Summer offers more in the Park

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 454, 22 September 1992, Page 13 (Supplement)

Summer offers more in the Park

As in previous years the Tongariro Taupo Summer Nature Programme offers more than 60 different activities organised at DoC's field centres at Ohakune, Whakapapa, Turangi and Taupo.

Several changes have been made to this year's programme. Activities have been staggered over a longer period - the Whakapapa programme starts on 19 December while Taupo activities start later and continue

until 31 January 1993. New activities include a flight to the Boyd Airstrip, on the Eastern boundary of the Kaimanawa Forest Park and a walk down through the Oamaru Valley to the headwaters of the

Mohaka River; a trek up Hauhangatahi; mountain biking in Rangataua Forest and 'things that go bump in the night'. Popular trips including the Tongariro Crossing, Kaimanawa Wild Horses. Heli hike.

Helibike, Fire Patrol and Search and Rescue Demonstration are also on the programme. "Anyone can join in the activities," said Lianne Campbell, Senior Conservation Officer.

"you don't have to be especially fit to do some of the lower graded trips and we run a special children 's programme at Ohakune." "The summer programme is a great opportunity for people who might not have the confidence to experience the outdoors on their own. For more experienced people it offers an opportunity to venture into areas that aren't always accessible. And for DoC

staff it's a favourite time of the year because we get out from behind out desks and into areas of the parks we love." The Tongariro Taupo Summer Nature Programme is in its 22nd year and is the largest programme organised by DoC. Programmes are available from Turangi office.telephone (07)386 8607 or write to: Summer Nature programme, DoC, Private Bag, Turangi.