Get away with a guided trip in or around Tongariro National Park

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 564, 29 November 1994, Page 8 (Supplement)

Get away with a guided trip in or around

Tongariro National Park

Department of Conservation Summer programme, 27 December 1994 to 6 February 1995 ' ■ 211S1 I

^jr^r " " ~ -—p-:--..- v. z.: v.. . . - - - ' - - "~| I W% n rI ifl II ra wm m% r £ S jl ni WJuM Department of Conservation Summer programme, I UnUdl II U IIul llindl I dl K 27 December 1994 to 6 February 1995

; . 1 viuided Irips in or around Tonqariro Nalional Para - -aa~ a; -aa-a a, — — — 27 December 1994 to 6 February 1995

Guided hrips in or around Tonqariro Nat ional Park I M Department of Conservation Summer programme, =-^ •■•V' '.y*' ; : \ - • . 27 December 1994 to 6 February 1995 j

Whakapapa Trips Alpine Flowers. $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 M LD. Visit the alpine herbfields of Scoria Flat and the Whakapapaiti. See where a variety of plants bravely survive. Drive approx 5 km. Artist's Discovery Trip $ 10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M S B Taupo artist Val Raymond brings a new perspective on Tongariro National Park. Experience with an artist how to select and interpret subject material from the wealth of options found while walking in the park. Bring small sketch book, soft pencil and colouring pencils. Blue Ducks $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M B. A visit to the Whakapapa River to learn more about the habitat and habits of this nationally threatened species. Drive approx 30km. Creatures of the Night $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c) 2 E B . The New Zealand bush at night can be a scary place but not if you know what' s out there. Meet the 'creatures of the night' as they venture on their nocturnal rounds. Bring a torch. Family Bike Trip $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 M LD. Bring your mountain bike and explore 4WD tracks and logging roads. We'll explore issues and problems of recreation use in popular areas.

Helmet, repair kit and plenty of food and drink essential. Fire Fighting Demo NO CH ARGE 1 A. Fires are a major threat to the natural values of the park. Join trained staff who demonstrate the use of the special equipment needed to fight fires in remote areas. Geology Field Trip $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M LD Visit some of the interesting volcanic features of Tongariro National Park. An insight into the forces that have helped shape the park we see today, from Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo. Drive approx 30 km. History by Horse $55 per person 2 F LD B. This horse trek follows timber trails and derelict bush huts. Minimum age 10 years. Bookings essential. Meet 9.00 am at DoC Whakapapa or 10.00 am at Plateau Guides Raurimu. Kiwi Count $ 10 (a) $5 (c) 1 E B A practical trip to learn more about our national bird. We'll visit the forest to practise some survey and monitoring methods and hear a kiwi if we're lucky. 4WD transport provided. Dress warmly. Minimum age 10 years. Makatote Gorge $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD B Come adventuring up this wild Turn to Page 9

Whakapapa Trips river into the depths of a beautiful forest. A good birdwatcher' s trip. Discover a wild gorge, visit a 23m high waterfall. Drive approx 45 km. Ngauruhoe Summit $10 (a) $5 (c) 5 F LD B Walk the Mangatepopo Valley, climb to South Crater, then ascend to the summit of Ngauruhoe. Putties, gaiters and gloves are an advantage when descending Ngauruhoe. Boots are essential. Drive approx 35 km. Okupata Caves $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M LD B. We drive into Tongariro Forest to the cave entrance and explore an underground world of limestone and glow worms. Check essential list and bring a torch and bike helmet. Drive approx 45 km on a rough road. Pukekaikiore Peak $10 (a) $5 (c). 4 F LD B An off-trail scramble over lava flows and over Pukekaikiore. We'll relive the early human occupation and recent volcanic events. This is a favourite staff trip! Drive approx 35 km. RARO Demo Day NO CHARGE 1 A. Learn about equipment and techniques used in Alpine Search and Rescue. Watch a demo of some of the specialised rescue and medical equipment used by the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation. Starts at 2.00 pm. Saddle Cone $10 (a) $5 (c) 4 F LD B. Travel away from tracks to a less visited area of the park. Explore a small volcanic cone and experience the bustle and commotion of a gull colony just about as far from the sea as it could be! Tall Trees $ 10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M LD. Ohinetonga Reserve, on the banks of the Whakapapa River, near Owhango adds to the jigsaw puzzle of New Zealand's plant and animals com-

