Programme Details

Follow the Wellington Regional Council www.gw.govt.nz/summerevents PROGRAMME DETAILS

ESCAPE WITH US THIS SUMMER… Join us and explore the regional parks and forests on your doorstep with the Regional Council’s Great Outdoors Summer Events programme. We offer more than 40 events, set in some of our most spectacular landscapes and hosted by local experts.

Nearly all events are easy to get to, most being within just one hour’s drive of Wellington city.

BOOKINGS Most events are free. You must book ahead for events with maximum numbers. These are identified in the programme with a B symbol.

You can register your booking online at www.gw.govt.nz/eventbookings or contact the booking officer at [email protected] or 04 830 4041, letting us know what events you would like to book on, how many people and your contact details.

PAYMENT For paid events, payment must be made to confirm your enrolment within 5 working days of making your booking.

• To pay via internet banking, email or phone the booking officer for instructions. • To pay by eftpos, cheque or cash visit Greater Wellington Regional Council, Shed 39, 2 Fryatt Quay, Wellington (8am-5pm) or 1056 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt (8am-4.30pm).

PROGRAMME KEY

Booking Easy Dog B essential E fitness D friendly

Moderate Free M Wet foot Fr event fitness Wf crossing

Public transport Good Buggy PT available G fitness friendly Accessible with PW Parks Week F Fit only help from a friend

Complimentary coffee by Caffe L’affare S Spot prizes

2 For specific event information, see the Event Details section or www.gw.govt.nz/summerevents

Sat&Sun Tramways Kids Weekend Wed Pony Ride at Stables on the Park 2&3 11am-4.30pm 6 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Queen Elizabeth Park Queen Elizabeth Park Thu Kev the Kiwi does Camp games Thu Belmont Sunset Tour 1 7 10.30am-12noon 7 6pm-9.30pm Wainuiomata Recreation Area Belmont Regional Park Sat Nature Discovery Treasure Hunt Sun West Branch Wander 9 11am-12.30pm 10 9.30am-2pm Kaitoke Regional Park Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Wed Rainforest and Rivendell Thu Kev the Kiwi goes for a Buggy Walk 13 7pm-8.30pm 14 10.30am-12pm Kaitoke Regional Park Kaitoke Regional Park Sat Beasties, Bush and Bugs Sat Explore Baring Head 16 10am-12noon 16 9.30am-12.30am or 9.30am-3pm Battle Hill Farm Forest Park East Harbour Regional Park Sun Paws in the Park summer series Sun Old Coach Road History Trail 17 10am start 17 10am-2.30pm Pakuratahi Forest Belmont Regional Park Thu Kev the Wheeling Kiwi Sat Ian Priest Memorial Run 21 10.30am-12noon 23 Times vary Harcourt Park, Hutt River Trail Pakuratahi Forest, Hutt River Trail Sat Te Ara o Whareroa trail official opening Sun Night Time Mysteries 23 10am-2pm 24 8.30pm-10.30pm Queen Elizabeth Park Wainuiomata Water Catchment Thu Kev the Kiwi at the Seaside Thu Back of the Bay Forest Walk 28 10.30am-12noon 28 6.30pm-8.30pm McEwan Park Petone East Harbour Regional Park Sat Explore Chrystalls Bend Sat Pencarrow Coast Bike Ride 30 9.30am-11.30am 30 10am-1pm Ötaki River East Harbour Regional Park Sat Eat Drink and be Crafty Sun Paws in the Park summer series 30 10am-4pm 31 10am start Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Otaihanga Domain , Käpiti Sun Akatarawa Attack 31 8.30am start Akatarawa Forest Thu Sport Wellington Buggy Walk Sun Mt Climie 4WD Trips 4 10.30am-12noon 7 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm Poets Park, Hutt River Trail Pakuratahi Forest, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Sat Lighthouse and Lakes Sat Hutt Gravel Grab 13 9am-3.30pm 13 10am-2pm East Harbour Regional Park Hutt River Trail, Moonshine Park Sat Belmont Sunset Tour 2 Sun Paws in the Park summer series 13 6pm-9.30pm 14 10am start Belmont Regional Park Wainuiomata Recreation Area, Richard Prouse Park Sun Maara Roa Traverse Sat Cycle the Rimutaka Rail Trail 14 9am-12noon 20 Meet 11am Belmont Regional Park Kaitoke, Pakuratahi Forest Sun Child Versus Wild Sun Mt Wainui Heli Tramp 21 9.30am-2.30pm 21 9.30am-3pm Kaitoke Regional Park Queen Elizabeth Park Sat Redwood Ramble Sat Sea Week – Explore Whitireia Coast 27 10am-2pm 27 Snorkelling event Akatarawa Forest 10am-2pm Whitireia Park Sat Bike the Trail 28 10am start Hutt River Trail, Harcourt Park or Stokes Valley

