Ridgway Lythgoe: Learn more about the area

When the Department of Conservation (DOC) first came to Whanganui in 1987, it started running Whanganui Summer Nature Programmes each January; a series of walks and talks relating to the environment that we live in.

Previously the parent department Lands & Survey had run the programme in some of the National Parks, but DOC's wider mandate included the coast and historic features. Consequently, the programme was able to include beach walks and historical buildings. DOC's new advocacy role also meant it was able to incorporate offshore islands such as Kapiti and Mana, as well as places like Zealandia (formerly Karori Wildlife Sanctuary).

We also used to do longer and more difficult heli-hikes and tramps in the Ruahine Range and Whanganui National Park.

Initially, private cars were used, but after some drivers never made it to the starting point and others wanted money to carpool, it was decided to use buses.

This, to my mind, was the way to go as you were able to then keep everyone together, you can talk to them about features as you drive by and being higher up you can see quite a lot that you miss from a car. A lot of our clients prefer to be driven, and bus use is great for the environment rather than using 20 or more vehicles.

DOC ran the programme for about 15 years and then, when it stepped down, it was taken over and run by a non-profit trust. It dropped the word nature from its title to reflect an even broader interest in places to visit.

The trips used to be all out of Whanganui city and needed transport to get there but recently there are some that are very local and just require the ability to walk. Others are run out of the Whanganui Museum. The evening talks cover a wide range of topics especially overseas travels and are held in the Davis Lecture Theatre.

Over the years the number of lengthy walks has decreased as the demand for trips with less walking have become more popular.

The Whanganui Summer Programme runs for about a month and starts today (see Page 2). Costs for trips vary depending on distance and entrance fees, etc, but all outings offer very good value for money.

Bookings are required for many trips and can be made at the i-Site in Taupo Quay. The most popular trips fill up well prior to the event, so it pays to get in early for you to avoid being disappointed. Programmes are widely available, including on line at www.whanganuinz.com.

So if you are looking for things to do over the summer break, interested in your environment and its history and/or wish to get active, consider coming on a Whanganui Summer Programme outing throughout this month.

-Ridgway Lythgoe is a retired DOC officer, keen environmentalist, tramper and traveller.