainability
- Encourage others to get involved in protecting our natural spaces
EcoFest empowers people to make a positive impact on the environment, and geocaching is another fantastic way to engage with our kaupapa (purpose) while having fun outdoors.
Start Your Adventure
Ready to embark on your EcoFest geocaching journey? Here’s how you can get started:
- Download the geocaching app.
- Follow the clues, explore the area, and discover what’s inside.
- Log your find.
- If you’re lucky enough to discover one of our trackables, type in its code to discover your next mission.
- Then head off to complete this sustainability challenge, and share your experiences in the trackables geocache app log book.
- Encourage others to join by sharing photos from your adventures on social media using #EcoFest and tagging us @EcoFestNZ (Facebook) and @ecofest_auckland (Instagram).
Care for Our Environment
As you embark on your geocaching adventure, we ask that you follow these eco-friendly principles:
- Leave no trace: cache-in-trash-out (CITO) — we encourage you to travel with a rubbish bag so you can remove any litter on your route
- Respect nature and wildlife: Stay on marked paths and avoid disturbing habitats
- Follow cache guidelines: Respect private property and each other, ensuring caches remain in their designated locations for everyone to find
- Get involved: Be sure to let us know you visited by filling the logbook, and if taking a goodie from the cache, why not leave your own in its place for others to enjoy?
Go Beyond the Cache…
EcoFest is all about community, connection, and taking climate action. If you enjoy the geocaching experience, why not explore the full EcoFest 2025 programme for more events, workshops, and activities? From hands-on learning experiences to fun-filled celebrations, there’s a huge range of opportunities to be part of now for a sustainable tomorrow.