Thu Sport Wellington Buggy Walk Sat Rimutaka Rail Trail 3 10.30am -12noon 5 9am-5.30pm Queen Elizabeth Park Pakuratahi Forest Sat Käpiti Gravel Grab Sat Karapoti Classic 5 10am-2pm 5 From 10am Ötaki River Akatarawa Forest Sun Discover Butterfly Creek Sun Ko te awa, te mätäpuna o te ora: 6 9.30am-2.30pm 6 Mai te maunga, tae atu ki te takutai moana East Harbour Regional Park 10.30am start Ötaki River Sat Cycling amongst Giants Sat&Sun Kapiti Aeromodellers’ Annual Rally 12 9am-12noon 12& 10am start Wainuiomata Water Collection Area 13 Queen Elizabeth Park Sun Valley Views and Hill Tops Sun Belmont Mountain Biking Open Day 13 9am-12pm 13 10am-2pm Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Belmont Regional Park Sat Whitireia Social Bike Ride Sat Norbett Creek 19 Meeting 9.30am 19 9.45am-2pm Whitireia Park Kaitoke Regional Park Sat Fidgety Fish Sun Akatarawa 4WD Tour 19 7.40pm-9pm 20 9am-2pm Queen Elizabeth Park Akatarawa Forest Sun Little Sprouts Easter Country Fair 20 10am-2pm Battle Hill Farm Forest Park EVENT DETAILS Events in date order. For more information, see www.gw.govt.nz/summerevents

TRAMWAYS KIDS WEEKEND Fr Queen Elizabeth Park Sat-Sun 2-3 January 11am-4.30pm www.wellingtontrams.org.nz Join the Wellington Tramways Museum for a fun weekend, both for big and little kids, with heritage tram rides, a bouncy castle, model railway and trams on display.

PONY RIDE AT STABLES ON THE PARK B Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing Wednesday 6 January, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm $35pp. Experience the delight of riding a pony – you’ll feed, brush and tack your pony before taking a short trek into the park. Pre-schoolers’ to teens welcome (weight limit 80kg). To book: phone Mandy 0274 486764.

KEV THE KIWI DOES CAMP GAMES Fr E Wainuiomata Recreation Area Thursday 7 January 10.30am-12noon D Meet Kev the Kiwi and explore the Gums Loop track. Traditional camp games to PT follow. Getting there: Follow the main road through Wainuiomata. Turn left at the roundabout into Moores Valley Road, right into Whitcher Grove and follow this to the Recreation Area. S

BELMONT SUNSET TOUR 1 B Belmont Regional Park, Stratton Street entrance Thursday 7 January 6pm-9.30pm, M Event repeated Saturday 13 February $5pp. Max 30 people. Team up with the Cross-Country Vehicle Club for a 4WD trip on the tops of Belmont Regional Park, culminating with sunset views over the Cook Strait.

NATURE DISCOVERY TREASURE HUNT Fr Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Rd entrance Saturday 9 January 11am-12.30pm E Bring: A pen D Fun for the whole family. Use clues hidden in the forest to find the treasure. Bring a picnic lunch and swimming togs for afterwards. S Not suitable for mountain buggies. Getting there: Turn off SH2 12km north of Upper Hutt at Waterworks Road.

5 WEST BRANCH WANDER B Fr Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Sunday 10 January 9.30am-2pm M Max 30 people. PT Come for a guided walk off track among some of the region’s biggest and oldest native trees as we follow West Branch valley floor normally closed to public access. Wf Hear the spectacular birdsong of the Wainuiomata/Orongorongo Water Collection Area and learn about how GWRC and volunteers work to keep pest numbers down. S To book: phone 04 830 4406 or [email protected]

RAINFOREST AND RIVENDELL B Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Road entrance Wednesday 13 January 7pm-8.30pm Fr Max 30 people. E Join the Park Rangers on a guided walk to learn about our beautiful rainforest and visit the site of Rivendell where Lord of the Rings was filmed.

