WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
Episode Four: Tongariro – Whanganui National Park, Wild About New Zealand Series. Aired: Tuesday, September 24th, 8.30 on TV ONE
By Gus Roxburgh
The Wild About New Zealand Episode guides provide a simple overview for viewers on planning a trip to the National Park featured in the TV series. What can you visit? What is easily accessible? What needs more planning and preparation? Plus top tips on things to do in and around the National Parks. The guides are written by series presenter, Gus Roxburgh who spent 18 months on adventures – both big and small, in all our National Parks featured in the series. The information is designed to get New Zealanders to move from the inspiration of the TV series to action - and head out to explore our world renowned National Parks.
Gus is presenter of the TV series, Wild About New Zealand, and principal author of the book of the series being published by Random House in October 2013
Content developed with Visit Ruapehu, Wanganui, Department of Conservation and Jasons Travel Media.
For more information on the Tongariro and Whanganui National Park please visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site: www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
Episode Guide Sections:
i. Essential Travel Information incl. Why You Should Visit, What is So Special, Getting There & 5 Top Things to Do ii. Expanded Itineraries incl. Gus’ Picks for 1, 2 and 4 Day Trips to Tongariro and Whanganui National Park
TONGARIRO AND WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
Tongariro National Park by Tourism New Zealand
ESSENTIAL TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL INFORMATION Why You Should Visit and What is So Special Getting There Gus’ Top 5 Things to Do in Tongariro and Whanganui
AS SEEN ON TELEVISION – WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND.
Areas of Tongariro and Whanganui seen in the September 24th episode of Wild About New Zealand that can easily be visited (for marked locations you may need specialist equipment and experience and/or travel with a specialist guide):
Tongariro National Park including: Tongariro Alpine Crossing; North Crater, Blue Lakes and Green Lake. Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake Lake Rotoaira
Whanganui National Park including: Mountain to sea cycleway Canoeing and jet boating on the Whanganui River 2 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide
WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
Bridge to Nowhere Tieke Marae
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TONGARIRO AND WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
By Gus Roxburgh
The first national park in the country, Tongariro was ‘gifted’ to the nation by Te Heuheu Tukino IV (Horonuku), supreme chief of the Tuwharetoa people, under circumstances which have been debated ever since. Whatever its origin, the Park now protects the sacred peaks of the Central Plateau forevermore – just as Horonuku himself would have wanted.
These active volcanos provided the most dramatic moment of our entire shoot when we wrapped filming and helicoptered off the Te Maari crater just 40 minutes before it blew in an eruption that belched ash and rocks some 4km into the air on November 21 last year. A graphic reminder that despite the best geological monitoring, nature is unpredictable and will always hold the upper hand – just as it should!
In contrast to these restless volcanos, Whanganui feels timeless, ancient and unchanged. Indeed the roadless, lush bush of the Park has repelled virtually all efforts at being tamed and human activity is largely concentrated around the banks of the mighty river that bisects the Park and acted simultaneously as highway, food source and ancestor to the Whanganui iwi who lived along its shore.
Today the river is one of our Great Walks – but it’s your arms that’ll get the workout on this one. Canoeing the river you almost expect to see Temuera Morrison in full moko and feather cape rounding the bend at the prow of a waka paddled by a war party of warriors.
For visitors Tongariro is all about the volcanos and there’s no better way to experience them than to take in NZ’s best one day walk – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The 24 km track takes you through active crater zones in one of the most surreal moonscapes you’ll ever set foot in – just remember to pay homage to the sacred peaks as you pass them by.
To best experience Whanganui take a jetboat to Tieke marae, the only active marae in a national park and once a major trading post on the river then canoe back down to Pipiriki. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time 100 years as soon as your paddle hits the water.
TOP FIVE – Gus’ Top Five Things to do in Tongariro National Park
1. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an amazing one day trek. 2. Climb to the crater rim of active Mt Ruapehu 3. Mountain bike the 42 traverse 4. Ski your heart out on Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields 5. River rafting 65 rapids on the Tongariro River.
TOP FIVE – Gus’ Top Five Things to do in Whanganui National Park
1. Kayak tours down the mighty Whanganui River take from one day to ten, it’s up to you. 2. A high-speed jet-boat trip from Pipiriki, then hike to ‘the bridge to nowhere’.
