Bumper summer season

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 38, 12 March 1985, Page 1

Bumper summer season

by

Marv Anne

Gill

It has been a bumper summer season for tourist businesses in Ohakune and the surrounding region.

Moteliers, motor camp and trip operators all report that this summer was well up on last year — often by large percentages. The considerable amount of publicity generated when

a party of journalists visited Ohakune last year, is thought to be partly responsible for the up-turn in business. Hobbit Motel owner, Phil Jackson, who was one of the organisers of the media trip, said that there was no doubt it had worked, but that the full benefits from the coverage would not be felt until next year. Sue Allomes, who with her husband Don, owns and operates Ruapehu Outback Adventures in Ohakune, was amazed at the sheer volume of people who visited their office in Clyde Street. "From Boxing Day onward, we were seeing on average about 30 people per day and were sending about 20 away on trips such as white water rafting, which was very popular, horse trekking and jet boat riding." Ohakune 's Head Ranger, Lisle Irwin, was also pleased with the numbers of people who visited the Ranger Station and took part in the programme, which commenced on Thursday 27 December and finished on Monday 28 January. "Right from day one, the interest was incredible, many people said that they had only ever spent their summer holidays before at the beach, but decided that it was time for a change."

Mr Irwin said that 2,086 people had taken part in the programme which was 24% up on last year. He was also pleased to see many young overseas visitors who stayed either at the motor camp or the Youth Hostel. Thelma and Jim Burrows, who manage the Moore Street motor camp in Ohakune, believe that the excellent weather in the December/ January period encouraged people to stay longer to explore the region 's activities. "Most were interested in tramping on the mountain, some went white water rafting whilst others just had a rest," said Mrs Burrows.

Deputy Town Clerk, Gary McKenzie, confirmed that the takings in the camp were up on last year's figures although he was unable to say by how much. Graeme and Alison Pike, at the Ohakune Court Motel, were also astonished

at how busy they had been in what they were led to believe would be a quiet period. Graeme Pike, in his first summer at the motel, said that many people travelling from Auckland to WellingContd. on page 2

Bumper Summer Contd. from page 1 ton or vice versa, had decided to travel via Ohakune, using the town as their stopping point for the night. He said that he received many favourable comments about the area, with some visitors genuinely surprised at all the activities available on and off Mt Ruapehu. Alpine Motel manager, Patsy Johnson, was also pleased with her volume of summer trade, stating that their occupancy figures were up on last year. Andy Chapman at A.H.l. Turoa said that his office had fielded many passing enquiries from both overseas tourists and New Zealanders.