Rain & cost dampens park programme

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 270, 17 January 1989, Page 1

Rain & cost dampens park programme

Bad weather and an increase in costs for Tongariro National Park Summer Nature Programme walks has been blamed for a drop in participation numbers. Many of the programme's day trips were attended by about half the number of last year's programme, with a number of high altitude walks being cancelled or alternative walks organised. Two of the five Crater Lake walks organised from Whakapapa were cancelled due to the weather. Conservation Officer

Russell Montgomery said another factor in the lower turn-out would be the higher

costs. He said last year some families were joining in every day of the programme but

with charges up from $2 to $8 for some, the total cost for families may have been too ex-

pensive. He said a concession or family card could be offered in future to encourage families to take part. Mr Montgomery said the aim of recovering 50 per cent of the costs of the programme had been met despite the lower numbers. He said the other 50 per cent of the programme costs were linked to patrol work and staff familiarisation. Both Mr Montgomery and conservation officer Don Bogie said those people that did go on the walks Turnpage2

Rain dampens SNP

From page 1 generally were fairly lucky. They said a number of the high altitude trips began in cloud but were in the clear on the tops, adding to the enjoyment of the trips. The heavy rain experienced over the break, while not recordbreaking, was worth noting, said Mr Bogie. On Monday and Tuesday last week 90mm of rain fell in the space of 24 hours and about 50mm fell in a 24 hour period between Christmas and New Year. The heavy rain made one trip exciting as well as interesting - the trip to the Okupata Caves. Mr Montgomery said because the Okupata intake was closed there was a lot of water in the caves, making the journey through them exciting for walkers.