"It's great teaming up with Project Tongariro and others to offer an outstanding selection of events and experiences for people of all ages and abilities."
Building kites and flying them beneath the volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park. This will be among activities of the Mahi Aroha/summer programme, to be held in the Central Plateau January 1 to January 25, 2015.
Most activities will cost less than a movie ticket.
Many will be open to children aged six and up, and the idea is for families, or groups of friends, to explore something new together.
Activities include:
* Grass roots fun like building a kite and flying it beneath the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.
* Exclusive trips to the heart of Kaimanawa horse country, or to see the elusive Whio (Blue Duck) as you raft the upper waters of the Tongariro River.
* Caving, kayaking, biking, hiking or rambling; seeing glowworms, rainbow trout and native bird species.
* A landscape photography workshop on the Taranaki Falls track; a behind the scenes at the Wairakei International Golf and Wildlife Sanctuary; a helihike in the Waipakihi Valley in the Kaimanawa Forest Park and a volcanic heritage tour from Te Maari to Tangiwai.
Mahi Aroha has called in the experts.
Tours will be led by those in the know, such as volcanologists, ecologists, fishery advisors, and biodiversity rangers.
The programme recognises those who work behind the scenes for the environment, who have been the driving force behind the region's future.
An opportunity to explore the wonderful Waimarino Wetlands. This is included in the summer programme, in the Central Plateau, January 1-25, 2015.
Mahi Aroha originally launched in the Tongariro region in 1964.
It was spearheaded by Lincoln University's associate professor for parks, recreation and tourism Dr Patrick Devlin, and has come a long way since its humble beginnings.
Dr Devlin, who played a significant part in the programme for 12 years, recalls those days when visitor numbers were bursting at the seams in makeshift conditions.
"Daytime walks were either full or half-day. Full days involved the major mountains, crossing Tongariro, going to the crater lake on Ruapehu, climbing to the Ngauruhoe summit and several others."
Mahi Aroha/Summer Programme follows this tradition, educating the younger generation about the importance of protecting the natural environment by participating and getting involved.
Bookings: www.doc.govt.nz/mahiaroha