Australians say Ruapehu has what it takes

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 618, 28 December 1995, Page 8

Australians say Ruapehu has what it takes

Ruapehu and the Whanganui River have what it takes to make great nature-based holidays for overseas tourists, according to a group of outdoor orientated, Australian-based journalists. The contingent, here as guests of the Powderhorn Chateau, said they were "seriously impressed" with some initiatives to attract "nature-based" tourists to the central North Island. Using two of the North Island's icons, the Whanganui River and Mt Ruapehu as key elements the hotel aims to attract more Australian and New Zealand visitors who are keen to learn more about the ecosystem of the Volcanic Plateau. They have developed a package which includes canoeing on the Whanganui River, a short hike in the Tongariro National Park with an experienced local guide and a mountain bike ride down the Ohakune Mountain Road. The journalists' visit was by way of introducing and testing the package but more trips are planned to give overseas writers insight into the attractions of the area. "It was a good test of how things worked out and it came up trumps," said group leader Ian Talbot. He said they were impressed with the high level of local knowledge pviHpnt in thf» tnnrQ

One of the writers said they were astounded that the landscape here was so different from her home land. "Most Australians think New Zealand is just a piece of Australia that fell off," said Cate Bailey of Cumberland Newspapers group in Sydney. She said the lush bush through to the harsh volcanic landscape was a surprise. The writers Said the eruption hasn't been an issue for them — that in fact it could be a drawcard for many nature seeking tourists. "It' s not often you get a chance to see an acti ve volcanic crater," said Helen Pitcher from Out There magazine. They added that they were impressed with the very friendly and generous nature of the local people as well as their knowledge of the area in which they live. "In a city a lot of people don't have any long term ties with their area," said Cate. "The local people have a lot of historical knowledge which they were very happy to pass on, but they were also interested in us." "It seems like the whole area has got a good team effort going," said Helen. "It's a very well serviced area with very professional service."