Ruapehu popular this summer

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 31, 19 January 1988, Page 2

Ruapehu popular this summer

Ohakune DoC staff are pleased with this year's summer nature programme which finished last week. Participation figures were almost double last year's with an average of 30 people per activity and a total attendance figure of 969. Conservation Officer Rob McCallum said the weather during the two week programme was extraordinary. "Both Crater Lake walks went ahead in perfect weather, zero wind, zero

cloud," said Mr McCallum. He said there were more than sixty people on each trip. "We would like to run it for three weeks next year if we get the money," he said. One problem with the summer nature programme was the exclusion of the children's programme because they were unable to find a suitable volunteer to run it. The evening talks were also a success. "We had some really high powered

guest speakers," said M r McCallum, "Norm Hubbard gave an excellertt historical perspective on the Wanganui River with some amazing slides, Ken Piddington, the Director General of the Department of Conservation spoke o n DoC's next 99 years and Geoff Moon spoke o n wildlife photography." Camping at Mangawhero Domain has also been popular over the holidays, as have all the walking tracks, according to park

staff. "It's heartening to see an increase in the numbers of local people taking an interest in their national park", said Mr McCallum. Businesses in the area also report an increase in summer visitors. New World proprietor Alan Murdie said the supermarket has been as busy as many ski season w,eeks. Many accommodation houses report having been full through the holiday period.