Events

Island Bay Sand Dune Plantcare Working Bee

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:07:56 +1200

For a number of years, the Island Bay Coast Care Group have been planting native grasses and sedges, and removing weeds from the Island Bay dune. This has helped reduce erosion, trap windblown sand and rebuild a natural habitat for native species of plants, insects and invertebrates like the native skink.

If you would like to join us and learn more about the South Coast, enjoy the spectular scenery, while meeting new friends and get some exercise and fresh air, come and give us a hand.

Sport Wellington Buggy Walk

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:06:49 +1300

Join Sport Wellington and Greater Wellington Regional Council for an easy, flat walk with your buggy, family and friends. Predominatley on the stop banks of the Hutt River, so grassy and some gravel areas.

Your Link

XTERRA Trail Run

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:43:21 +1200

This venue and course was so good last year, so we just had to go back. We have shortened the medium and the long course so you won’t be out there quite as long, and we have tidied up that bit in the forest where a few runners accidentally cut the course short.

The event takes us up the Kapiti Coast to trails that start with open hill tracks and lead into a rugged mix of native and exotic vegetation. Great views out over the Tasman Sea and Kapiti Island combine with the odd horse and cow or goat to give you sights you’ll never see on a run around Oriental Parade. Wide and open trails make for good underfoot running and if you are feeling quick this is the course to beat your mates up on.

Short Course: Runners will be out there for forty to fifty minutes.

Mid Course: Runners, an hour fifteen to an hour forty five.

Long Course: Runners, an hour and a half to two hours twenty.

To register online click here

Mt Lowry Challenge 2010

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:24:00 +1200

Adventure running & walking at its very best… the Mt Lowry Challenge includes:

Vasque –Extreme Mt Lowry Challenge ~22km 1140m climb

Bridgedale – Mt Lowry Challenge ~11.75km 400m climb
SWAZI Junior Challenge ~11.75km 400m climb
Business, Family and Sports Team Challenges

For more information and entry forms email www.paardekooper.co.nz

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Walking Tour

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:37:12 +1200

Applications are again open for a free chance to see some of the best pre-European lowland forest in the lower North Island. The Wainuiomata Water Collection Area features pristine forest managed to provide high quality water to the Wellington region. Access to the forest is limited to monthly (except April) guided walking tours. All groups are guided by GW parks rangers and approved volunteer Interpreters. Numbers are limited to 50 people per tour.

Download the application form.

SORRY - OCTOBER 11 TOUR FULLY BOOKED

Note: People who have had gastric upsets eg diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the walk are not permitted in the catchment.

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Walking Tour

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:56:07 +1200

Download the application form.

Note: People who have had gastric upsets eg diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the walk are not permitted in the catchment.

Oku Reserve Plantcare Working Bee

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:46 +1200

Oku Reserve is the headland between Island Bay and Owhiro Bay, with panoramic views of Island Bay, Cook Strait and the south coast down to the South Island. A great working environment to assist the local community plant and care for important coastal plants.

Plantcare working bees involve releasing young plants of weeds and providing other care to ensure the plants have every opportunity of survival in the difficult windy and dry conditions. It is a very important activity to ensure Oku Reserve continues to be a place where people want to spend their leisure time walking, running and enjoying the views from the many vantage points.

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Walking Tour

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:19:45 +1200

Download the application form.

Note: People who have had gastric upsets eg diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the walk are not permitted in the catchment.

Go By Bike Day breakfast

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:16:25 +1300

BikeWise month is here again and with it comes the annual Go By Bike Day Breakfast! Cycle Aware Wellington is organising a fantastic start to your day at Queens Wharf . Come along for tasty treats, delicious Peoples Coffee, CommonSense Organics fruit, Hubbard's healthy cereal - and more! Listen to inspiring speakers and be in to win some great spot prizes. So jump on your bicycle, ride on in and join us for breakfast fun!

