The intrepid adventurers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 241, 3 May 1988, Page 19 (Supplement)

The intrepid adventurers

Roz Noble profiles one ofthe Ruapehu region'i professional guiding companies.

On the edge of the barren volcanic plateau of the central North Island of New Zealand is the tiny rural township of Raurimu. Known nationally as the place where the railway spiral can be viewed, Raurimu is also the home of three intrepid adventurers. Two brothers, Colin and Tony Parker together with Liz Argue run a commercial adventure company called "Plateau Guides". Started in 1984, the three attempt to bring a wide spectrum of outdoor activities - horsetrekking, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock-climbing and ski mountaineering - into the range of the New Zealand public. Although their obscure location on State Highway 4 has probably hindered their progress, they have no intention of becoming a large competitive company and prefer to remain small and intimate. In fact they feel their location gives clients a better "feel" to the outdoors and a greater appreciation of the environment. Getting in touch with the essence of the land surrounding them and feeling at peace with the solitude of the volcanic plateau is the main reason for living in the virtual ghost town of Raurimu. It is these attitudes combined with a high standard of outdoor skills which make the courses so unique and challenging. A deep respect for the land ensures groups are kept small so conversations and discussions can develop and environmental impact kept to a minimum. Being aware of the environment is one of the main aims of the group. The ratio of students to instructor is 1:10 and with ski mountaineering courses 1:5. Further aims of the group are to have a good time, receive value for money and experience a wide range of activities. They particularly encourage people to learn about the activities and skills involved rather than sitting on a horse or in a raft to be taken for a ride. Liz, Colin and Tony are all unique individuals committed to communicating their love of the outdoors to adults and school students alike. Liz, a trained teacher, has been involved with Outward Bound schools in New Zealand and Canada. Liz has also instructed on N.O.L.S. courses in the United States and brings to the group her love of horses and horsetrekking. Together with Tony they have a 17 month old bundle of energy called Ashton. Tony's experience with the outdoors comes largely from the Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand, near Mt Ruapehu where he spent seven years as an instructor. His experience was also gained in the Himalayas, the Antarctic and as an Assistant Recreational Teacher at Rotoiti Lodge in Nelson. Rather reserved and softly spoken, Colin gained his experience in the outdoors in much the same way as his brother. After finishing school in Wainuiomata he wcnt straight to the Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand and did his "apprenticeship in outdoor education" under Graeme Dingle. He then spent some time as a tunneller for the Rangipo Power project before skiing and climbing in Canada and working as a commercial raft guide. Colin and his partner Ashley live in National Park with their son Aneaiu. Plateau Guides do not draw up a set schedule of activities, but rely on clients to arrange suitable dates and draw up programmes to suit their own needs. Basically five types of courses are run: 1) Adventure weekends and/or weeks for adults - a combination of any activities depending on the needs of the groups. 2) School Weeks for adults - a five-day mobile adventure course with the students camping out each night. 3) Access Training Providers - for aspiring outdoor leaders. 4) Specialist Skills courses - where participants learn the technical skills of their chosen sport. 5) Personal Guiding Services - be it simple guided bush walks or mountaineering attempts on the mountains of the plateau. "To enter the wilderness of New Zealand is to enter a wonderland where natural beauty and adventure activity go hand in hand. In the great outdoors however, there are always hazards that can tum an exciting experience into a survival situation," says the Plateau Guides brochure. The New Zealand bush and mountains have a unique magic but can also be deadly as the many search and rescue operations each year show. If you are keen on the outdoors but not familiar with the dangers, ring National Park 740 and let Plateau Guides give you an outdoor holiday you will truly never forget.