A day of activity, high on the hilltops
There’ll be a warm welcome high on the hilltops for visitors to the Belmont Regional Park Open Day this Sunday [28 February], part of Greater Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme.
“Belmont Regional Park is an amazing place with a lot to offer. So we’ve put together a programme that’ll encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the fun – whether they’re regulars or people who’ve never visited the park before,” says Janie Cook of the Friends of Belmont Regional Park.
“We’ll also be making it much easier for people to get high into the hills. The Hill Road entrance leading into the park is usually closed to vehicle access but we’ll be opening it for this event, saving a 2km uphill climb.”
The open day includes 4WD rides along the ridge tops – which is ideal for less mobile people, an introduction to orienteering from the Hutt Valley Orienteering Club, two mountain bike rides (a short easy one suitable for families and a longer ride for those wanting a challenge), a 3 to 4-hr tramp through the bush and over the hilltops, and four short guided walks on the park’s history, geology, botany and ecology.
“All these activities are free – even the 4WD drives!” says Janie. “And we won’t be letting you go hungry – there’ll be a sausage sizzle and drinks available. Plus live music to add to the good cheer. It’ll be a special occasion in a special place that will keep the family thoroughly active and interested throughout the whole day.”
The Friends of Belmont Regional Park have organised this event with staff from Greater Wellington. For the full programme see www.gw.govt.nz/events
When: Sunday 28 February, 10am-3pm
Where: Belmont Regional Park, Hill Road entrance
How to get there: Turn off SH2 onto Grounsell Crescent which links onto Hill Road. The road to the shearers’ quarters will be open for the day.