Walk 2 Work Day

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:05:57 +1300

Breakfast goodies and fantastic coffee are on offer on Wednesday 10 March from 7 – 9am at Frank Kitts Park for people who have walked all or part of the way to work.

All sorts of entertainment, great coffee from Celcius Coffee, fruit from Commonsense Organics, spot prizes and healthy food await!

Three ‘feeder’ sites will be scattered throughout town from 7-8am at Courtenay / Taranaki, the Railway Station and Willis Street where free fruit, coffee vouchers and happy people will be spotted.

Jump onto the street and strut, swagger or skip your way to one of our smaller sites or the big event at Frank Kitts for a break in your weekly routine & a fantastic start to your day!

'Start Me up' Women's Run, Cycle or Walk Challenge 2010

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:22:05 +1300

A challenge for women and teenage girls from (from age 12) to 'kick start' and continue their exercise, in a walk, run or cycle event, while enjoying the Hutt Valley's outdoor trails.

Sunday 7 March 2010, start time 1pm, Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone.

A seascape 4km or 8km walk or run from Hikoikoi Reserve along Petone foreshore to Petone wharf and return or 15km or 25km recreational ride along Hutt River Trail to either Kennedy Good Bridge or Stokes Valley and return.

This is an untimed challenge with an emphasis on participation and fun rather than competition.

For details see www.ignitesport.org.nz; entry forms available from Lower Hutt cycle shops, local gyms, swimming pool and libraries.

Friends of Owhiro Stream working bee

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:35:39 +1300

Come along and assist us with our plant maintenance. We will be working on our planting site from last year, releasing plants and clearing weeds to allow our native seedlings to grow. Bring some sturdy footwear and warm clothes. The site is not suitable for children under the age of 12.

Rimutaka Rail Trail 2

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:56:20 +1300

A long (17km) but easy 5-hour scenic walk exploring our unique railway history. Afternoon tea at Featherston's Fell Museum then back to Upper Hutt. Price includes bus, lunchtime sausage sizzle, afternoon tea and museum entry.

Max 45 people, bookings essential. Moderate fitness required.

What to bring
Always take a backpack with a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, tramping boots or strong lace-up shoes, water and a picnic lunch and/or snacks. On trips longer than two hours take thermal leggings, a long-sleeved top, a warm hat and gloves. Always take a sun hat and sunblock.

Harakeke - Flax weaving on the Coast

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:30:41 +1300

Take a trip into the past world of Maori weavers. Learn how to harvest, prepare and weave flax. Materials provided. Sausage sizzle to follow.

Max 50 people, bookings essential

Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing 1

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:54:53 +1300

"The best thing in New Zealand I've ever done." Members of Hutt Valley Angling Club guide you on tackle, knots and different fishing techniques. Then a mentor helps you give it a go.

Max 20 people per session. Bookings essential

Gollans Valley Adventure

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:16:07 +1300

Explore the off-track heart of the park in a guided tramp. We go up the steep Kereru Track before dropping down into Gollans Stream, following the valley to Butterfly Creek and back to the start via the Kowhai Track. Must be able to walk off track for 6 hours.

Max 30 people, bookings essential. Good fitness required.

Bike the Trail

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:42:40 +1300

Bring the whanau for an easy, flat scenic bike ride down the Hutt River Trail to Hikoikoi Reserve, Petone. Try the 2 1/2 hour ride from Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt or the 1-hour ride from Stokes Valley. Free return transport available from 11am-1pm. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged over 18 (1 adult to 3 children). All cyclists must wear an approved cycle helmet. BBQ afterwards at Hikoikoi Reserve with live music, giveaways and fun for the whole family.

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Walking Tour

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:35:29 +1200

Download the application form.

Note: People who have had gastric upsets eg diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the walk are not permitted in the catchment.

Belmont Regional Park Open Day

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:48:14 +1300

Excellent opportunity to experience Belmont Regional Park's splendid hilltops. Public drive-up access on farm road normally locked off, save 1-2km uphill climb.

