Record numbers at Tunnel Gully family walk

Kids feed Kev, the Giant Wandering Kiwi

Helped along by superlative weather, 390 adults, children and babies attended a recent Regional Outdoors Programme Lion Foundation Buggy Walk to have fun in the sun, explore the Tunnel Gully Walk and meet Kev, the Giant Wandering Kiwi.

"Meeting Kev the Wandering Kiwi is a big hit for the kids. He gets heaps of high fives and hugs from everyone - even the grown-ups!" says Greater Wellington's Parks' Marketing and Design Manager Amanda Cox.

A huge turnout on a stunning summer's day

"The Lion Foundation Buggy Walks, which we run each month with Sport Wellington, are very popular with over 100 people coming along to each event. However, I'm still amazed that we've gone as high as 390 this year, topping last year's combined Buggy and Kev Walk at Tunnel Gully by over 100."

Amanda says there's a lot more to enjoy in the Regional Outdoors Programme, which began in late December and goes right through to April. "It's a great low-cost way to discover the hidden treasures in Greater Wellington's parks and forests and enjoy the great outdoors."

Children - and parents - were excited to see the tunnel

The programme has over 60 events, from loop walks with stunning views through to fly fishing on the Hutt River, and there's something for everyone, no matter what your age or fitness level.

Many of the events offer opportunities to learn something new, like the celebration of Darwin's 200^th birthday at Queen Elizabeth Park on 15 February or the Old Coach Road History Trail walk in Belmont Regional Park on7 March.

Most of the events are free and all are led by either Greater Wellington park rangers or volunteers with extensive knowledge of the surrounding environment. Find out more at www.gw.govt.nz/events