KEV THE KIWI GOES FOR A BUGGY WALK Fr M Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Road entrance Thursday 14 January 10.30am-12noon D Bring your elf ears and baby buggy as we take a stroll to Rivendell, where scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed, before looping back along the Pakuratahi River walk. Join us after the walk for games. Getting there: Turn off SH2 12kms north of Upper Hutt at Waterworks Road. S

EXPLORE BARING HEAD B East Harbour Regional Park, Baring Head/ Örua pouanui Saturday 16 January 9.30am-12.30pm or 9.30am-3pm Fr Max 30 people per trip. M Join Friends of Baring Head Trust and the Park Ranger and discover the unique landscape of Baring Head/ Örua pouanui. There are two options, a moderate walk to the Baring Head Lighthouse or a more physically demanding walk taking in the S whole 273ha block exploring all the interesting areas from the river to the marine terraces and beaches.

BEASTIES, BUSH AND BUGS B Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Saturday 16 January 10am-12noon Fr Ages 5+. Max 50 people. E Bring the family and learn more about the beasties, bush and bugs that live in our waterways and bush. Feed the tame eels and enjoy the lolly scramble to finish! S

6 PAWS IN THE PARK SUMMER SERIES Fr Pakuratahi Forest, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Sunday 17 January 10am start M www.gw.govt.nz/pawsinthepark Bring a picnic lunch and plastic bags for your dog’s poop. S Come for a walk with your dog and explore the beautiful podocarp and beech forest along Tane’s Track. Then it’s back to the picnic area for games with your dog. Getting there: Turn off SH2 onto Plateau Road at the Te Marua Store 6km north of Upper Hutt. Follow signs to Tunnel Gully Recreation Area.

OLD COACH ROAD HISTORY TRAIL B Belmont Regional Park Sunday 17 January 10am-2.30pm M $15 pp. Max 28 people. Join the Friends of Belmont Regional Park on a guided walk along the first road S between the Hutt Valley and Porirua. Passing many historical WWII ammunition bunkers, the route has fantastic views of the Hutt Valley and Porirua Harbour.

KEV THE WHEELING KIWI Fr E Hutt River Trail, Harcourt Park Thursday 21 January 10.30am-12pm Meet Kev the Kiwi and go wheeling along the Hutt River Trail followed by games D at the park. Bring a picnic, bikes and buggies. Open to all abilities. Getting there: Turn left onto Akatarawa Rd off SH2, 3km north of Upper Hutt, turn left at Norbert St. S

IAN PRIEST MEMORIAL RUN B Pakuratahi Forest, Hutt River Trail Saturday 23 January Times vary www.sportsground.co.nz/auroraharriers Run or walk an off-road marathon, half marathon or 10km, following the course of the Hutt River Trail from the foothills of the Rimutaka Range to the shores of Wellington Harbour.

TE ARA O WHAREROA TRAIL OFFICIAL OPENING Fr Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing Saturday 23 January 10am-2pm E It’s grand opening time for the new cycling and walking trail between Paekäkäriki and Raumati South. Following the formalities, enjoy food, music and activities for S the family. Dust off your bike and check out Te Ara o Whareroa event page on Facebook for more information!

7 NIGHT TIME MYSTERIES B Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Sunday 24 January 8.30pm-10.30pm Fr Max 30 people. M Listen to the evening birdsong as we follow the road through some of the oldest trees in Wellington in an area not normally open to the public. Listen out for kiwi Wf and ruru (moreporks) as night falls. Visit the access tunnel and count the glow worms nestled down the tunnel. To book: phone 04 830 4406 or [email protected]

KEV THE KIWI GOES TO THE SEA SIDE Fr McEwan Park, Petone E Thursday 28 January 10.30am-12pm Kev the Kiwi is checking out the Petone beachfront. Take a stroll along the foreshore or decorate a sandcastle with the many shells scattered along the beach. Enjoy a fun morning out with the whole family. Getting there: From Waione St, turn into Kirkcaldy St and onto Marine Parade.

BACK OF THE BAY FOREST WALK B Fr East Harbour Regional Park, Lowry Bay Thursday 28 January 6.30pm-8.30pm. M PT Max 35 people. Come on an evening walk with the Park Ranger up through lovely coastal forest S behind Lowry Bay. Enjoy stunning evening views of Wellington Harbour.