munities. A great family walk with a swimming hole and picnic spot on the river bank. Drive approx. 25 km. Tongariro Crossing $25 (a) $12 (c) 5 F LD R "The finest one day walk in NZ". Walk the Mangatepopo Valley across lava flows, climb to South Crater and up to the active Red Crater, the highest point. Walk past Emerald and Blue Lakes and rest at Ketetahi hot springs before descending through tussock lands and totara forest to the Ketetahi car park. 7 hours walking. Transport included in ticket price. Tongariro Summit Traverse $10(a) $5(c) 4 F LD B. Walk up the Mangatepopo Valley, climb to South Crater on to Red Crater before following a ridge to the summit of Tongariro. Amazing views are the reward for this climb. The trip returns to the car park via the northern ridge of the Mangatepopo Valley and returning to the car park. Drive approx 35 km. Water Courses and Courses $50 per person 3 F LD B. A raft trip to discover the issues affecting our precious resources and how fresh water is protected in the park. Bring warm clothing. Minimum. age 10 years. All gear provided. Whakapapaiti Headwaters $10 (a) $5 (c) 4 F LD B. From the skifield we go off the beaten track to explore lava flows, waterfalls and the rare edelweiss of the Whakapapaiti Valley. We return via the Round the Mountain track to Scoria Flat. Drive 15km. Ohakune trips Blue Duck $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M S B. We go down country into the Ruatiti Valley in search of Whio, the elusive and endangered Blue Duck, inhabitant of NZ's fast flowing mountain streams. Join us as we explain the strategy to protect and save this endangered species. Drive 30km. Crater Lake Climb $10 (a) $5 (c) 5 F LD B. The Crater Lake climb from the Turn to Page 10

FROMPAGE9 southern slopes of Ruapehu is an adventure. Climb through lush alpine herb fields, past streams and waterfalls to the snowline. Lunch stop at Mangaturuturu High Level Shelter and zigzag up the glacier to the steaming Crater Lake ffamed by the peaks of Ruapehu. Dr 17 km. Creatures of the Night $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c) 1 E. NZ bush at night - it can be a scary place but not if you know what's out there. Due to this trip being so popular we will be limiting the number of participants to 20. Bring a torch. Drive 14 km. Hauhangatahi $10 (a) $5 (c) 5 F LD. Hauhangatahi, 'Old Baldy' to the locals is a bit of a challenge but well worth the dimb, with expansive views. The trip down is an adventure through the Makatote catchment. Drive 30 km. Kid's Programme $3 1 A S. Activities, games and projects keep the kids educated and entertained for the aftemoon. Mangapurua Mountain Biking $10 (a) $5 (c) 4 F LD. A steady gradual ascent of the historic Ruatiti and Mangapurua Valleys provides gieat views. Bring your own bike, helmet and swimming gear for a quick dip after the ride. We will sizzle up a BBQ for a late lunch. Drive 40 km. Bus will be provided if adequate numbers ($10). Mangaiti/Mangaturuturu Valley $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD. We wander into the little explored Mangaiti then cross into the Mangaturuturu Valley. After 'roughing' it through the Mangaiti we join up with the 'Round the Mountain' track and follow it over the Cascades and out to the Ohakune Mountain Road. Great views of the mountain and the Mangaturuturu Valley. Drive 14km. Mangaturuturu Headwaters $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c) 4 F LD Onward and westward, we traverse the mountain frora Turoa Ski Resort up into the headwaters of the Mangaturuturu River. Huge bluffs, spectacular waterfalls and lush alpine flower beds are trademarks of this part of Mt. Ruapehu. Drive 17 km. Railway Rambling $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M S. A historic wander along the railway line. See the magnificent old viaducts built at the beginning of the century and walk along what is left of the Old Coach Road. The lowland forest is a feature of this walk. If we are lucky the rata may be flowering. South-East Basin/Waitonga Falls $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD. A gentle traverse to the east of

Turoa Ski Resort to a spectacular volcanic bowl with a variety of volcanic features. See a rare carpet of alpine flowers and a panoramic view. From here we head down the hill and meet up with the 'Round the Mountain' track. Drive 17 km. Timber Trails $10(a) $5(c) 3 F LD B. The forests of the central North Island once buzzed with the sound of saws as trees, which fed the thriving timber milling industry, crashed to the ground. Explore the remnants of those bygone days, visit old mill sites and follow the old tram lines. Drive 20 km. Venlson BBQ $5.00 per person. Join us for a real country meal. We'll barbecue up a delectable selection of wild game for you to sample, eel, venison, trout and anything else our resident hunter can curry up. Bring along your favourite drink, we'll supply the rest. Wild Horses $20 (a) $ 1 0 (c) 1 F LD B . A unique opportunity to journey into Army Defence Reserve and visit some very special landscapes within the Moawhango Ecological Region. Catch a glimpse of the Kaimanawa wild horses. Meet at the Ohakune Field Centre at 8.30 am. Bus transport provided. Tuirangi Trips Boyd Airstrip/Oamaru $80 per person 4 F LD B . Fly by small plane into remote Boyd Airstrip on the eastem boundary of the Kaimanawa Forest Park and wander down the Oamaru Valley to the headwaters of the Mohaka River. A short helicopter flight back to our bus and drive out via Poronui Station before returning to the airport. Meet at Taupo Airport at 8.00am. Bookings essential. Early Days of the Desert Road $15 (a) $10 (c) 2 M LD . Within a whistle stop of the Desert Rd, hidden in forest lies a forgotten lifestyle. An old coaching stable, accommodation house and remains of an historic sheep farm. Transport included in ticket price. Fire Patrol $10 (a) $6 (c) 2 M/A B. Spend a few hours in a 4-wheel drive vehicle assisting us check fire breaks, waterpoints and little used roads. Find out about rural fire fighting. Return to DoC Fire Store to check and use fire fighting gear. Transport included in ticket price Kaimanawa Wild Horses

