Escape with us this summer…

Explore the regional parks and forests on your doorstep with Greater Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme. We offer more than 60 events, set in some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes

Nearly all events are Public transport within one hour’s drive Plan your trip by phoning of Wellington city and Metlink on 0800 801 700 or see www.metlink.org.nz and hosted by people who For the full events programme, see use the online journey planner. know the area well. WWW.GW.GOVT.NZ/EVENTS

What to bring Cancellations Weather conditions can change Cancellations are posted on The quickly. Always take a backpack Breeze and Newstalk ZB. We’ll with a waterproof jacket, warm leave a cancellation message clothes, tramping boots or strong on the booking officer’s phone: lace-up walking shoes, water and 04 801 1041. No postponement a picnic lunch and/or snacks. On date applies unless stated on trips longer than two hours take the programme. If you cannot thermal leggings, a long-sleeved attend on the day, please leave top, a warm hat and gloves. Always a message with the booking take a sun hat and sunblock. The officer. Please note that no parks contain fresh Wellington air. refunds will be given for Please be smokefree. non-attendance.

Bookings and Sponsors information Where you see this symbol, Most events are free. spot prizes will be provided You must book ahead by Dwights Outdoors. for events with maximum numbers. Look out for the “bookings essential” icon. B For events with a fee, payment must be made to confirm your enrolment. Pay via internet banking, cheque or cash at Greater Wellington, ground floor, 142 Wakefield Street, Wellington or 1056 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt. Ask the booking officer for internet payment instructions. [email protected] or phone 04 801 1041 13 21 DEC 27-29 Beginners Guide to Owning B Kev the Wandering Kiwi Fr Anything Vintage Festival a Pony 2 Hutt River Trail, Poets Park Queen Elizabeth Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Thurs 10.30am-12noon D MacKays Crossing entrance MacKays Crossing Join Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt City E Sun-Tues,10am-4.30pm Wed 11am-11.45am, 11.45am-12.30pm, Council and Kev the Wandering Kiwi on a Entry fees apply 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.15pm-3pm $20pp *20318 wander down the Hutt River Trail, and into Bu Bring the family and stay the day. There’ll See 9 Jan for event description. Trentham Memorial Park and Bartons Bush. be vintage displays, rides and other activities Coffee courtesy of Caffe L’affare. 4WD Sunset Tour 1 to enjoy. Getting there: SH2, turn left after Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Wed 6pm-9.30pm $5pp *19706 Moonshine Bridge if heading north. Team up with the Cross-Country Vehicle B Club for a 4WD trip through farmland JANUARY and forest, culminating in sunset views 23 over the Pauatahanui Inlet and Cook Strait. Rimutaka Rail Trail 1 B No private 4WD vehicles allowed. Pakuratahi Forest 7 Kev the Wandering Kiwi and Sport Sat 9am-5.30pm Fr Max 30 people. Getting there: See 9 Jan. M Wellington Buggy Walk Adults $27, under 14s $12 *19710 Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Bu A long (17km) but easy 5-hour scenic Thurs 10.30am-12noon D walk exploring our unique railway history. Join Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt City 14 Afternoon tea at Featherston’s Fell Museum Kev the Wandering Kiwi F Council and Kev the Wandering Kiwi on the E then back to Upper Hutt. Price includes bus, Wainuiomata Recreation Area Fr beautiful Tane’s Track. Coffee courtesy of lunchtime sausage sizzle, afternoon tea B Caffe L’affare. Getting there: From SH2, Thurs 10.30am-12noon Bu Join Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council and museum entry. Max 45 people. turn off at Plateau Rd at the Te Marua Store D Getting there: Catch the train to (6km north of Upper Hutt). Follow signs and Kev the Wandering Kiwi to explore the Gums Loop Track in the Wainuiomata Upper Hutt Railway Station. By car, follow