EXPLORE CHRYSTALLS BEND Fr Ötaki River E Saturday 30 January 9.30am-11.30am Join the Friends of Ötaki River and the River Ranger to learn more about this hidden gem on the Käpiti Coast. Getting there: Turn left off SH1 after Ötaki Bridge. Meet at the GWRC depot. D

EAT DRINK AND BE CRAFTY Fr Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Saturday 30 January 10am-4pm www.eatdrinkcrafty.co.nz Enjoy more than 100 stalls with delicious food and fabulous crafts. Awesome games for kids of all ages.

PENCARROW COAST BIKE RIDE B East Harbour Regional Park, Burdans Gate entrance Saturday 30 January 10am-1pm M $20/adult, $9 under 14. Max 40 people. Adventure south on your bike from Eastbourne 13.5kms past the Pencarrow S lighthouse to Baring Head/ Örua pouanui. Throw your bike on the truck and grab a bus back to your car. Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels.

8 PAWS IN THE PARK SUMMER SERIES Fr Otaihanga Domain, Käpiti Coast E Sunday 31 January 10am start www.gw.govt.nz/pawsinthepark D Bring: A lead, picnic lunch and plastic bags for your dog’s poop. Walkies! Bring your dog for a walk along the beautiful Waikanae River then back to the Domain for games. How to get there: From SH1, turn onto Otaihanga Road, right onto Makora Road. S

AKATARAWA ATTACK B Akatarawa Forest Sunday 31 January 8.30am start www.akattack.org.nz A mountain bike rogaine set in the rugged wilds of the Akatarawa forest. A full day's challenge for any keen mountain biker. Your chance to ride a variety of tracks from 4WD to single track at your own pace. It’s a mountain bike race with a difference!

9 SPORT WELLINGTON BUGGY WALK Fr M Hutt River Trail, Poets Park D Thursday 4 February 10.30am-12noon www.buggywalk.co.nz Take a wander along the Hutt River Trail into Trentham Memorial Park and the S beautiful Bartons Bush before returning along the stop bank. Getting there: Heading north SH2, turn left after Moonshine Bridge.

MT CLIMIE 4WD TRIP B Pakuratahi Forest, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area Sunday 7 February 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm E $5pp. Max 25 people per trip. Join the Cross-Country Vehicle Club on one of three guided 4WD trips to the top of Mt Climie, with its fabulous views of the Wairarapa and Hutt Valley. No private vehicles.

LIGHTHOUSE AND LAKES B East Harbour Regional Park, Burdans Gate entrance Saturday 13 February 9am-3.30pm G $11pp. Max 45 people. Join wetland specialist George Gibbs and enthusiasts from the Mainland Island S Restoration Operation (MIRO) to discover our rich history on a walk through the beautiful Parangarahu Lakes area. See stunning views of Wellington Harbour and learn more about the history of Pencarrow lighthouse.

HUTT GRAVEL GRAB Fr Hutt River Trail, Moonshine Park Saturday 13 February 10am-2pm Bring: Trailer and shovel. Help prevent flooding in the Hutt Valley. Join GWRC’s Flood Protection team on the Hutt River and take some stones for your garden. Getting there: Enter off Moonshine Road, Upper Hutt.

MAARA ROA TRAVERSE B Belmont Regional Park, Cannons Creek entrance Sunday 14 February 9am-12pm Fr Max 30 people. Meet the Park Ranger for a guided walk to a viewing point of the future M Transmission Gully Motorway route and find out how the new road is going to alter the park and provide for new opportunities within it. S

PAWS IN THE PARK SUMMER SERIES Fr Wainuiomata Recreation Area, Richard Prouse Park E Sunday 14 February 10am start www.gw.govt.nz/pawsinthepark D Bring: A picnic lunch, a lead and plastic bags for your dog’s poop. Walkies! Bring your dog and explore the Gum’s Loop Track. Then it’s back to the park for some games with your dog. How to get there: Follow the main road S through Wainuiomata. Turn left at Hine Road and meet at Richard Prouse Park.

10 CYCLE THE RIMUTAKA RAIL TRAIL B Pakuratahi Forest Saturday 20 February 11am Incline Road, Kaitoke M $25/adult, $9/under 14 for return shuttle from Cross Creek. Free for those with own transport. Max 80 people for return shuttles. Enjoy a long S (17km) but family-friendly bike ride along the historic Rimutaka Rail Trail. Learn the history of the Fell engine and enjoy a picnic at the summit, site of an old railway village. Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels.