$20 (a) $10 (c) I F LD B. Journey into Army Defence Reserve and visit the very special landscapes within the Moawhango Ecological Region. Catch a glimpse of the wild horses. Bookings essential. Meet northern entrance of Waiouru Military Camp at 9.00am. Look for the signs. We thank Army Training Group Waiouru for their cooperation. Transport through Army land included in ticket price. Motuoapa Wetlands Walk $1 0 (a) $5 (c) 2 M LD B . Stroll along the Taupo lakeshore from the Waimarino River mouth and venture into the Motuoapa wetland in search of bitterns and other native wetland bird species. Be prepared to get a little muddy and wet. Motutere Lakeside NO CHARGE. Join fisheries staff as they demonstrate some of the fishing techniques used to land the big trout in Lake T aupo. What is a down rigger and why it has been introduced as a fishing method on the lake? Meet at the Motutere Camp office. Motutere Evening Talks $2 (a) $1 (c) I E. Join DoC Fisheries officers for a slide talk on the management of one of the World 's greatest fishing areas. Why is Lake Taupo and its tributary rivers such a fantastic fishing location ? Motutere Camp Ground. Ngapuketurua $15 (a) $10 (c) 4 F LD. A long forest walk rewarded by outstanding views across alpine tops. We climb up through various beech forest zones and study aspects of the forest ecosystem on the way. A great opportunity to see a wide variety of native birdlife. Transport included in ticket price. Mt. Pihanga $15 (a) $10 (c) 4 F LD. Climb up the forested slopes of Mt. Pihanga, to panoramic views from the summit. The descent is via the southern slopes towards Lake Rotoaira. Transport included in the cost. Rangipo Desert $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD. The bleak landscape of Rangipo is stark and unique. From the Tukino Mountain Road the walk crosses over the lower slopes of Ruapehu to the Whangaehu River, notorious for its part in the 1953 Tangiwai disaster. Drive 50 km. What's in a Stream? $10 (a) $5 (c). Here is a chance to see just what lives in a small mountain stream. Armed with sieves, nets, containers and lenses we'll explore pools and rapids to find out more about stream dwelling creatures. Drive 20 km.

Okupata Caves $ 1 0 (a) $5 (c). Come with us on a trip into an underground world of limestone and glow-worms. Bring some old clothes, gumboots, sandshoes, a torch, bike helmet and a raincoat. See the glow-worms and learn about the early saw milling. Drive 40 km on a rough road. Ruapehu Ice Age $22 (a) $7 (c). See glacial features formed during the last Ice Age only 5 km fforn the Desert Rd. Visit the Tukino valley scraped out by a giant Mangatoetoenui Glacier before joining the Waihohonu Track. Transport included in ticket price. Tauranga/Taupo Waterfall $15 (a) $10 (c) 4 F LD B . An exciting trip through untracked beech and podocarp forest to the remote 30m Tauranga/Taupo Waterfall. Bring your swim gear. Transport included in ticket price. Tongariro River Mouth $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 M LD B. Explore the lowest reaches of the Tongariro River. Walk one of the best examples of river deltas in NZ and look at associated wetlands and the diverse range of birdlife. River crossings will be needed although the water current is slow moving. You could get wet along the way. Drive 5 km. Tongariro Crossing $25 (a) $12 (c) 5 [See Whakapapa trips for trip description] F LD B Waipakihi Helihike $60 per person. 4 F LD B. Fly by helicopter from the Desert Rd up the beauiful Waipakihi Valley in the Kaimanawa Forest Park and on foot down the Waipakihi River. We will cross the river many times so take extra warmclothing and swim gear. I Waipakihi Rdend. Drive 40 km. Tongariro Blue Duck Raft Trip $70 per person 4MSB. Professional rafting guides and DoC staff will take you into the gorges of the upper Tongariro River to observe the shy native Blue Duck in their natural habitat. Transport, lunch and all equipment supplied. Limited to 9 people per trip. Moderate fitness and agility required. Book at T ongariro River Rafting Ph. 07 386 6409. Meet at Tongariro River Rafting, Atirau Road, Turangi at 8.00 am. $70.00 per head. Mount Urchin $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD. Climb through lowland forest to alpine vegetation on the open tops of the Kaimanawas with spectacular views. Study the unique and beautiful TURNTOPAGE13

