Paddling the Whanganui River has been popular with a lot of people this summer, especially Kiwis, a Conservation Department spokeswoman says. Most campsites on the Whanganui Journey are full on most nights, and there is a ranger at each during the summer season. People intending to paddle the river are asked not to come if they are sick, to be adequately prepared and to book ahead to avoid overcrowding.
Join choir
The Wanganui Community Choir has its first meeting in 2021 on February 1, with new musical director Caleb Arthur and new pianist Shontae Arthur. It is a mixed choir that sings four-part harmony and aims to be fun - with no audition needed. New members are welcome. The choir meets every Monday at 7pm at the Riverside Christian Church, 4 Ingestre St.
Mountain sign
A new billboard greets users of the Sky Waka at the Whakapapa ski area on Mt Ruapehu. It reminds them to check in by clicking the Covid-19 app on their phones, keep their hands clean and be considerate of others. The ski area is run by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and its chief executive Jono Dean hopes visitors will heed the message and keep Covid-19 at bay, leaving the mountain open to Australian skiers this winter.