MT WAINUI HELI TRAMP B Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing Sunday 21 February 9.30am-3pm F $100pp. Max 30 people. Take a chopper from Queen Elizabeth Park taking in the views of the future S Transmission Gully Motorway. Land on the far side of Mt Wainui before hiking up through pristine native bush to the trig then back down to Queen Elizabeth Park via Whareroa Farm.

CHILD VS WILD B Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Road Sunday 21 February 9.30am-2.30pm M $5pp. Max 30 children. Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Wf Bring the kids along and learn some basic bush craft skills including; how to read a map, build a fire, a bit about river safety and how to build a bivvie in the bush. Round it off with a toasted marshmallow by the river. S

REDWOOD RAMBLE B Akatarawa Forest, Totara Park Saturday 27 February 9am-1.30pm M $5pp. Max 30 people. Wf Hidden deep in the Akatarawa Forest in the Hukinga Valley is a stand of Redwood trees. Join us to discover their interesting history on a combined 4WD and short guided walk.

SEA WEEK – EXPLORE WHITIREIA COAST SNORKELLING EVENT B Whitireia Park, Thornley Street entrance Saturday 27 February 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm Fr Max 12 people per session. Join a snorkelling event to view the mesmerising marine life at Whitiriea Park. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must be able to swim 50 metres.

BIKE THE TRAIL B Hutt River Trail, Harcourt Park (25km) or Stokes Valley (10km) Sunday 28 February Sun 10am start Fr www.bikethetrail.co.nz Get family and friends on their bikes and join us for Bike the Trail. Enjoy an easy, S scenic bike ride down the Hutt River Trail from one of two locations to Hikoikoi Park, Petone. Cyclists will start at both points from 10am, and about 50 riders at a time will be set off every two-three minutes. Relax at the finish with spot prizes and a sausage sizzle.

11 SPORT WELLINGTON BUGGY WALK Fr Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing entrance Thursday 3 March 10.30am-12noon M www.buggywalk.co.nz Bring your buggy and check out the recently opened Te Ara o Whareroa trail before looping back along the Yankee trail. Bring bathing suits and swim nappies for the kids to cool off in the paddling pool provided by Käpiti Coast Aquatics. Getting there: Turn left off SH1 3km north of Paekäkäriki. S

KARAPOTI CLASSIC B Akatarawa Forest Saturday 5 March From 10am PW www.karapoti.co.nz The Karapoti Classic is the longest running mountain bike event in the Southern Hemisphere. Boasting spectacular scenery and the biggest prize purse of any mountain bike race in the country. Karapoti is on every mountain biker’s wish list.

RIMUTAKA RAIL TRAIL B M Pakuratahi Forest Saturday 5 March 9am-5.30pm PT $35/adult, $16/under 14. Max 45 people. PW 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 S bus, afternoon tea and museum entry.

KAˉ PITI GRAVEL GRAB Fr Ötaki River Saturday 5 March 10am-2pm PW Help prevent flooding on the Käpiti Coast. Join GWRC’s Flood Protection team on the Ötaki River and take some stones for your garden. Getting there: turn left off SH1 after the Ötaki Bridge and follow the signs.

DISCOVER BUTTERFLY CREEK Fr B East Harbour Regional Park Sunday 6 March 9am-3pm. G Wf Max 30 people. PW Join MIRO and the Park Ranger for a guided walk to the picnic area of Butterfly Creek before going off track along Gollan’s Stream. Learn more about the flora and S fauna of this beautiful area of the park and the restoration efforts involved.

KO TE AWA, TE MA¯ TA¯ PUNA O TE ORA: MAI TE MAUNGA, TAE ATU KI TE B TAKUTAI MOANA Ötaki River Fr Sunday 6 March Start 10.30am E The Otaki river is a tupuna (ancestor) and mauri (life force) of Ngäti Raukawa people. The awa has been long accessed as a rich source of food and rongoä PW (medicines). Come down to Chrystalls Bend where local practitioners from ONE Whare Rongoä will share stories and tikanga (customary practices) unique to this area. Bring a picnic for afterwards.

