Thousands flock to summer activities


	Lolly scramble, Kaitoke Regional Park, January 2008

It’s been a stunning summer and many of the region’s residents have been making the most of it by taking part in Greater Wellington’s Regional Outdoors Programme.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the programme this summer,” says Greater Wellington’s Amanda Cox. “People of all ages and fitness levels have joined in the fun in activities ranging from buggy walks and bush walks, through to fly fishing and four-wheel drive sunset tours.”

There have been high turnouts at most events and enthusiastic attendances at children’s events. “Kids just love Kev the Wandering Kiwi,” says Amanda. “We always get great crowds – at the Wainuiomata event around 270 children and their caregivers came to join in the fun. The Lion Foundation buggy walks are also really popular with lots of newcomers turning up over the summer as well as the veteran buggy walkers.”

Events like the Battle Hill Heli-Tramp (where participants are choppered from Battle Hill, up Transmission Gully and on to the range above) continue to book out within days of being advertised. And even though we’re heading into autumn, people can still enjoy Greater Wellington’s parks and forests. The Regional Outdoors Programme will continue until the end of March, buggy walks will continue throughout the year (you can find out more at www.buggywalk.co.nz) and community planting days will take place mid-year.