Greater Wellington is the promotional name of the Wellington Regional Council
News release

5 December 2003

Get into Regional Outdoors this summer

Over 40 events covering a range of activities are offered in this year’s Regional Outdoors programme in regional parks and forests, says Greater Wellington Regional Council.

The programme – delivered to all households next week within Greater Wellington’s Elements newspaper – is packed with guided walks, horse rides, mountain-bike events and even helicopter rides. Events run from 3 January to 28 March 2004 and range from easy walks to full-day trips.

Landcare Committee chairman Chris Laidlaw says, “The Regional Outdoors programme is an easy way for people to try a new activity, discover an area or learn something about the environment. Last year nearly half of the participants at each event were first-time visitors to the park.”

Regional Outdoors opens with a Nature Discovery Treasure Hunt at Kaitoke Regional Park on Saturday, 3 January. Kaitoke Ranger Steve Edwards says, “This event is usually very popular with families and great fun for kids of all ages. People also love to visit the park’s location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.”

Other events include “have-a-go” horse-riding at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, a Valley to Sea family bike ride along the Hutt River Trail, a walk over the Rimutaka Rail Trail, four-wheel drive trips in the Akatarawa Forest and helicopter rides giving views of the Upper Hutt Valley.

“We’d like to invite residents of the region and visitors to explore the regional parks and forests this summer. They are so close to the main population centres yet worlds away,” Cr Laidlaw says.
Most of the events are free while some have a small cost to cover transport. Events requiring bookings can be made by phoning 04 526 4133 or emailing bookings@gw.govt.nz

ENDS

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