SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed is the manager of guests’ tourist events at TRM) often gets asked about these trips – every summer we try to book one of the DOC summer programme (Mahi Aroha) events. This post is to both acknowledge the wonderful volunteers – such as in the Sika Foundation and Project Tongariro – who organise a wide variety of summer activities and to report on their Kaipo River Swing Bridge Heli-hike yesterday. (Their next heli-hike for 28th January is booked out.)
On Saturday this enthusiastic group (photo below) assembled at the Heli-Sika base and were flown into the Kaipo River airport (see photo above) and trekked out back to the Oamaru Hut for lunch. Every time we got tired the guides from the Sika Foundation stopped and provided educational commentary about their trapping lines and other interesting info to give me time to recover. Their programme below:
What: Kaipo River Swing Bridge Heli-hike (Trip #1) 2023 (Mahi Aroha) When: Saturday, January 21, 2023 8:30am (8 hours)Thank you for your booking, we look forward to hosting you. Trip length: 7-8 hours Minimum Age: 10 years Max Participants: 22. Minimum 17 participants for trip to proceed. Meeting Place: Helisika, Poronui Station, Iwatahi, Taharua 3379 Cost: $148.00 Transport: Transport (Helicopter + shuttle) is provided from the Helisika Hanger and back. Grade: 4 – Advanced fitness level required due to moderate terrain and length of trip. Hike is approx. 10km in total, including several river crossings.May be cancelled/postponed due to adverse weatherParticipants are asked to bring:- Backpack – Lunch, snacks and water – Sunglasses/sunscreen/hat – Sturdy tramping boots – Hi-Vis – Sufficient warm clothing – Waterproof Jacket – Personal first aid kit – Personal medication (if required) – Swimwear Please note: the trip leader reserves the right to refuse anyone who is insufficiently equipped.If you capture any great pics of your adventure please share them on social media using the hashtag #mahiaroha.We look forward to hosting you and hope you enjoy your day exploring our backyard! The Mahi Aroha Team
To be able to access these premium back country locations, make sure you look out for DOC’s Summer Programme…
The following explains it better – taken directly off their website:
Over 25 unique opportunities to enjoy and protect the environment make up the January 2023 Mahi Aroha Summer Programme.
Now in its 58th year, the Mahi Aroha Summer Programme is the longest-standing event calendar of its kind in Aotearoa. The series offers a range of activities and experiences connecting New Zealanders to the environments of the Central Plateau and Tongariro areas throughout January.
For 2023, local community group Project Tongariro, joined by the Department of Conservation (DOC), has pulled together unique and interesting activities for the whole family around the common theme of ‘loving our backyard’.
Community groups like Ohakune Ethical Waste, the Taupō Community Gardens, and Owhango Alive, plus businesses like Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary have collaborated with Project Tongariro to provide exclusive tours and activities that are not normally easily accessible to the public. Kiri Te Wano, Project Tongariro Director, says the organisation and its volunteers are proud to be able to continue the Mahi Aroha tradition.
“The Mahi Aroha Summer Programme brings together like-minded organisations to share their own conservation journeys, and families can discover new ways to experience our unique backyard, from Taupō to Tongariro national park, and everywhere in between.”
Participants can join local community groups and be inspired by the passion and enthusiasm they have for protecting our taonga species.
Adventurous families can explore Okupata Caves or Te Mātāpuna wetland, and those up for a steep climb can discover the stunning vistas off-the-beaten track at Mt Tihia. Culture-buffs may choose to delve into the unique history shared on the Old Coach Road or at Te Porere Redoubt. Fan favourites like Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary Tours, and Heli Hikes with the Central North Island Sika Foundation are also back on the calendar – punters are advised to book in early to avoid disappointment!
Young conservationists are covered in 2023 – Kids Greening Taupō and the Taupō Environmental Education collaborative are offering opportunities to explore, learn, and create. Tamariki can explore Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, learn about nocturnal animals, or create their own bug-catcher, and these are just a few of the fun activities on offer.
It’s a month full of interesting and thought-provoking activities and experiences – Project Tongariro and DOC are excited to invite the community to join the fun.
Mahi Aroha – Showcasing, celebrating and acknowledging all things conservation, bringing together the Central Plateau’s stunning natural and historical treasures and serving them to the public in a way that is sure to ignite the senses of both young and the young at heart.
Other similar programmes from past years below:
2016 | Tramping. Set off by helicopter towards the stunning Waipakahi Valley where a river walk awaits.
There are not many walks that start with such a thrilling take off, but this is certainly one of them.
Setting off by helicopter from the Desert Road towards the stunning Waipakahi Valley in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, be prepared for breathtaking scenery, native flora and fauna and plenty of standout photo opportunities, as well as some exciting river crossings sure to leave your socks soggy.
2015: Part of the Mahi Aroha Summer Programme: Explore the fringes of the Mohaka River and Poronui Station like never before.
Following sections of the Poronui poled route you’ll head toward a lookout point, which offers uninterrupted views of the mighty Oamaru/Mohaka river confluence. Settle down for a picnic lunch or for the more adventurous, head off on foot for the nearby Oamaru Hut.
This is an exclusive trip, so ensure you secure your spot and take advantage of this breath-taking opportunity; exploring areas not normally open for biking.
Meeting place: Poronui Station gate, at the end of Taharua Road off SH 5 south of Taupo
