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Anyone who has done the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can relate to marvelling at the sheer beauty and scale of the landscape—wondering why the Red Crater is red, the Emerald Lakes are just so and whether the hot ground under your feet is likely to erupt.

So, to answer these, and many other questions, DOC has partnered with a Turangi-based community group, Project Tongariro, to create the Pocket Ranger—a free smartphone application set to transform the way visitors to Tongariro National Park get their information. 

The Pocket Ranger provides mapping, interpretation, and safety messages for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well as providing information about the local area, including accommodation, activities, transport, guiding and dining.

Taupo nui-a-Tia Area manager Dave Lumley telling tales about the crossing high above the Emerald Lakes

It has been developed so that it can be used as a ‘template’ that can be easily adapted for use in other great walks, national parks, cycle ways and mountain biking tracks. This means other organisations can take advantage of the research and financial investment that DOC and Project Tongariro have made, including licensing the technology, and won’t have to build an app. from scratch.

QR code for the Pocket Ranger

The latest version of the app. has video clips for each section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and includes a Quick Response (QR) code reader. QR Codes will be placed on existing track markers, at points of interest along the way (e.g. the Red Crater) and, when scanned, the QR Code will lead users directly to the information or story relating to that point of interest.

Further development is being investigated in terms of GPS capabilities, more detailed mapping, and the ability to perform a ‘check in’ at the start of the track for safety.

Capturing the stunning landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Check it out at www.tongariro.org.nz/pocketranger and let us know what you think!

Prime Minister John Key opens the Ohakune Old Coach Road section of the Ruapehu-Whanganui cycle trail.

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Preparations are really cranking up for the opening of the first stage in the new Ruapehu – Whanganui trails cycleway.

The Hapuawhenua viaduct, with the old viadict in the background. Photo: Natures Pic/Rob Suisted.

The Hapuawhenua viaduct, with the old viadict in the background. Photo: Natures Pic/Rob Suisted.

DOC staff from around the sheer awesomeness that is Mount Ruapehu, plus a few colleagues from far and wide (cheers Connie and Erana 🙂 ) are furiously planning for what we hope will be one of the peaks of the local calendar. We’ve even managed to encourage Prime Minister John Key to come along, as well as the Minister for Conservation, Kate Wilkinson, so we are looking to have a great day.

DOC staff installing one of the many interpretation pieces to be found on the track.

DOC staff installing one of the many interpretation pieces to be found on the track.

The cycleway is part of Nga Haerenga, the National cycleway project, and is the first of the quick-start projects to open, so we are bigging it up to the local DOC trackies, and their teams who have made it happen. When the first cyclist rubber hits the track, (and by that I mean their tyres not their trousers!) they will love the experience that awaits them. The Ohakune Old Coach Road section of the track will open on July 2, and offers a great family ride back through one of the most significant sites in the history of the New Zealand railway. That’s not to say it’s only for the train-spotters either, everyone can enjoy the scenery, stories and sounds of Southern Ruapehu.

One of the tunnels on the trail which can be explored by visitors.

One of the tunnels on the trail which can be explored by visitors.

It’s going to be a huge community day, so come and celebrate with us. Bring your bike and your lycra and get on it!

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