Tourist developments at Pipiriki?

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 14, 2 September 1986, Page 1

Tourist developments at Pipiriki?

People visiting Pipiriki for Wanganui River holidays may soon be able to enjoy a meal in pleasant surroundings if approval is given by the Waimarino County Councl. The Pipiriki Incorporation is planning to build a restaurant and shop on the site of Pipiriki House, which was destroyed by fire in 1959. The chairman of the incorporation, Bill Wright of Waikanae, said that manager's accommodation, toilet and shower facilities for camper vans and campers were also envisaged. "We hope to attract bus tours and the restaurant will be able to accommodate up to 60 people," said Mr Wright. He said that the type of meal planned would be suitable for the average New Zealand family, and that the shop would sell food and other basic requirements for Pipiriki's residents who at present have to travel to Raetihi or Wanganui. The development at Pipiriki should provide employment for some of Pipiriki's people. "The main idea is to give jobs to the locals and we are going to set up a training scheme once construction starts so they can walk in to the jobs when it's finished," he said. Eventually a motel with 25 self-contained twin motel units is planned. It is intended that the restaurant will tie in with Aotea Tours, recently given approval by the Transport Licensing Authority to run tours along the Wanganui River Road in its $320,000 Volvo coach.

The Wanganui based company is owned by Ngaporo-Waimarino Forest Trust, which leases Maori land for forestry in the Pipiriki-Wanganui area. Hoani Hipango, manager of Aotea Tours, said that the company would operate a west coast route, from Wanganui up the Parapara road to Ohakune, on to Taupo and then to Rotorua. In summer the Wanganui River road would be used to offer tourists a unique experience, with the eventual option of a two-day stopover at Pipiriki. Mr Hipango said that the company intended to take advantage of increased tourism with scheduled tours and charters in the hope that Maori people in the Wanganui-Waimarino area would get some benefit. "They might be able to offer morning and afternoon teas and cultural experiences at maraes which would provide opportunities in areas where there is at present little employment," he said. Mr Hipango said Aotea Tours was very pleased to have the services of John Haami, a driver with Newmans for 12 years. Mr Haami comes from the Wanganui River area, and as well as an extensive knowledge of New Zealandwide tourist routes, has a rich cultural heritage to offer tourists. Mr Hipango said the company wanted to concentrate on the whole Volcanic Plateau area which included utilising the attractions in and around Ohakune. This would include the possibility of making Ohakune an accommodation stopover point.