Guided trips, Tongariro National Park.

Ruapehu Bulletin, 21 December 1993, Page 11 (Supplement)

Guided trips, Tongariro National Park.

formed during the last Ice Age only 5 km from the Desert Road. Visit the Tukino valley scraped out by the Mangateoteonui Glacier, then join the Waihohonu Track. Tongariro Blue Duck Raft Trip Grade 4 ♦O.With experienced rafting guides, float into upper Tongariro River gorges to see the shy native whio (blue duck). Taupo trips Lake Aratiatia Grade 2 ♦•Hl Explore this lake below Huka Falls by boat and 'Shanks' Pony'. Enjoy a 2 hour stroll along the banks of the Waikato River to the Aratiatia Dam - a barbecue will be awaiting you. The historic MV Waireka will cruise you back to Huka Falls. Extra cost for boat of $7 Adults, $3 Children. Mt Tauhara Sunrise Grade 4 ♦O*. Worth getting out of bed for! Experience the splendid sunrise from the top of MtTauhara. Enjoy panoramic views over breakfast. Listen to the dawn chorus and learn some of the history and geology of this fascinating mountain. Bring a torch. Mt Tauhara is a Maori reserve. Drive 7 km. Mystery Trek Grade 4 Experience the wilderness in its rugged majesty and witness the elements sculpturing the landscape off the beaten track. 53km drive. Opepe Bush Grade 2 O. An historic reserve steeped in history and linked with early Taupo. Walk amongst a precious remnant of podocarp forest that missed the devastation of the last Taupo eruption. Enjoy also a new track

which joins several historic sites and passes through different stages of forest regeneration. Drive 17 km. Te Iringa Track Grade 3 ♦•. Enter the north of the Kaimanawa Forest Park via Clements Road to Te Iringa car park. Track winds steadily up through heavy beech to a ridge battered by previous cyclones and on to Te Iringa Hut. At 1 140m the billy boils. Enjoy the seclusion and views then return via the same route and learn something of the history of and work done in this hunting area. Listen and look en-route for kakas and falcons. Drive 41 km. Kaimanawa Hidden Caves Grade 4 Off the beaten track on a bush-bash to part of the underground world of the Kaimanawas - huge caves hidden deep in the bush. A full day in heavy beech forest with opportunities to see kakas and other bird-life. Drive 55 km. Kawakawa Bay Grade 3 ♦#. Head off from Kinloch through regenerating forest to part of the Western Bays of Lake Taupo, an areanormally only accessible by boat. See and learn of the consequences of one of the largest of the Taupo eruptions. Bring barbecue food for lunch and swim gear. Weather permitting you may return by boat to Kinloch. Drive approximately 21 km. Glow- worms Grade 2 □. Experience the bush at night, unravel the mysteries of these 'lights of the night' and other unusual sounds. A 2-hour ramble by torchlight in an area with other stories to tell. Bring a torch.