River passes

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 483, 27 April 1993, Page 8

River passes

As from October this year Whanganui River users will be required to hold a Facilities Use Pass. Passes will be purchasable from Department of Conservation offices and selected Whanganui River concessionaires and entitles rivers users full use of all facilities including huts. Costing is yet to be finalised but it is understood that two types of pass will be available to river users: a six day pass for use from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, and a two day pass between T aumarunui and Whakahoro. Visitors will be entitled to full access to facilities at all of the 20 campsites (including three huts) between Taumarunui and Pipiriki which, by October, will be clearly "sign-posted" for clear identification

by river users. The pass system will operate during the busy November-April period, reverting to the old system of pay-per-night for huts during the winter months. Funds generated by the new system are earmarked to be poured straight back into the Whanganui National Park for ongoing maintenance and improvements. Former hui site offf limits River users are being asked by the Department of Conservation to avoid using the old John Coull Hut site as a camp site. The John Coull Hut was established on the site at Puketapu in 1980, near Maori burial grounds. It was relocated in 1991 and while no facilities remain at the original position it has continued to be used regularly.by river users.