Summer fun around Ruapehu

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 557, 11 October 1994, Page 5 (Supplement)

Summer fun around Ruapehu

The Central North Island offers many treasures and delights for visitors and locals to enjoy. Over the summer the Department of Conservation organises a variety of guided activities for all abilities. Here is your chance to discover the fascination of underground life in a cave, feel the aura of our forests, share in the excitement of scaling a volcanic peak, try mountain biking or di sco ver glimpses of our past. Acti vity charges are kept as low as possible, so bring along your friends and family for some summer fun. Concession passes are available for families and those attending more than four activities. As many of the activities are popular it is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment. Activities can be

booked through the Department of Conservation Field Centres in Ohakune, Whakapapa, Turangi and Taupo. Our activities are centred around a mountain environment notorious for changing weather. So be prepared for anything and everything. Those joining us on our walks will need to bring sun-hat, sun-screen, daypack, warm hat and gloves, sturdy footwear, warm clothing (wool or polypropylene) for both top and bottom, waterproof outer-wear and of course plenty to eat and drink. Several new activities are planned from Whakapapa Field Centre this year, including an evening in the forest learning about our national bird and a raft trip looking at how fresh water resources are protected

within Tongariro National Park. A Horse Trek looks at some of the history of the Raurimu area while two mountain bike trips suitable for families explore local forests and associated recreation issues. Local Taupo artist Val Raymond will be sharing her creative talents on her Artists Discovery

Walk which allows time to sketch and be inspired by the sights around us. There will be free demonstrations by the Department of Conservation firefighting teams and also the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation. A variety of guest speakers will present talks in the evenings on sub-

jects including volcanoes, geckos, bugs, deer-culling and climate change. Old favourites include trips to Okupata Caves, Alpine Flowers ramble to appreciate the smaller detail in the Park and the popular 17km Tongariro Crossing hike from Mangatepopo across Red Crater ( 1 886m)

to Ketetahi road-end. Walks run from Whakapapa from Tuesday 27 December 1994 through to Sunday 8 January 1995, then every weekend until

Waitangi weekend. Call into a Department of Conservation field centre for a copy of the summer programme.