to Tunnel Gully. E Recreation Area. Coffee courtesy of Caffe SH2 to Upper Hutt, take Gibbons St then Fergusson Drive to the railway station. Beginners Guide to the Rainforest 1 L’affare. Getting there: Follow the main Kaitoke Regional Park, Fr road through Wainuiomata, turn left into Waterworks Rd entrance B Moores Valley Rd, turn right into Whitcher 24 Thurs 7pm-8.30pm Grove and follow road to the Recreation Area. Farm to Coast 1 Join the rangers on a walk through native E B Beginners Guide to the Battle Hill Farm Forest Park to Queen bush, introducing the wonders of Wellington’s Fr Elizabeth Park temperate rainforest. Max 40 people. Rainforest 2 F Kaitoke Regional Park, Sun 7.45am-5pm $12pp *19707 Getting there: Follow SH2 and turn off at B Waterworks Rd entrance Fit and interested in the route less Waterworks Rd 12km north of Upper Hutt. Thurs 7pm-8.30pm E travelled? Join Greater Wellington and the Meet at Pakuratahi Forks carpark. See 7 Jan for event description. Parawai Tramping Club at Queen Elizabeth Park before bussing to Battle Hill. We head up through pine forest to the native bush 9 16 of Mt Wainui and the trig before dropping Nature Discovery Treasure Hunt ¯ ¯ Fr Rongoa MAori – MAori medicine into Whareroa Farm and back to Queen Kaitoke Regional Park, walk Fr Elizabeth Park. Max 30 people. For the Waterworks Rd entrance E Kaitoke Regional Park, fit only!Getting there: Enter Queen Sat 11am-12.30pm B Waterworks Rd entrance Elizabeth Park at MacKays Crossing off Fun family treasure hunt. Use clues Sat 10am-12.30pm E SH1 and meet at the ranger’s office. hidden in the forest to find the treasure. Go back in time to learn about rongoa – Not suitable for mountain buggies. the M ¯aori term for medicines produced Bring: Pen and a picnic lunch. from native plants. Max 25 people. 28 Getting there: See 7 Jan. Bring: Notepad, pen. Getting there: Kev the Wandering Kiwi Fr See 7 Jan. Belmont Regional Park, Oakleigh St Battle Hill Heli Tramp 1 Thurs 10.30am-12noon Battle Hill Farm Forest Park B D Maara Roa Loop walk Join Greater Wellington, Hutt City Council Sat 9am-2.30pm $99pp *19704 Belmont Regional Park, Fr M and Kev the Wandering Kiwi for a slightly M Take a chopper from Battle Hill up Takapu Rd entrance B harder walk as we visit the historic Transmission Gully. Enjoy a scenic tramp Sat 9.30am-12.30pm Korokoro Dam. Not suitable for mountain along the open ridge and through pine Enjoy a hilly hike around the Cannons Creek M buggies. Coffee courtesy of Caffe L’affare. forest back to Battle Hill. Max 30 people. restoration area with the Friends of Maara Getting there: Exit SH2 at Maungaraki, Getting there: Follow Paekakariki Hill Rd Roa guides, who will show you some for 6km from SH58 at Pauatahanui or from untracked bush and new plantings. go up Dowse Drive, turn left into Oakleigh St Grays Rd intersection with SH1 at Plimmerton. To book, phone Sylvia 04 237 4760. to park entrance. Getting there: Exit SH1 at Grenada North Beginners Guide to Owning a Pony 1 B and follow Takapu Rd to the end. Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKays Crossing Sat 11am-11.45am, 11.45am-12.30pm, 30 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2.15pm-3pm 17 Queen Elizabeth Park Nature Day Wainuiomata Water Walk $20pp *20317 Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKays Crossing Fr Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Fr Join the Stables on the Park team for an Sat 9.30am-2pm Sun 9am-2pm B introduction to riding and looking after B Learn what’s behind the beach at our See some of the best pre-European ponies. No experience necessary. Wear most popular regional park. Come on E lowland forest in the lower North Island E long pants and closed-in shoes with a heel. guided walks to explore its special bird in an easy 11km guided walk. Max 12 riders per session. For ages 5-15. life, plants and land forms. Sausage sizzle Max 50 people. Entry is by application, Getting there: Enter Queen Elizabeth Park at lunchtime. phone 04 526 5332 for information or at MacKays Crossing off SH1. Stables on the Getting there: See 24 January. Park is on