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
3. Trek to the abandoned farm settlement at Mangapurua and ‘the bridge to nowhere’. 4. Visit Forgotten World’s full-scale dinosaurs made from trees destroyed by eruption 5. Ride a section of the Mountain to Sea Cycle way
For more information on the Tongariro and Whanganui National Park please visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site Wild About New Zealand Tongariro Visitor Park Page: http://www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz/tongariro-national-park/ Wild About New Zealand Whanganui Visitor Park Page: http://www.wildaboutnewzealand.co.nz/whanganui-national-park/ Wanganui Office: http://wanganui.com/ Visit Ruapehu: http://www.visitruapehu.com/ Jasons Encounter Outdoor Adventure Guide Tongariro: http://jasons.co.nz/tongariro-national-park/activities-attractions Jasons Encounter Outdoor Adventure Guide Whanganui: http://jasons.co.nz/manawatu-whanganui/activities-attractions DOC Tongariro National Park: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/tongariro/ DOC Whanganui National Park: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/whanganui/
Gus is principal author of Wild About New Zealand – the book of the series being published by Random House in October 2013
Expanded Itineraries
One, Two and Four Day Suggested Itineraries.
Tongariro National Park by Tourism New Zealand
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY– Gus’ suggestions for those with one day in Tongariro
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a spectacular one-day adventure that takes you across Mount Tongariro’s flat topped truncated cone, the result of a massive eruption. Steam vents, hot springs and active craters are reminders that this volcano is far from extinct. Be prepared, especially in winter, for sudden weather changes. Takes 6-8 hours. If you have more ‘puff’ and more time, you can make a side trip up the perfect cone of Mt Ngauruhoe. This ascent is recommended only for fit and experienced climbers and extends the overall time to 11 or 12 hours. More: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and- walks/central-north-island/ruapehu/tongariro-alpine-crossing/
Summer walks around Whakapapa village include: Rotopounamu Track, Tupapakurau Falls Track, Taurewa Track. You can even take a ride on the Whakapapa ski field chair lift and then enjoy the views and a stroll in the magnificent alpine herb fields at the top.
The 42 Traverse mountain bike trail is considered one of New Zealand’s best fat- tyre track. This epic ride takes you across the vast central plateau following old logging roads through the Tongariro Forest, formerly State Forest 42 – hence the name. It takes 4-6 hours and recommended for those with above average fitness.
River rafting on the Tongariro River takes you down 65 rapids in a few hours. Exciting, soaking, huge fun but not too dangerous. The river is scenic, crystal clear and trout filled. There is usually time for a dip during the descent and a hot pool soak afterwards is recommended. No experience is necessary but minimum age is 13 years.
TWO DAYS – Gus’ suggestions for those with two days
Climb to the Mount Ruapehu Crater (over 2,700 meters). The route is rocky in summer and snow and ice covered in winter; but at the top you find yourself on the ‘roof’ of the North Island, and on a clear day you can see from east to west coast. Below you, is the grey-green crater lake of this active volcano. This is definitely for fit, experienced and well-equipped people and it is preferable that you travel with a guide. Also, the area around the summit of Ruapehu (and other volcanos on the Central Plateau) was part of the original gift by Chief Te HeuHeu and is considered sacred by Maori. It is suggested that you pay your respects as you climb and do not go to the very highest point of the peak. The climb takes 7-8 hours but allow an extra day or two for preparation and choosing the best weather.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit goes around Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe at the northern end of the park. It is one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks and traverses many landscapes; beech forest, tussock lands, extinct and active volcanic craters, hot and cold springs, waterfalls, lava, scoria and ash fields, volcanic lakes. The views are spectacular and the huts comfortable. The journey is 51 kilometres and takes 3-4 days.
The Round the Mountain Track is a backcountry alpine adventure that takes you around Mount Ruapehu, the tallest mountain in the North Island. The hike takes you through mountain beech forest, tussock country, alpine herb fields, glacial river gorges and eerily dramatic Rangipo Desert. Including side trips, the journey will take 4-6 days with six comfortable and strategically located huts and campsites along the way.
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
A winter ski holiday at Whakapapa and Turoa, the two ski fields on Mount Ruapehu. Both fields have full facilities and a range of runs to cater for skiers and boarders of all skill levels.
