WINTER WONDERLAND

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 49, 29 May 1984, Page 11

WINTER WONDERLAND

This weekend is traditionally the start of the ski season and sees many visitors from throughout the country spending their time in the Ruapehu Region. For skiers, Mount Ruapehu offers two unique skifields, Turoa and Whakapapa. Turoa AHI Turoa Skifields was formed as a unit of Alex Harvey Industries Limited, a major New Zealand industrial company in November 1977. A licence was then issued permitting AHI to develop and operate the Turoa Skifields area on Mt Ruapehu. The present uphill lift capacity of 8, 1 50 people per hour and a comfortable design capability of 3,400 visitors per day ranks Turoa as one of New Zealand's leading ski areas. Whakapapa This is New Zealand's largest developed ski area with three double chairlifts, six T-Bars and several beginner's platter lifts and rope-tows, giving it an uphill capacity of over 13,000 skiers per hour. Whakapapa is a 'Skiers Mountain', it has been developed for skiers, by skiers, with skiers money. Since its incorporation in 1963, skiers money (by way of shares) has been used to develop the facilities. Rua-

pehu Alpine Lifts Ltd, which administers the skifield, now make a profit each year thus all excess revenue is plowed back into developing the best possible facilities and amenities demanded by today's skiing public. Should you be a visitor to the region and do not ski, then there is still plenty to see and do this weekend. The Ohakune Mountain Road is a beautiful scenic drive which rises almost 1000 metres from the Waimarino Plains to the base of the Turoa Skifields initially passing through Podocarp forest (i.e. rimu, matai, totara) at the six kilometre mark there is an abrupt change to beech forest. Although becoming more stunted, the forest continues to grow right up till Makotuku Flat, where the red tussock and alpine plants take over. There are tracks through these areas and also Park huts which sleep about 24 persons. Hut fees are payable and no prior bookings are necessary. We recommend that visitors call in at the Ohakune Ranger Station (Phone 58-578) and pick up brochures and other vital information such as the mountain weather forecast before heading up the mountain. To trampers, we

stress that they dress sensibly, it gets cold up the mountain, secondly that they travel in pairs and thirdly report to the Ranger Station prior to leaving in order to inform authorities of their planned movements. In and around Ohakune and Raetihi are a number of interesting attractions which are well worth a visit during your stay. Call in and see Don and Sue Allomes at Educational Tours Unlimited in Clyde Street, Ohakune. They operate scenic white water rafting all year round on the Manganui-a-Te-Ao River, which is only a Grade 3 river and therefore most suitable as a family experience, yet still offering in the upper reaches more technical rafting for the enthusiast. Rafting has now been combined with an exhilirating helicopter and jet boat ride affording tourists a never to be forgotten experience of both the Manganui-a-Te-Ao and Wanganui Rivers. There are other activities to suit all needs, for the mountaineer, climber, in fact any enthusiast will find something of interest to therri. Horse trekking is another way to pleasurably fill your day, a most enjoyable way to view the tremendous scenery while venturing through bush and open country and a myriad of mountain streams. Other attractions include: Lakes Reserve Only a short five minute drive from Ohakune, this scenic reserve offers peaceful surroundings with native bush, a small lake and a large grassed area • with barbeeue facilities. Turoa Alpine Village Just a kilometre out of Ohakune, this new tourist village offers a nine hole golf course and two double tennis courts.

Waimarino Golf Course A lovely 18 hole country course halfway between Ohakune and Raetihi. Visitors are always welcome. Karioi Lakes Twin lakes situated halfway between Ohakune and Waiouru. 1 5-20 minute walk through native forest to the lakes for fishing, picnics and swimming! Pipiriki An histo rical to wn half an hours drive from Raetihi. Once a terminus for the river steamers from Wanganui this delightful village nestles the surrounding hills with picnic spots, bush reserves and a small information centre rich with history. A jet boat service takes you up the river to inaccessible scenery deep down the spectacular gorges. Parapara Highway This road running between Raetihi and Wanganui features beautiful views and covers a changing terrain often referred to as 'The Valley of a Thousand Hills'. Look out for the spectacular Ruakawa Falls situated about halfway down the route.

Waiouru Military Museum Situated on State Highway One just south of the Waiouru township, the Army Musem features a range of early and contemporary military equipment along with an impressive display of the battle for Gallipoli. Hours are from 9a.m. to 4.30p.m. every day.

Tokaanu Thermal Reserve About an hours drive from Ohakune either across the stark Desert Road or via National Park. A small reserve with bubbling hot water pools, steam and mud pools. The reserve also offers the choice of either private or public natural hot water bathing pools.