Special FREE activities include:

4WD volunteers to provide tops tours, ideally suited for the less mobile; duration minimum of 20 minutes. Last departure is 2pm
Introductory Orienteering; conducted by Orienteering Hutt Valley: Try this popular activity in a non-competitive setting. You'll be given a map and instructions - have a go! Last departure 1pm.
Educational talk-walks by local experts, less than 1 hour duration
             - History: " The Belmont Magazine" - build as one of the major ammunition depots for the war in the Pacific. A short walk to look at some of the structures and areas of interest, with a discussion on the buildings, what was stored and their ultimate disposal. Departures 12 noon & 2pm

             - Geology: "Rocks, landforms and streams: the geological history of the park" Look at how the rocks of the park and geologically recent uplifts have governed the landscape as we see it today. The rounded hills, the Wellington fault and the pattern of stream drainage will be all discussed. Departures 10.30am & 12.30pm

             - Ecology: "What nature does here, and why, and what you can expect it to do in the future": An ecological view of this area of the park. Departures 11.30am & 1.30pm

             - Botanical: "Name that plant"; Departures 11am & 1pm
Tramp with Tararua Tramping Club, easy grade: Meet at Hill Road Carpark (not the Shearer's Quarters). Planned route (maybe modified for weather conditions): down Hill Road to Sweetacres Track, enjoy views over the hill to Old Coach Road, and back to upper Hill Road for more views. Wear sturdy footwear and pack extra clothing to ensure you stay warm and dry. Bring your lunch. Departs 10am from Hill Road Carpark, duration approx 4 hours.
Mountain-bike rides
- Family ride with a volunteer- not too steep; on safe, formed tracks. Departs 10.30am, duration approx 1.5 hours

- Ride further afield with Tararua Tramping Club's mountain-biking group. Route has it all - from ridge tops with fantastic views to pine-forest descents. Departs 10am, duration 2-3 hours.
Information about the park, including the many walking and biking routes for you to do independently.

Live folk music from lunchtime till 2pm

Refreshments will be available. including a sausage sizzle during lunchtime.

Please, no dogs allowed, as this part of the park is on the working farm.

Sport Wellington Buggy Walk

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:24:11 +1300

Bring the backpack and buggy (don't forget the baby) and join us for the Pakuratahi River walk.

Moderate fitness required.

www.buggywalk.co.nz

Karapoti Classic

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:42:25 +1300

Based in the rugged and remote Akatarawa Ranges, 10km north of Upper Hutt, the event boasts spectacular scenery and the biggest prize purse of any mountain bike race in the country.

www.karapoti.co.nz

Bush Block Management 101

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:54:10 +1300

Find out more about looking after your bush block. You'll hear about restoration planting, pest management and the role of livestock before checking out examples around the park.

Bookings essential.

Explore Wairarapa Moana

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:02:32 +1300

Sorry, this event is fully booked out

The other "eye of Maui's fish", Wairarapa Moana includes the North Island's second largest lake and nationally significant wetlands. Join Greater Wellington, Department of Conservation and local iwi for a guided bus trip to explore its unique history and environment. Stops include Boggy Pond, Onoke Spit and the Barrage Gates. Lunch will be at Kohunui Marae - byo lunch.

Max 45 people, bookings essential.

Old Coach Road History Trail

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:20:49 +1300

Join the Friends of Belmont Regional Park on a historical walk along the first road between the Hutt Valley and Porirua. Passing many WWII ammunition bunkers, you'll get great views of the Hutt Valley and Porirua Harbour.

Max 50 people, bookings essential. Graded as an easy walk.

Beginners Guide to Flyfishing 2

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:29:11 +1300

"The best thing in New Zealand I've ever done". Members of Hutt Valley Angling Club guide you on tackle, knots and different fishing techniques. Then a mentor helps you give it a go.

Max 20 people per session, bookings essential.

