Raetihi-Ohakune-Waiouru.

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 495, 20 July 1993, Page 6

Raetihi-Ohakune-Waiouru.

In the time it would take to drive from Remuera to down-town Auckland, visitors to the Waimarino can travel to not one; not two, but three

destinations, each with their own unique features and attractions. At the heart of it all is Mt Ruapehu, with two of the countr/s top ski re-

sorts nestled on its slopes - Whakapapa and Turoa. Just 20 minutes (and 1000 metres) beneath Turoa Skifield is Ohakune, with its shops,

restaurants, motels, and numerous ski rentals. Skiers drawn to the town by the promise of great skiing are getting that, and much more.

This week, Turoa' s 8Day Anytime Pass is getting a push: purchasers may ski any eight days of the season at a reduced rate. Rent or buy ski

equipment from the Junction Ski Shop and go into a weekly draw for two return air tickets to Fiji. A new name is drawn every Sunday! Ski retail outlets

such as Sports Country and the Ski Shed carry a wide range of ski clothing and accessories, as well as extensive stocks of ski and snow board equip-

ment. After a hard day on the slopes, visitors can catch the winter saies at Ragtime Boutique and Promenade Clothing; the bargains at Buck's Drapery or any of the other retail outlets offering a vast range of goods and services. Ohakune' s numerous restaurants and cafes cater for all tastes and all budgets. For a bite on the run, fast food from Beedee's and Ski Doo is the ticket, while leisurely dining (and sumptuous desserts) can be enjoyed at Turoa Lodge, Alpine Wine Bar, Sassi's, or

one of the many other quality restaurants dotted around the township. The apres ski fun dosen't stop there; it's simply a matter of following the crowds to where the late-night action is. Appearing this weekend (Saturday night) at the grand opening of Margarita's is Kiwi group The Mutton Birds (see advertisement this Bulletin). Just twenty minutes east of Ohakune is the army township of Waiouru, where a host of attractions and shopping opportunities await

visitors. Topsmustbethe impressive Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum, with its superb visual displays that change regularly. Waiouru's A.G.I. is promising to combat all opposition with their permanent 'meet or beat' policy on all brands. Customers are challenged to bring in coupons, brochures, etc, with the A.G.I. vowing to match or better the advertised price. r Nestled in the heart of Waiouru is the town's community centre, with still more shops, including Waiouru's

renowned Meat Mart. A range of restaurants offering international cuisine cater for the discerning pallete, including chinese, italian and continental menus. The newest addition to the town is La Montanara Restaurant on State Highway One, which doubles as a ski rental outlet. This weekend at Waiouru's Camp Cinema, top New Zealand group, The Warratahs, appear on stage in their final tour of the country for 1993. The neighbouring township of Raetihi - just 10 minutes