the right opposite the ranger’s office. email [email protected]. Walks are See www.stablesonthepark.co.nz. held on Sundays, monthly from October to Glow Worm Grotto Fr June. Getting there: Take the main road Tunnel Gully Recreation Area south through Wainuiomata to Coast Rd, Sat 9pm-10pm B turn left onto Moores Valley Rd, right into Visit one of the area’s best glow worm 10 Whitcher Grove, go straight ahead to Reservoir colonies and learn about their lifecycle. E Giant Rata Journey Fr Rd and the main gates to meet the park ranger. Bring: Torch and warm clothing. East Harbour Regional Park Max 40 people. Getting there: Take Sun 9am-3pm B Paws in the Park SH2 and turn right at the Te Marua Store Join local group MIRO on a guided off-track Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Fr (6km north of Upper Hutt) onto Plateau Rd, tramp from Days Bay to Eastbourne. Visit G Sun 11am-2pm D follow to the end of Tunnel Gully where the biggest rata in the park and learn about Walkies! Bring your dog and explore the rangers will meet you. their quest to protect this magnificent forest beautiful podocarp forest along Tane’s Track. E from predators. Not suitable for under 12s. Then it’s back to the picnic area for Bu Max 30 people. Getting there: Exit SH2 at obedience displays and games with your dog. Petone and follow the Esplanade, Waione St Bring: Plastic bags for your dog’s poop. and Seaview Rd to Williams Park at Days Bay. Getting there: See 7 Jan. JAN 30-31 14 27 Fr Hutt Valley Gliding Club Open B Wainuiomata Water Walk Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing 1 Fr Weekend Wainuiomata Water Collection Area B Hutt River Trail, Belmont Hall Pakuratahi Forest Sun 9am-2pm Sat 8am-12noon, 1pm-5pm B Sat-Sun 9.30am-10.30am, 10.30am-11.30am, See 17 Jan for event description. E “The best thing in New Zealand I’ve ever 1.30pm-2.30pm, 2.30pm-3.30pm, done.” Members of Hutt Valley Angling 3.30pm-4.30pm $100pp *19709 Club guide you on tackle, knots and Ever wanted to soar like a bird? Enjoy 17 different fishing techniques. Then a mentor Kaitoke Basin’s scenery from the air with Back of the Bay Forest walk helps you give it a go. Max 20 people per a qualified instructor as you feel the East Harbour Regional Park Fr session. Bring: Gumboots or wading shoes, exhilaration of free flight. Have a go yourself Wed 6.30pm-8.30pm B sunglasses. Rods and other gear will be or just take in the scenery. Max 2 people per Join the ranger on a walk through the supplied if you don’t have your own. session. Getting there: Turn right from lovely native coastal forest of Lowry Bay. M Getting there: Turn right onto Carter St SH2 for the road to the Rimutaka Rail Trail. Learn about local forest ecosystems and from SH2, then left onto Norfolk St to meet The signposted airstrip is to your right. enjoy stunning evening harbour views. at the Belmont Scout Hall. Max 35 people. Getting there: Turn right from Marine Parade onto Cheviot Rd, Gollans Valley Adventure 31 The Akatarawa Attack entrance at the end of the road. East Harbour Regional Park Fr Akatarawa Forest Sat 8am-4pm Sun 8.30am and 12.30pm Entry fees apply Explore the off-track heart of the park B A mountain bike orienteering adventure 20 in a guided tramp. We go up the steep G Kereru Track before dropping down into in the Akatarawa forest. The Kapiti Great Gravel Grab Fr See http://akattack.rhizome.net.nz. SH1, Otaki Gollans Stream, following the valley to Sat 10am-2pm Butterfly Creek and back to the start via Help prevent flooding on the Kapiti Coast! the Kowhai Track. Must be able to walk Join Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection off-track for 6 hours. Max 30 people. FEBRUARY team on the banks of the Otaki River Getting there: See 10 Jan. and take river stones for your garden. Bring: Trailer and shovel. Getting there: 4 Sport Wellington Buggy Walk Turn left off SH1 immediately north of Queen Elizabeth Park, Fr Otaki Bridge and follow the signs. 