Busy Easter in Tongariro National Park

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 238, 5 April 1988, Page 16

Busy Easter in Tongariro National Park

A record number of people rode the Express Chair and patronised the cafeterias at Whakapapa over the Easter break. Ruapehu Alpine Lifts manager Scotty Barrie reported between 1000-1200 people using the facilities over the weekend. Large numbers of trampers and groups, including a group of children from cyclone struck Gisborne, took advantage of brilliant weather conditions to climb to the crater lake. Mr Barrie was thrilled by the response from the public. The chairlift will operate full-time as from Queen's Birthday weekend - the official start of the 1988 ski season. Staff at the Ohakune Ranger Station reported similarly high numbers of park users Friday through Monday. The busiest day proved to be Easter Friday, with a total 373 people visiting the ranger station. A total of 1056 was recorded for the whole weekend period. The number does not include the people who visited the Tongariro National Park without recording their visit. Department of Conservation staff member Teresa Chapman said the weekend was relatively incident free. Several minor accidents were reported, including a tramper who slipped from a high peak on Mt Ruapehu. He escaped with minor injuries. Several hundred day hunting permits were issued by the Department for hunting in Tongariro and surrounding forest parks, according to Mrs Chapman. A large number of dogs entering the park are disturbing staff and Mrs chapman reminded visitors to Tongariro National Park that 'imported animals', meaning dogs, cats and even deer are prohibited from entering the park.