Glenorchy Playgroup set to benefit from Dart River Jet Safaris locals day
Friday 26 October 2012, 2:54PM
By Ngai Tahu Tourism
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A Glenorchy tour operator is giving back to its community with Mums and bubs to be the recipient of proceeds earned at a fun-filled ‘local’s day’ next week.
Glenorchy’s Dart River Jet Safaris is inviting locals to head to the awe-inspiring Dart River Valley and spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park on November 4 to enjoy the hugely popular ‘Wilderness Safari’ or ‘Funyak Safari’ at significantly reduced prices -- with all funds going to Glenorchy Playgroup.
The Wilderness Safari includes an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Dart River, informative guided walk through ancient native beech forest and finishes with a back-country tour through spectacular scenery. The Locals Day special will be on offer for only $50* per adult and $25 per child on the day.
Alternatively for a completely unique day out, the Funyak Safari is on offer for the very special locals day price of just $99* per person.
The Funyak Safari also includes a jet boat ride on the Dart River, an expedition very involved in nature in inflatable ‘Funyak’ canoes, and a delicious wilderness buffet amidst spectacular scenery.
Glenorchy Playgroup co-ordinator Alice Wilkins said she and other mums in the tiny hamlet were “thrilled” to be selected as the recipients of locals day fundraising.
“It’s very exciting for us to get a donation such as this, because it goes a long way,” she said.
“While we receive subsidies from the Ministry of Education and a small grant, it’s very necessary for us to do our own fundraising and we foresee this donation as being equivalent to more than just a few bake sales.
“We’re a very small tight-knit community and fundraising options are limited, so it’s most likely we’ll put this money towards some much-needed outdoor equipment.
“The playgroup is really important in our town, because it ensures that mums with small children have somewhere to go and realise they’re not ‘doing it’ on their own when they could feel a little isolated.
“We’re very grateful that Dart River Jet Safaris has recognised the importance of what we do here.”
Dart River Jet Safari’s Local Territory Manager Martin Langford said the company was delighted to be able to give back to the community on many levels.
“We chose the Glenorchy Playgroup as part of our on-going commitment to the Glenorchy community, as well as recognising that we are potentially benefiting some future staff members,” he said.
“We live and work in Glenorchy and know that playgroup plays a key role in a small rural community by assisting with the development of young children and offering a way for young parents to meet one another.
“We want people to come and experience our spectacular trip on what is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most sensational journeys, and know that they’re helping out for a very good cause.
“The Dart River experience is something that appeals to all people of all ages. And while we get plenty of international tourists coming to see our stunning national park, we don’t see many locals getting the chance to experience what’s on their back doorstep.
”This is their chance to do so, but I’d say people will have to get in quick because it’s fantastic value deal.”
Dart River Jet’s Wilderness Safari and Funyak Safari trips take visitors on the region’s longest and most sensational jet boat rides into Mt Aspiring National Park, offering a unique combination of breathtaking scenery, exhilarating wilderness jet boating, Maori heritage and inspiring adventure.