FROMPAGE9 alpine plants of the area. Drive 22 km. Waimarino Waterfall $15 (a) $10 (c) 3 MS An enjoyable scramble through untracked giant podocarp. forest to view an impressive waterfall. See the remains of an old fortified pa site en-route. Transport included in ticket price. Kids Programme Fishy places 28 Dec. $3 (c) FREE (a) 1 A S B. Watch fish swimming underwater then try your hand at pond dipping. You will be amazed at what lives in fresh water! (bring a container for any finds). Meet at the Tongariro National Trout Centre Car Park, 6 km south of Turangi. Lassoo An Ant 3 Jan. $3 (c) FREE (a) 1 A S B . How big, or small a lassoo do you need to lassoo an ant ? Find out why everything depends on something else. Meet at Department of Conservation Office, Turangi. Where There's Smoke 4 Jan. $3 (c) FREE (a) 1 A S B . Visit the local Fire Station where we meet Donald Duck, firemen and women, fire hoses, fire sirens and learn about fire safety. We may even get a ride home in the fire engine. Meet at the Turangi Fire Station, Ohuanga Road. Use Your Senses 7 Jan. $3 (c) FREE (a) 1 A S B Ever tried to make friends with a tree .... blindfolded ? O. chosen the colours of the forest ? Understanding the world around us comes by using ALL our senses. Meet at Department of Conservation Office, Turangi. Taupo Trips Lake Aratiatia $17 (a) $8 (c) 2 M LD B. Enjoy a leisurely 2 hour stroll along the banks of the Waikato River to the Aratiatia Dam - a BBQ will be awaiting you. See the famous Aratiatia Rapids then return up river to Huka Falls on the historic MV Waireka. Craters of the Moon/Alum Lakes $6 (a) $3 (c) 2 M. Why was Craters of the Moon formed

when drilling began at the Wairakei Geothermal field? What are its special features? What are the Alum Lakes? Vulcanologists from the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wairakei, are your'guides on this geothermal trip. Evening Talk $2 (a) $ 1 (c) I E. Taupo Volcanoes A vulcanologist ffom the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wairakei, explains how the landforms and features of the Taupo basin came into being during one of the World' s most violent eruptions 1 800 years ago. Talk to be held at the Wairakei Institute's Observatory in Wairakei Tourist Park. Glow-worms $6 (a) $3 (c) 2 E. Listen and experience the bush at night as we endeavour to unravel the my steries of these "lightsof the night" and other unusual sounds. A 2 hour ramble through bush tracks by torchlight in an area with other stories to tell, Kaimanawa Hidden Caves $10 (a) $5 (c) 4 F LD B . Let us take you off the beaten track on a bush bash to 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 & other bird-life. Drive 55 km. Kawakawa Bay $10 (a) $5 (c) 2 F LD. Head off from Kinloch through regenerating forest to part of the Western Bays of Lake T aupo, an area normally only accessible by boat. See and learn of the consequences of one of the largest of the Taupo eruptions. Bring your BBQ food for lunch and swim gear. Weather permitting we may return by boat to Kinloch. Drive approx 21 km. Opepe Bush $6 (a) $3 (c) 2 M. An historic reserve steeped in history and with links to early Taupo. Walk amongst a precious remnant of podocarp forest that missed the fires and woodsman's axe in earlier days. Enjoy also a new track which joins several historic sites and passes through different stages of forest regeneration. Drive 17 km.

Taupo Volcanoes $20 (a) $10 (c) 2 F LD B. Join ulcanologists ffom the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Wairakei as they piece together the scattered clues of 25,000 years of volcanic eruptions that created the Taupo Basin. A very different joumey around part of the East Taupo Forest area. Transport included in ticket price. Mt Tauhara Sunrise $6 (a) $3 (c) 2 M LD B. Worth getting out of bed for! Munch on breakfast after a steady invigorating 1&1/2 hour climb through bush to the summit and experience

the splendid sunrise and panoramic views of the Taupo area. BRING A TORCH AND PLEASE BE EARLY. Te Iringa Track $10 (a) $5 (c) 3 F LD. We enter the northern part of the Kaimanawa Forest Park via Clements Road to Te Iringa car park. The track winds steadily up through heavy beech forest to a ridge battered by previous cyclones and on to Te Iringa hut. At 1 140m above sea level the billy will be boiling. Enjoy the seclusion and views. Return via the same route, listen and look en route for kakas and falcons. Drive approx. 41 km.