Accommodating folk geared up for Whirinaki celebrations

With excitement building about celebrations to mark 25 years since milling ceased at Whirinaki Forest Park, organizers of the September 4-6 event are urging would-be visitors to get their accommodation arrangements nailed in place.

While the park itself, an hour southeast of Rotorua, has a huge capacity for visitors, the same is not the case for local accommodation.

Whirinaki25 organising committee member Fiona Hennessey said there are only a limited number of beds available in the immediate vicinity of the forest and those who intend being at some of the earlier activities such as dawn chorus bird walks or the Sunday Ringatu church service, or staying overnight to catch more than one activity should act now to secure accommodation.

Most local providers are listed on the Te Urewera Rainforest Route website www.teurewera.co.nz ; either featured as members, or in links to other sites.

Providers range from basic to boutique with something for all tastes – as long as you act fast.

Camping is an option for those with self-contained motorhomes or caravans, or who are prepared to use tents.

Ms Hennessey said a number of the Whirinaki25 activities also require bookings, and once again the message is get in now to avoid disappointment.

Among these are the dawn chorus bird walk and some of the guided activities with Whirinaki-based tourism businesses for which bookings will secure a place with additional spaces filled on an as-they-come basis.

The Friday night gala dinner with Dr David Bellamy at Rotorua’s Novotel is, however, ticket admission only.

Dr Bellamy will be reflecting on the successes of a quarter century of protection and how conservation can fuel prosperous communities.

He will be joined by TVNZ6’s star of “Meet the Locals” Nic Vallance who will provide her own commentary on the many and varied ways communities have managed to extract value from caring for the natural history assets they live alongside.

Te Runanga o Ngati Whare, which has recently signed a Treaty of Waitangi Settlement agreement in principle, will bring a uniquely cultural perspective to the evening with a presentation about their aspiration for the Whirinaki. Indigenously-inspired food and wine is included in the dinner package.

Tickets are available through theorganiser@rotoruanz.com with bookings and further details about all other activities on the event website www.whakatane.com/whirinaki_25.html

ENDS

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