River trips popular

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 369, 15 January 1991, Page 1

River trips popular

This summer looks set to be a record year for people using the Wanganui River, with people starting early in the season and numbers up through the holiday break. Pipiriki conservation officer Dennis McDonnell said records were falling, with last year thrce patrols counting more than 100 people over the summer, while this year already four river counts of over 100 with one at 199. He said despite the high numbers people were pleased with the camping and that staff had received a number of compliments on the state of camp sites and toilet facilitics, which were worked on by the flood relief gang following last autumn's floods. A fcature of the summer has been ihe number of large groups, of 30 and 40 canoeists, said

Mr McDonnell. He said the river was extremely low at this stage and warned jet boaters who have not been on the river lately to take care on rapids. There were many snags and rocks causing obstructions now, he said. Staff had spent two days clearing log jams in places and were to spend another two days working on rapids below Pipiriki. Mr McDonnell said Pipiriki has been busy also with a constant' stream of visitors to Colonial House. Also popuiar with some canoeists this year has been the section of river below Pipiriki, said Mr McDonnell. He said it seemed many people who had limited time were taking advantage of the lower section where they could pull out when it suited them, then transport back to Wanganui.