CHATEAU TARIFFS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 46, 24 February 1930, Page 8

CHATEAU TARIFFS

TEAMPER'S COMPLAINT

POSITION TO-DAY

The Tongariro National Park Board does not intend at present to erect any hutments- of the, type in use at Whakapapa by. trampers and others before the taking over of the accommodation at the Park by the Tongariro Park Tourist Company. These huts have been completely transformed into "lodges," and with their minimum tariff of 15s per day are included all the amenities and pleasures of the Chateau. It was pointed out by the chairman of the National Park Board (Mr. J. B. Thompson) to a "Post" reporter today, however, that every offort is made by the company to suit those who wish to visit the National Park at a cost within tlreir • means, and that tents, blankets, etc., may bo' obtained from the company on the spot. That there are some .who regret the passing of the old order at National Park, when unlined sheds with sack bunks were.the only accommodation, and users had to bring their own blankets and food, and do their own cooking, is shown in the following letter from a correspondent, "Ski": —"Is.it correct that 15s per day is the lowest tariff at the New Chateau, or Lodge, at Whakapapa? If so, what Las become of the old hufs we used to hitfe at 3s per diem, taking our own food and blankets? Many trampers and winter sport enthusiasts on about £.150 per annum would like to know where they como in this'season;" " •>. CATERING FOE YOUNG PEOPLE. The position was made clear by Mr. Thompson. "The company," he said, "lay themselves out to suit and aceoni.modate special parties of young people who /wish- to do things within their means, • and strivo to meet them in every way, realising that the youth of. to-day, if it acquires the park habit, will appreciate the modern comforts of the Chateau in later life, llany parties of school boys go there, and I do not know how the company can treat them so, well at the price. From.'what the boys and tlie people" in charge of them have said to. me, the arrangements made for them have been entirely satisfactory in every way. . , '. >-, . "Ski clubs,used to take all their own impedimenta, including blankets, food, and their own cook, aid the coat of one such party the year before the company took over the Park was £10 each. The year following a similar party was catered for by Mr. Wigley, who' provided everything, for within 10s of the same amount, but the accommodation and, foods was first-class and they were required to bring nothing.'..; That was before the Chateau was completed. Now'the old Whakapapa 1 .is have been completely metamorphosed, but accommodation has been increased by the addition of other 'lodges,' and small parties can still keep together. Instead of sack bunks and,'bring your own blankets,' there are good spring beds, sheets, electric , light, hot water, hot water bags, and an efficient chambermaid service, even to morning tea, while the lowest tariff in the 'lodges' allows the use of< the Chateau, lounge, dancing floor, and its luxurious baths. Attached to'the 'lodges' are also baths for those who do not'wish to make uss of the Chateau. Visitors are charged only' for the portion of the day used, and1 so those wishing only to stay the night pay only their proportion;of the tariff.,,.; :-■■'■ ■-. '■-j"-y^/ ■,-■', CAMPING ALLOWED. "Taking the facilities^and comfort provided, there is no comparison in the values offered by the old huts and the present accommodation, but those who wish, to do it even cheaper, can, camp. Anybody may camp on the area in the compaiiy's property; Tents, etc., will be provided at a small? charge, and. if-^the visitors wish to be: entirely independent of .the/company,' they can go to the Park Banger, who will : point out places where they can camp under ? the regulations, but in this cas no tents will be provided. The old huts at Mangatepopo, Waihohonu, anoV Ohakuiie, similar to those formerly at Whakapapa, are still in use at the old charges, Mangatepopo 3s, and Ohakune and Waihohonu 2s per night, and the company is always ready to make special' arrangements for the conveyance of organised parties to them." :

It was pointed out to the reporter by one who has the welfare of the Park at heart that the erection of huts for the indiscriminate use 'of parties without responsibility, whose addresses are not known, laid open the possibility of many abuses. Parts ;o£ outlying huts had. oven been. used for firewood, and the condition in which some parties left the huts and surroundings was disgraceful.' ■' , ■■' ,/J/\.V -,■■"■"