ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 14, 2 September 1986, Page 16

ACTIVITIES GUIDE

NATIONAL PARK Originally known as Waimarino, the settlement became referred to as National Park because the railway station here was stop for travellers to the Tongariro National Park which is just outside the township boundary. National Park township is a base for visitors to the Tongariro National Park, particularly in the winter months. Attractions include a wide range of accommodation, ski and climbing hire, white-water rafting, horse treks, scenic flights and a few miles north is the worldfamous Raurimu Spiral. OWHANGO A small town on the main trunk railway close to Native Bush Reserves and trout fishing in the nearby Whakapapa River. Excellent for hunting. Owhango also has a ski shop and modern hotel. OHAKUNE Renowned for its carrots but skiing seems to be catching up fast. Most people

will arrive at Ohakune to test the Turoa Skifields but for non-skiers there is fishing, golf, canoeing, scenic flights and joy rides, helijet rafting, four-wheel drive safaris, horse trekking, white-water rafting, barbecues, and a wide choice of accommodation - hotels, motels, lodges, caravans etc. Ohakune is the gateway to the Turoa Skifields and the town is usually full to bursting point during the winter season. However, the large range of accommodation and retaurants which are available, cater for all tastes and all incomes. The town also provides plenty of other activities for any members of the family who aren't interest in sliding about in the snow. PIPIRIKI Steeped in Maori history and once a popular stopping place for the old riverboats. Major attractions are jetboating, Colonial Museum and information centre which includes and original riverboat. Closest terminal to the "Bridge to Nowhere" which includes passage through world-famous river scenery. The nearest accommodation is at Raetihi. RAETIHI Surrounded by hills and lying south-west of Mt Ruapehu in an area steeped in Maori history. Close to trout-stocked streams, particularly the Manganui-o-te-Ao River, canoeing, swimming, market gardening, museum, golf, squash. First class camping ground and the hotel/ motel/lodge is the closest to Pipiriki and the central Wanganui River Reserves.

MUSEUM There is a fine Waimarino Museum of local history at Raetihi. The museum is housed in the old Raetihi railway station building, last used as a station when the OhakuneRaetihi branch line closed in 1967. The museum has interesting collections of artifacts and photographs which bring to life the history of the region. Open in the school holidays daily between 2pm and 4pm, and at other times every Sunday 2pm to 4pm. Telephone Mr Sommerville, 54-649, or Mrs Brown, , 54-247. TAUMARUNUI Situated at the junction of the Wanganui and Ongarue Rivers, Taumarunui is the centre of the King Country. Major attractions is the Wanganui River which includes jetboating, canoeing, helijet tours, trout fishing, swimming, tramping, a museum, historic Maori sites and scenic beauty. Other attractions include a stationary engine collection, display of war medals, scenic drive, bush walks, Te Peka lookout, deer farms, scenic flights, golf, squash, maraes, Maori carving school, farm hosting, horticulture projects, black powder enthusiasts, most crafts - pottery, spinning, weaving. Batik, felting, leather, cane and patchwork. Most types of accommodation available. In addition to the usual range of activities, there are several things to do in Taumarunui which are slightly unusual. These include "The Ultimate Game" played between two teams armed with pistols which fire marking . pellets, and Triad Furs, a company which makes jackets, coats, duvets and rugs from opossum skins. Visitors are made welcome at the farm-based factory. TONGARIRO Tongariro National Park is not be confused with National Park township — this is a unique national park comprising 75,250 ha of mountains, forest, tussock country and near desert, surrounding three active volcanic mountains: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The area caters for all ages and physical abilities and is well known as the North

Island's major winter playground. It also offers a comprehensive summer programme which everyone is invited to discover Features are too numerous to list but detailed written information is readily available from all information centres throughout New Zealand. TURANGI Built originally to accommodate workers associated with the Tongariro Power Development scheme, the town now advertises itself as a "town for all seasons." Their trout fishing - river and lake(guided/unguided), is recognised as the world's best and for something different and pleasantly educational, a visit to the Tongariro Trout Hatchery is essential. There is no charge for visits and it is recommended that visitors bring a picnic lunch as it takes more than five minutes to view the area. Other attractions include Tokaanui Thermal Park, information centre and museum, scenic flights, white-wter rafting, boating, yachting, water skiing, tramping, bush walks, wildlife, exotic forest, historic sites, power development and an interesting shopping mall. Visitors to Turangi can also fish or sightsee with Spectrum Charters from their 26 foot all weather luxury cruiser. All gear and licences supplied. WAIOURU A visit to Waiouru wouldn't be complete without a tour of the Army Memorial Museum, which records the history of the country's fighting force. The Land Wars, the Boer Wars, both World Wars and the more recent conflicts in which New Zealand's soldiers have taken part are all covered. Visitors should allow themselves at least half a day to see all the displays. The large army base is the heart of Waiouru, although services are also provided for motorists travelling on State Highway One. Waiouru's accommodation facilities are also close to Tukino skifield and the much larger Turoa skifield. The town is also a good base for other adventure bolidays in the Tongariro National Park.