New trips added to Park Summer Nature Programme

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 411, 5 November 1991, Page 2

New trips added to Park Summer Nature Programme

More than 60 different activities are being offered in the Tongariro/Taupo Conservancy Summer Nature Programme this year. Activities take place under ground, in the water and high on the mountain peaks. Several new trips have been added to this years programme, but popular activities, like Crater Lake walk and the Waipakihi Helihike remain. This year's programme begins on 27 December 1991 and runs until 23 January 1992. Activities are graded according to the level of fitness required - 1 (easiest) to 5 (most

strenuous). All age groups and fitness levels are catered for including a special children's programme at Ohakune. The guided trips take place over a half day, full day . and in the evening. There are no overnight activities. Events leave daily from each of the conservancy's four field centres at Ohakune, Whakapapa, Turangi and Taupo. About 4,500 people are taken on the trips each year by Department of Conservation staff and volunteer interpreters. Like the participants, volunteers come from all over New Zealand and usually include several students

from Lincoln University. "We want people to enjoy their visit to the parks, forests and reserves in the Tongariro/Taupo area," said Lianne Campbell, Senior Conservation Officer DoC Turangi. "The summer programme is a great way for visitors to see areas of the conservancy that might otherwise be hard to get to. It's also a lot of fun. Encouraging people to develop new skills and have confidence in the outdoors are also important. The summer nature programme is stimulating and entertaining and provides an opportunity to learn about conserva-

tion," she said. Tongariro National Park began holding summer nature programmes in 1962. It was the first formal programme in New Zealand. This year's programme activities include: Helibike - fly in'by helicopter to the middle of Tongariro Forest. Bike out along old logging trails via the Wanganui River headwaters. Mt Tauhara Sunrise - a 4 am start. Climb to the summit and experience the splendid sunrise and panoramic views over the Taupo area. Tongariro Crossing - often called the best one day walk in New Zealand, this a full day from

Mangatepopo Road end across Mt Tongariro by way of South Crater and active Red Crater, the highest point. Visitors walk past the Emerald and Blue Lakes and can enjoy a rest at Ketetahi hot springs before descending through tussocklands and totara forests. Kaimanawa Hidden Caves - participants will go off the beaten track on a bush bash to part of the underground world of the Kaimanawa's, huge caves hidden deep in the bush. Venison Barbecue - an opportunity for DoC staff to mix socially with the folk who have been on the walks and talks. Search and Rescue Open Day - learn about the equipment and techniques used in alpine search and rescue. Demonstrations of some of the specialised rescue and medical equipment used by the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation. Crater Lake Walk on Mt Ruapehu - on the Whakapapa side, a joint venture with Ruapehu Alpine Lifts using their chair lift facilities. It's easier than the Crater Lake walk from Ohakune, although the view into the crater from the Ohakune side is much more spectacular. There are many more activities including Tau-ranga-Taupo Waterfall, Huka Falls Glow-worms, Fire Patrol, Blue Ducks, Rare Plants and Wild Horses and Creatures of the Night.