New cabins for Park camp

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 244, 31 May 1988, Page 9

New cabins for Park camp

By Susannah Walker The Whakapapa motor-camp in Tongariro National park is to get two new cabins in time for the ski season. The Department of Conservation, which owns and runs the mo-tor-camp, will replace the other four cabins over the next four years. The present cabins are being replaced because they are "dark and dingy," according to a national park ranger, Mr Russell Montgomery. "The new cabins will be bigger and much

more visually appealing. "We are aiming to provide a high-quality cabin facility, with a layout better suited to families and groups." The cabins are being . constructed in Taupo because poor weather in the National Park could delay completion until after the ski season. Both cabins will be made of cedar to give a "natural" look blending with nearby bush. They will have coloursteel roofs, a deck in front and skylights as well as windows. Inside, there will be two double bunks, one single bunk, and a

mezzanine double bed. Heating and a table and chairs will also be provided. As well as cabins, the motorcamp has a large lodge with 40 bunks, 12 tent sites and 46 caravan sites. The demand for tent sites is heavy all year round, while the demand for caravan sites and cabins is more seasonal, says Mr Montgomery.

"The village has high and medium-range budget accommodation. The motor-camp caters for low-budget users, but we think what we offer is still of a fairly high standard." Each new cabin will cost the Department of Conservation $25,000. And it is only through the grace of the district conservator that the money has been made available for the new

cabins, says Mr Montgomery. It is a worth-while investment, he says, because the motor-camp is so well-patronised. The charge for cabins will remain the same throughout this skiseason. A night costs $7 for an adult and $5 for a child.