28 MacKays Crossing M Bike the Trail Thurs 10.30am-12noon Three Cities Crossing B Hutt River Trail Fr Bu Belmont Regional Park, Coastal walk looping onto the inland track. Sun 9am start E See www.buggywalk.co.nz. Takapu Road entrance G Bring the whanau for an easy, flat scenic Sat 9.30am-1pm bike ride down the Hutt River Trail to Hikoikoi From Wellington to Hutt to Porirua in Reserve, Petone. Try the 2½ hour ride from 3½ hours on foot! This hilly hike with the 7 Waitangi Weekend History Walk Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt or the 1-hour Fr Friends of Maara Roa guides will surprise Battle Hill Farm Forest Park ride from Stokes Valley. Free return transport you with great views and a big vision. Sun 10am-12noon B available from 11am-1pm. Under 14s must To book, phone Sylvia 04 237 4760. Learn how Battle Hill got its name! Join us be accompanied by an adult aged over 18 G Getting there: See 16 Jan. for a guided walk up along the ridge trail (1 adult to 3 children). All cyclists must wear highlighting Te Rangihaeata’s stand against an approved cycle helmet. BBQ afterwards at government troops. Getting there: See 9 Jan. Hikoikoi Reserve with live music, giveaways 21 and fun for the whole family. Lighthouse and Lakes 1 B More information: www.bikethetrail.co.nz East Harbour Regional Park 13 The Hutt Great Gravel Grab Fr or contact Leisure Active 04 560 0307. Hutt River Trail, Moonshine Park Sun 9am-4pm $14pp *19719 G Join wetland specialist George Gibbs and Sat 10am-2pm Belmont Regional Park Open Day discover our rich ecological and maritime Help prevent flooding in the Hutt Valley! Belmont Regional Park, Fr Join Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection history on a walk around Parangarahu Lakes Hill Road entrance team on the Hutt River and take some stones Area (Pencarrow). Two very steep uphill Sun 10am-3pm for your garden. Bring: Trailer and shovel. sections, with stunning vistas over Wellington Based at the old shearers’ quarters, this is an Getting there: Enter park off Moonshine Rd. Harbour and Cook Strait. Learn more about excellent opportunity to experience the the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse. Max 45 park’s splendid hilltops. FREE attractions 4WD Sunset Tour 2 B people. Getting there: Drive through include rides with 4WDers, introductory Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Eastbourne to Burdans Gate car park at the orienteering, various-grade mountain-biking, Sat 6pm-9.30pm $5pp *19713 end of Muritai Road. Bus provided at informative walks on botany, ecology, See 13 Jan for event description. beginning and end of walk. history and geology, and a longer walk Rimutaka Rail Trail 2 with a tramping club. Sausage sizzle and B Battle Hill Heli Tramp 2 Pakuratahi Forest B drinks available. For the full programme Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Sat 9am-5.30pm M see www.gw.govt.nz/events. How to get Sun 9am-2.30pm $99pp *19716 M Adults $27, under 14s $12 *19717 there: Turn off SH2 onto Grounsell Crescent See 9 Jan for event description. See 23 Jan for event description. which links onto Hill Road. The road to the shearers’ quarters will be open for the day.

14 Take A Kid Tramping B 25 Wainuiomata Water Walk Fr Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Rd Harakeke – Flax Weaving on the B Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Sun 9.30am-3pm $20 per adult and Coast Sun 9am-2pm B youth (10 years +), $5 per additional Queen Elizabeth Park, Tilley Road See 17 Jan for event description. youth, max 2 youths per adult *20319 Thurs 6pm-9pm $10pp *19715 E Help your child discover the outdoors while Take a trip into the past world of M ¯aori learning some essential safety skills such as weavers. Learn how to harvest, prepare and map reading, river crossing and trip planning. weave flax. Materials provided. Sausage Max 20 adults. Getting there: Follow SH2 sizzle to follow. Max 50 people. Getting and turn left at Waterworks Rd 12km north there: Take SH1 to Paekakariki, take a right of Upper Hutt. Meet the ranger at the park’s onto Wellington Rd, take a second right campground. Be in to win a tramping (Cecil Rd) onto Tilley Rd. The Weaving Club pack courtesy of Dwights Outdoors. is at the end of road.

