I confess. I was hopelessly wrong. SWMBO did not accept our new promotion one little bit. I have been severely reprimanded. My promotional ambitions are a shambles. I am in disgrace. Another rethink for TRM’s escorted tramping/biking/fishing/hiking/canoeing activities is needed.
Needless to say, Hannah’s role has now been reinvented again as a ‘companion’ or ‘friend’ for TRM adventure programmes.
These are now referred to as ‘”TRM Custom designed packages” to fit in with guests requirements.
The cost varies widely depending on numbers and on which unit at TRM is required, how long they need to stay, how long is needed to take them on their preferred adventure, inclusive of all other ancillary associated costs, etc.
SWMBO cannot be too critical as already, despite my little stumble over the naming issue, TRM have a booking for a combo package – which may explain the type of market catered for.
For several days during the next school holidays ‘Grandad’ Mike is bringing two young teens and has booked for four nights. He has asked us to give the kids a memorable adventure experience. Mike is a bit like SWMBO – too old and feeble to take enthusiastic youngsters out for a mountain experience, so he has asked Hannah to ‘escort’ them. Good thinking.
TRM adventures are always weather dependent to a large extent. The plan is for Day 1 biking the Tongariro River Trail. Day 2 climbing a mountain or tramping a track, Day 3 trout fishing or rafting. The order is flexible depending on conditions.
The final decision depends on weather at the time and Mike’s fitness? We have suggested he might be OK on the bike trail even if he meets up at the Trout Centre. During the mountain climb he might only accompany them for a half the distance before he retires to a cafe? As he is an angler he will no doubt be coaching them on casting techniques for the day out trout fishing.
For Day 2, the Crater Walk could be on. This is only ever attempted in perfect (no wind) weather conditions.
If in any doubt we select another interesting track or smaller mountain. i.e. For marginal conditions Mt. Tihia might be more suitable – an unmarked bush track needing someone who has been up there before as other unescorted TRM groups lost the track. (Hi James, Hi John…) If the weather prevents mountain climbs then a remote bush walk will more than compensate – like circuit tracks to Taranaki Falls and around a hidden lake? Or at lower altitudes to Pillars of Hercules? In this alpine climate we have to be flexible and call it on the day. There are so many choices.
Just in case you were wondering, Mike also asked if Hannah is also fully qualified in First Aid?. He was thinking of him… She has her PHEC (pre-hospital emergency care) ticket as a surf lifesaving instructor. How many guides could match that?
The intense golden colouring of the Autumn leaves confirms winter conditions are only just around the corner. Mt. Ruapehu – Whakapapa skifield – has already had their first snow fall for this season. So demand for Hannah’s adventures so far has been more for winter sports experiences and alpine tramps in the snow.
Once again we confirm – just to satisfy the fussy auditor SWMBO – that TRM is back to being just a boring old motel with lots of exciting additional friendly package services available to enhance the holiday experience.
The basic aim of TRM’s accommodation/adventure package is to provide a holiday adventure programme you will never forget.
Have a squiz at Hannah’s video to see what we mean.
Fresh water reform meeting – Wednesday 6 pm 20 April at Taupo.
As you may be aware, the Hon Dr Nick Smith, Minister for Environment and Hon Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries have recently announced a series of public consultation meetings on the Next Steps for Freshwater Reform.
Since 2009, the Government has been undertaking a comprehensive set of reforms to improve the way we manage fresh water in New Zealand. As part of that, increased guidance and direction has been provided to local authorities, including the water take measuring regulations and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2014. It is pleasing to note that councils are well on the way to implementing them.
This next stage of the reforms will build on what we have already put in place. The reforms are a result of a lot of work between the Government, iwi leaders and the Land and Water Forum.
The Government is consulting through to 22 April and the consultation is focusing on the following key areas:
§ Amending the National Policy statement for Freshwater Management to improve national direction;
§ Excluding stock from water bodies through regulation;
§ Requiring more efficient use of fresh water and good management practice;
§ Considering iwi rights and interests in fresh water; and
§ Setting up the ‘Next Steps for Freshwater Improvement Fund’ to further improve water quality.
Further information including how to submit on the reforms can be found at www.mfe.govt.nz/consultation/next-steps-fresh-water.