For More Information on the Tongariro and Whanganui National Park Please Visit: Wild About New Zealand Travel Information Web Site
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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 1 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide 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’. 3 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide 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 4 | P a g e Wild About New Zealand Episode Guide 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.