Creek to Peak Belmont Regional Park, Dry Creek entrance Fr Sun 10am-2pm PROGRAMME KEY Explore the natural life and landscape of B Easy Dry Creek and Boulder Hill with ecologist G Moderate Good Mary McIntyre from the Friends of Belmont E fitness M fitness G fitness F Fit only Regional Park. Max 35 people. Getting Buggy Dog there: The Dry Creek entrance is near the Bu Bookings friendly D friendly essential Free event Spot prizes intersection of SH58 (Haywards Hill Rd) B Fr and SH2, or a 10 minute walk from * Payment code – this code is required when you pay for this event Manor Park Station. Background photo ©mychillybin.co.nz/Briar Coleman 14 21 Mt Climie 4WD Trip B Farm to Coast 2 B MARCH Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Battle Hill Farm Forest Park to Fr Sun 10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm Queen Elizabeth Park F 4 M $5pp or $15 for families of 4 (2 adults, Sun 7.45am-5pm $12pp *19720 Sport Wellington Buggy Walk 2 under 15s) *19876 See 24 Jan for event description. Kaitoke Regional Park, Bu Join us on one of four guided 4WD trips Waterworks Rd entrance to the top of Mt Climie with views to the Lighthouse and Lakes 2 B Thurs 10.30am-12noon Wairarapa and Hutt Valley. No private East Harbour Regional Park Pakuratahi River walk. vehicles allowed. Max of 25 people per Sun 9am-4pm $14pp *19722 G See www.buggywalk.co.nz. trip. Getting there: See 7 Jan. See 21 Feb for event description.

6 Chrystalls Bend lagoon walk SH1, Otaki Fr Karapoti Classic 27 Sun 9.30am-11.30am Akatarawa Forest E The Real Cannons Creek B Join the Friends of Otaki River and the Greater Sat, from 10am Entry fees apply Belmont Regional Park, Wellington River Ranger to learn more about Based in the rugged and remote Cannons Creek entrance E this hidden gem on the Kapiti Coast. Getting Sat 10am-12noon Akatarawa Ranges, 10km north of there: Turn left after Otaki Rd Bridge, meet at Follow the course of the stream with the Upper Hutt, the event boasts spectacular the Greater Wellington depot. Friends of Maara Roa guides, hear its history scenery and the biggest prize purse of and view the human impact from M ¯aori any mountain bike race in the country. “Human Birds” – a three step times to today. Harakeke (flax weaving) See www.karapoti.co.nz. B Forest restoration event demonstration, bush restoration. Suitable for Belmont Regional Park, M Bush Block Mgmt 101 families. To book, phone Sylvia 04 237 4760. Cannons Creek entrance Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Fr Getting there: See 14 March. Sun 9.30am-12.30pm Sat 9am-12noon B Help spread the good seed of our forests – Find out more about looking after your bush 4WD Back Country Akatarawa B just like the birds. Today we learn how to Akatarawa Forest block. You’ll hear about restoration planting, collect and prepare seeds of native trees, Sat 9am-12noon, 1.30pm-4.30pm pest management and the role of livestock on 28 March we make seedballs then in $20 per vehicle *19723 before checking out examples around the May/June we throw the seedballs. Instruction Bring your vehicle and join the Cross- park. Getting there: See 9 Jan. from Friends of Maara Roa and Kiwi Country Vehicle Club for a tag-along trip Conservation Club. To book, phone Sylvia through Akatarawa Forest. The morning 7 on 04 237 4760. Bring: Secateurs, clip-top session departs from Totara Park, finishing plastic bags, labels, pen. Participants need to at Maungakotukutuku Gate. The 1.30pm Explore Wairarapa Moana B attend all three steps. How to get there: session is in reverse. Max 30 vehicles per Lake Wairarapa session. Getting there: Morning session – Sun 11am-4.30pm $19pp *20320 Exit SH1 at Mungavin Interchange, Porirua turn off at Totara Park (SH2), turn left The other “eye of Maui’s fish”, Wairarapa city, and follow Champion St to the immediately after crossing the bridge. Moana includes the North Island’s second Cannons Creek entrance next to the shops. Afternoon session – turn right after MacKays largest lake and nationally significant Wainuiomata Water Walk Crossing onto Waterfall Rd, turn into wetlands. Join Greater Wellington, Fr Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Maungakotukutuku Rd and meet at the end. Department of Conservation and local iwi Sun 9am-2pm E B for a guided bus trip to explore its unique See 17 Jan for event description. history and environment. Stops include Boggy Pond, Onoke Spit and the Barrage Gates. Lunch will be at Kohunui marae – byo lunch. 