Park summer sessions start

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 5

Park summer sessions start

Bookings are filling up quickly for the Tongariro Taupo Department of Conservation Summer- Programme. The programme started yesterday, 27 December, and already some of the more popular trips, Uke the Waipakihi helihike and Boyd Airstrip to Oamaru Hut, are fully booked. Activities are carried out by staff each of DoC's four offices at Ohakune, Whakapapa, Turangi and Taupo. Mr Dave Wakelin, or-

ganiser of this year's programme, said that many of the bookings- are from people who live outside the Tongariro Taupo area. "Our staff really look forward to meeting people on the summer programme . It' s also a great opportunity to got out from behind our desks and enjoy the parks and reserves we look after." Mr Wakelin said that having the right equipment is essential on some of the activities , in particular those

above the bush line or in exposed areas like the Rangipo Desert. A comprehensive list of essential gear is included in the programme brochure and Mr Wakelin said that trip leaders will be checking everyone's equipment prior to departure. "Unfortunately, if Ipeople don' t have the right equipment, we won't be able to take them," Mr Wakelin said. "Because we're expecting a long hot summer it's

especially important for people coming on the programme to have good sun protection," he said.

Details of the summer programme are available from Visitor Information Centres and DoC offices.