The Big Coast

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:36:52 +1300

A family-friendly two-day mountain bike ride. Recall a bygone era on the Rimutaka Rail Trail then camp overnight next to Lake Wairarapa. Enjoy a spectacular journey round the South Coast to Eastbourne on day two.

See www.bigcoast.co.nz

Chrystalls Bend Lagoon Walk

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:07 +1300

Join the Friends of Otaki River and the Greater Wellington River Ranger to learn more about this hidden gem on the Kapiti Coast.

No bookings required, just turn up. Graded as an easy walk.

Mt Climie 4WD Trip

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:44:57 +1300

Join us on one of four guided 4WD trips to the top of Mt Climie with views to the Wairarapa and Hutt Valley. No private vehicles allowed.

Max 25 people per trip. Bookings essential.

"Human Birds" - A three step forest restoration project

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:09:18 +1300

Help spread the good seed of our forests - just like the birds. Today we learn how to collect and prepare seeds of native trees, on 28 March we make seedballs then in May/June we throw the seedballs. Instruction from Friends of Maara Roa and Kiwi Conservation Club.

Bookings essential. Participants need to attend all three steps. Moderate fitness required.

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Walking Tour

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:36:01 +1200

Download the application form.

Note: People who have had gastric upsets eg diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the walk are not permitted in the catchment.

Kapiti Coast Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:22:39 +1300

Members of Kapiti Fly fishing Angling Club will guide you on tackle, knots and different fishing techniques. Then a mentor will help you give it a go.

Max 20 people per session. Bookings essential.

Ridge Track adventure

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:29:40 +1300

This 9km walk through regenerating bush and mature beech forest gives panoramic views of the Hutt Valley and Tararuas. We bus from the information kiosk back to the start of the Ridge Track at Te Marua.

Max 35 people, bookings essential. Moderate fitness required.

Farm to Coast 2

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:37:32 +1300

Fit and interested in the route less travelled? Join Greater Wellington and Parawai Tramping Club at Queen Elizabeth Park before bussing to Battle Hill. We head up through pine forest to the native bush of Mt Wainui and the trig before dropping into Whareroa Farm and back to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Max 30 people, bookings essential. Fit only.

Have-A-GO Orienteering

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:52:35 +1300

Orienteering is all about using a map and sometimes a compass to navigate courses. Join Orienteering Hutt Valley and try courses for beginners, family groups and experienced orienteers. For more information go to www.mapsport.co.nz//hvoc/hvoc.

No dogs please

Lighthouse and Lakes 2

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:39:14 +1300

Sorry, this event is fully booked

Join wetland specialist George Gibbs and discover our rich ecological and maritime history on a walk around Parangarahu Lakes Area (Pencarrow). Two very steep uphill sections, with stunning vistas over Wellington Harbour and Cook Strait. Learn more about the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse.

Max 45 people, bookings essential. Good fitness required.

The Real Cannons Creek

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:50:24 +1300

Follow the course of the stream with the Friends of Maara Roa guides, hear its history and view the human impact from Maori times to today. Harakeke (flax weaving) demonstration and bush restoration. Suitable for families.

Bookings essential. Graded as an easy walk.

4WD Back Country Akatarawa

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:07:35 +1300

Bring your vehicle and join the Cross Country Vehicle Club for a tag-along trip through Akatarawa Forest. The morning trip departs from Totara Park, finishing at Maungakotukutuku Gate. The 1.30pm session is in reverse.

Walk the Trail

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:20:06 +1300

A fun, family-friendly 5km walk along the scenic Hutt River Trail from Trentham Memorial Park to Stokes Valley. A return 10km option available with FREE return transport back to Trentham Memorial Park.

See www.leisureactive.co.nz

Grand Traverse

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:01:57 +1300

Challenge yourself in the region's latest multisport event by mountain biking, running and kayaking your way arund Porirua's iconic waterways and high country. The route includes popular public parks and hidden gems, including private land you'd never see outside this event.

See www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz