Plenty for visitors to do

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 12, 21 August 1984, Page 4

Plenty for visitors to do

Whether there's snow or not visitors to the Waimarino this winter can be assured of a range of alternative recreational activities, thanks to the efforts of a local business enterprise. Ruapehu Outback Adventures of Ohakune held a function recently tooutline some of these activities to local moteliers and others involved in tourist information services. In turn these organisations will pass on details of these alternative activities to visitors who, having come to ski, find the mountain closed. "By explaining our outdoor adventures programme to those people associated with accommodation and tourist information in our area, we hope to provide the answers when they are asked by their guests and visitors about what else there is to do when the skifields are closed," said-Sue Allomes of Ruapehu Outback Adventures. "We've got a 7-day itinerary planned for those days when the mountain is closed. This means that for

every day of the week there is some activity planned to provide a range of options and at the same time get sufficient people for those activities subject to minimum

group sizes such as white water rafting." "But most of the alternatives are available any daV of the week," she said. The response so far has

• a 4WD safari and helicopter been very good and is getting greater community involvement, according to Sue Allomes. The programme includes tour of a local sheep station followed by a spa and refreshments (Tuesdays). Two white water rafting adventures are planned — one on the Tongariro River followed by hot pools at Tokaanu (Tuesdays) and the other on the Manganui-a-te-Ao for those less convinced that white water rafting is for them (Saturdays). A fishing trip to Lake Taupo — complete with a guide and a guaranteed catch — is also part of the programme (Fridays), and there is also another 4WD safari through back country Waimarino (Sundays) and horse trekking (Mondays).