The Carter Scenic Reserve is one trail recommended for getting out and about for Get Outdoors Week. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Getting out and about in Wairarapa for Get Outdoors Week can help lift your spirits, says Carterton district’s new walking and cycling co-ordinator, Sandra Burles.
Get Outdoors Week, which starts on Saturday and carries on until Sunday, November 28, is about safely and easily exploring New Zealand.
And Wairarapa is one of the best places in New Zealand to celebrate the event.
Burles encourages Wairarapa people to get involved, reminding them to follow the covid-19 alert level protocols such as social distancing and tracking their locations.
“There are plenty of options and ways to get into the outdoors for enjoyment, fitness, and well-being.”
She said there are great options across Wairarapa, from short walks to overnight stays.
“From a 20-minute loop around Henley Lake to a family day trip to Putangirua Pinnacles on the south coast, and plenty of overnight options in the three forest parks, Aorangi, Tararua, and Remutaka,” she said.
“Locally you could visit a park. Try Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, which has lovely trees and paths to follow around the lakes and playgrounds.
Cyclists are also well catered for in Wairarapa, Burles said.
“If your bike is ready for summer, how about cycling around Martinborough?
“Pick up a map from the i-Site, or try the Greytown-Woodside trail or the Recreation Trails in Lansdowne, Masterton.
She said getting outdoors is “great for our personal well-being, helping us feel refreshed, rejuvenating our minds and our bodies”.
The national celebration of our open-air pastimes and should be practical even with our covid alert level restrictions, Burles said.
Many national outdoor recreation, tourism, and safety organisations back the campaign.
These include the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, Department Of Conservation, Further Faster, Nga Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, the Game Animal Council, Holiday Parks New Zealand, Pest Free Kaipatiki, and Water Safety New Zealand.
Jen Riley, Recreation Aotearoa outdoors programme manager, said, “no adventure is too big or too small, as long as you’re doing it safely and with respect to the natural environment”.
The getoutdoorsweek.co.nz website has ideas for taking part, including challenges to boost your step count, and even a Mountain Dog Challenge for your pet. Contact Sandra Burles at [email protected] for more information.