12 CYCLING AMONGST GIANTS B Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Saturday 12 March 9am-12noon Fr Max 30 people. M Come for a cruise on the access roads within the Wainuiomata Water Collection area passing lush forested areas with some trees from ancient times. Learn more PW about the role these magnificent gentle giants play with the water we drink today. Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels. To book: phone 04 830 4406 or S [email protected]

AERO MODELLERS ANNUAL RALLY Fr Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing entrance Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March 10am start PW www.kapitimodelflyers.org.nz Join the Kapiti Aeromodeller’s Club for their annual rally and watch the aero modellers in action! BBQ and refreshments available.

BELMONT MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB OPEN DAY Fr Belmont Regional Park, Stratton St entrance Sunday 13 March 10am-2pm PW Experience the fabulous new mountain bike trails in Belmont Regional Park with GWRC and the Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association (BAMBA). BAMBA will lead group rides on trails such as 4 Degrees, Bull Run, Borderline, New Big Weta and the Stream Track. Riding difficulty will range from Grade 2 / beginners through to Grade 3/4 intermediate/advanced. Tell your friends about it! Getting there: exit SH2 at Maungaraki, go up Dowse Dr turn left into Straton St to meet at the carpark at the end.

VALLEY VIEWS AND HILL TOPS B G Battle Hill Farm Forest Park PW Sunday 13 March 9am-12noon Fr Max 30 people. Join the Park Ranger on this guided walk and find out the fascinating history of S how Battle Hill got its name before viewing where Transmission Gully Motorway will come through the park.

NORBETT CREEK B Fr Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Road entrance Saturday 19 March 9.45am-2pm F Wf Max 30 people. Join the Park Rangers on this little known steep track to climb through bush onto S the access road into the Hutt Water Collection Area. Enjoy wonderful views of the Kaitoke basin, Hutt Valley and Cook Strait.

13 WHITIREIA SOCIAL BIKE RIDE B Whitireia Park, Onepoto entrance Saturday 19 March meeting 9.30am Fr RSVP [email protected] Bring: Mountain bike, water, first aid and a basic bike kit. E Join “Amanda’s Social Beginner MTB group” for a fun, friendly ride suitable for beginners and casual riders. Getting there: turn right from Titahi Bay Road onto Onepoto Road.

FIDGETY FISH B Queen Elizabeth Park, Wellington Rd entrance Saturday 19 March 7.40pm-9pm Fr Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Max 30 people. E Bring: A torch. In the cool of night join GWRC experts as we find out what fish and other water life is in our streams and waterways. Watch staff electric fish before getting stream side and having a go at spot lighting fish.

AKATARAWA 4WD TOUR B Akatarawa Forest, Totara Park Sunday 20 March 9am-3pm E $5pp. Max 30 people. Book your seat in one of the Cross Country Vehicle club 4WD’s as we tour the Akatarawa Forest, a mix of native and plantation forestry. Lots of chances to stop for photos. Lunch stop will be at Orange Hut. No private vehicles allowed.

LITTLE SPROUTS EASTER COUNTRY FAIR Fr Battle Hill Farm Forest Park Sunday 20 March 10am-2pm www.littlesproutseastercountryfair.co.nz This fun-filled celebration of Easter and traditional Country Fair is an event everyone in the family will enjoy! Children of all ages will love the Easter scavenger hunt and Easter craft, special performances, animals, Clydesdale cart rides, air castles, vehicle zone, drive-a-digger, obstacle course, super heroes and much more. Enjoy the delicious traditional food, fresh produce, craft stalls, classic cars and entertainment.

14 The Grand Opening of TE ARa o WHaReRoA walking & cycling trail Get involved - music, food stalls, dr ess up your bike competition and more!

Saturday 23 January 2016 Queen Elizabeth Park, Mackays Crossing, Kāpiti Opening ceremony 10-11am • Festival 11-2pm www.gw.govt.nz/summerevents

15 What to bring Weather conditions can change quickly. 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, warm hat and gloves. Always take a sun hat and sunscreen. The parks contain fresh air – please be smokefree.

Visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz to get tips, advice and links to help keep you safe in the great outdoors.

Cancellations Cancellations can be heard on the Breeze (94.1FM) after 7.30am the morning of the event. Cancellation messages will also be left on the booking officer’s phone. An administration fee will apply to all refunds, other than events which are cancelled. No refunds for non-attendance.

Public transport PT Plan your trip by phoning Metlink on 0800 801 700 or see www.metlink.org.nz and use the online journey planner. Look for the “PT” symbol for events which are accessible by public transport.