Whanganui National Park by Lara Ortiz
WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY – Gus’ suggestions for those with one day
A jet boat trip to the Bridge to Nowhere begins at Pipiriki. Journeying upstream you negotiate a stretch of river that is particularly rich in scenic beauty as well as natural and cultural history. From Mangapurua Landing, you walk less than 2 kilometres through forest to the Bridge to Nowhere, where you will enter the ‘valley of abandoned dreams’, where World War One soldiers turned farmers and their families struggled to make a living but ultimately failed and were forced to walk off their land in the 1930s.
Mountain bike the Mangapurua/ Kaiwhakauka Track, which are 2 sections of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail network. There are many great aspects to this ride. The mid-section goes through undisturbed native forest and the track follows old road lines which makes it and easy one day ride ending beyond the Bridge to Nowhere at Mangapurua Landing where a pre-booked boat will take you and your bike to Pipiriki or Whakahoro. (If you have 2 – 3 days, you can walk this track, which is also part of the Te Araroa national walking trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff.)
TWO DAYS – Gus’ suggestions for those with two days
Hike the Matemateaonga Track follows old Maori Trails and settlers wagon tracks from near Stratford in Taranaki into thick bush clad hill country in the remote interior of the National Park. Because much of the track is on old roads and pioneering tracks it is suitable for hikers with limited experience. You need to carry food and cooking equipment to the four huts.
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WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
The track takes from 3 – 5 days ending at the Whanganui River from where a pre-booked boat can ferry trampers back to Pipiriki. More: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and- recreation/tracks-and-walks/manawatu-whanganui/whanganui/matemateaonga-track/
Kayak the most scenic part of the Whanganui from where the main part of the National Park begins at Whakahoro, down through the most scenic part of the river to Pipiriki. It is a reasonably strenuous paddle but is very rewarding. This 88-kilometer guided river tour takes 3 days. Check out the Tieke marae en route. The full Whanganui River Journey down the waterway that was once the main highway of the Central North Island can take you up to ten memorable days. You follow in the wake of Maori traders and raiders, riverboats, explorers and adventurers through steep gorges and forests, visiting settlements and marae, in waters that at one moment tumble over grade 2 rapids, then open out into stretches of mirror like tranquillity.
The Mountains to the Sea Mountain bike ride in fact can be as short as a day trip to the Bridge to Nowhere or a full-on 4-6 day cross country experience, or anything in between. From National Park or Ohakune you can ride out of Tongariro National Park and on into Whanganui National Park as far as The Bridge to Nowhere. Here you jump aboard a jet boat (pre-booked) to ferry you down through the gorges and rapids of the Whanganui River to Upokongaro from where you can ride all the way to Whanganui and the Tasman Sea if you are keen.
More Information:
For more information on the Tongariro and Whanganui National Park please visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site
Other Resources:
Wild About New Zealand – Tongariro National Park page Wild About New Zealand – Whanganui National Park Department of Conservation: Tongariro National Park Department of Conservation: Whanganui National Park Wanganui Official Page: http://wanganui.com/ Visit Ruapehu: http://www.visitruapehu.com/ Jasons Encounter Outdoor Adventure Guide: www.jasons.co.nz
Wild About New Zealand Partner Information & Media:
Working with the Wild About New Zealand television series on TVNZ’s ONE are a number of partners responsible for important parts of the programme or related media:
Wild About New Zealand Television Series on ONE. Tuesdays 8.30 pm starting September 3rd 2013. Gus Roxburgh - More information on Gus Roxburgh – presenter of the series. Department of Conservation National Park Information - DOC’s detailed information on each National Park NHNZ - the iconic New Zealand based production company who worked with TVNZ creating the TV series Wild About New Zealand Book - The book of the series published by Random House, October 2013 Wild About New Zealand Visitor Information - supporting web site offering visitor information and deals 7 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide
WILD ABOUT NEW ZEALAND - TONGARIRO & WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK EPISODE GUIDE 24/9/13
Jasons Encounter – New Zealand Outdoor Adventure Activity and Attractions Information Wild About New Zealand Outdoor Safety Videos - outdoor safety videos sponsored by Macpac Macpac Outdoor Equipment - Outdoor equipment sponsor to the series and the related Outdoor Safety Videos Wild About New Zealand Facebook Page - for behind the scenes on production and visitor information
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