20 28 Max 45 people. How to get there: Catch Kapiti Coast Beginners Guide Walk the Trail Fr the Wairarapa train to Featherston. From to Fly Fishing Hutt River Trail, Trentham Memorial Park SH1, Otaki Fr Sun 10am start SH2 (south) turn left onto Wakefield St, E Sat 8am-12noon, 1pm-5pm A fun, family-friendly 5km walk along the scenic right on Bell St, left on Johnston St. Meet B Members of Kapiti Fly fishing Angling Club Hutt River Trail from Trentham Memorial Park at Featherston Railway Station. will guide you on tackle, knots and different to Stokes Valley. A return 10km option available. fishing techniques. Then a mentor will help FREE return transport back to Trentham 13 you give it a go. Max 20 people per Memorial Park. See www.leisureactive.co.nz. session. Bring: Gumboots or wading shoes, Old Coach Road History Trail Belmont Regional Park B sunglasses. Rods and other gear will be Mt Lowry Challenge Sat 10am-2.30pm $19pp *19708 supplied if you don’t have your own. East Harbour Regional Park E Sun, registration from 7.30am Join the Friends of Belmont Regional Park Getting there: See 14 March. Entry fees apply on a historical walk along the first road Take on Wellington’s premier mountain run. between the Hutt Valley and Porirua. Ridge Track Adventure B Kaitoke Regional Park, Leaving from Days Bay, Eastbourne, it’s a Passing many WWII ammunition bunkers, Waterworks Rd entrance M 12.75km run or walk that challenges different you’ll get great views of the Hutt Valley Sat 10am-3pm $7pp *19721 fitness levels. Rising from sea level to 350 and Porirua Harbour. Max 50 people. This 9km walk through regenerating bush metres, you’ll get great views of Wellington Getting there: Meet at Melling Railway and mature beech forest gives panoramic Harbour. See www.paardekooper.co.nz. Station carpark for the bus ride to Old views of the Hutt Valley and Tararuas. We Coach Rd. Return transport provided. bus from the information kiosk back to the Grand Traverse

start of the Ridge Track at Te Marua. Battle Hill, Belmont Regional Park, Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing 2 Fr Max 35 people. Getting there: Turn off Whitireia Park Hutt River Trail, Belmont Hall Sun 7am start Entry fees apply Sat 8am-12noon, 1pm-5pm SH2 at Waterworks Rd (second entrance), B Challenge yourself in the region’s latest See 27 Feb for event description. 12km north of Upper Hutt. Drive to the info kiosk 500m inside the park entrance multisport event by mountain biking, running to meet the ranger. and kayaking your way around Porirua’s iconic waterways and high country. The route includes popular public parks and hidden gems, 13-14 21 including private land you’d never see outside Have-A-Go Orienteering this event. See www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz. The Big Coast Belmont Regional Park, Stratton St entrance Rimutaka Rail Trail and East Harbour Sun, registration from 10.30am-1pm Regional Park Entry fees apply Sat-Sun Entry fees apply Orienteering is all about using a map and sometimes 1 APRIL A family-friendly two-day mountain bike a compass to navigate courses. Join Orienteering Sport Wellington Buggy Walk ride. Recall a bygone era on the Rimutaka Fr M Hutt Valley and try courses for beginners, family Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Rail Trail then camp overnight next to Lake groups and experienced orienteers. For more Thurs 10.30am-12noon Bu Wairarapa. Enjoy a spectacular journey round information go to www.mapsport.co.nz/hvoc/hvoc. Wetlands walk. See www.buggywalk.co.nz. the South Coast to Eastbourne on day two. No dogs please. How to get there: Exit See www.bigcoast.co.nz. SH2 at Maungaraki, go up Dowse Drive and turn left into Stratton St. Follow the signs into the park. Meet at the woolshed. For the full events programme, see WWW.GW.GOVT.NZ/EVENTS