Wellingtonians encouraged to 'Get Healthy by Nature' through Parks Week

The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) is backing the Parks Week theme to 'Get healthy by nature' with a series of park-based events around the Wellington region between 2nd and 8th March.

Council Parks Manager Amanda Cox explains "it's a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy their regional parks, while getting some exercise as well."

A recent study co-sponsored by Wellington Regional Strategy Committee (which represents all the councils in the Wellington region) confirmed that activity costs New Zealand approximately $1.3 billion a year.

Cox adds "the cost to the Wellington region alone was $140 million. Finding fun ways to encourage people to use their parks is one way to overcome the problems associated with lack of exercise. That's what Parks Week aims to do."

Running from 2nd to 8th March, Parks Week events in the Wellington region include:

Saturday 2nd March
Karapoti Classic - Akatarawa Forest
Based in the rugged and remote Akatarawa Ranges north of Upper Hutt, the event boasts spectacular scenery and the biggest prize purse of any mountain bike race in the country.

Past, Present and Future - Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
Join the ranger for a guided walk around the park, checking out a proposed section of Transmission Gully, the unique history of Battle Hill and how it got its name. Bring a picnic and togs to enjoy after the walk at the campground and the swimming hole. No dogs please.

Sunday 3rd March
Pedalling in the Park - Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki
Bike rides in the park with options ranging from an easy 1 kilometre or 8km loop.

Thursday 7th March
Sport Wellington Buggy Walk - Kaitoke Regional Park
Take a buggy along the stunning Pakuratahi River walk and into Rivendell where scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed.

Parks Week coordinating body, The Parks Forum is the peak body for park management organisations in Australia and New Zealand.

For further information on Parks Week: Get Healthy by Nature go to www.parksforum.org/cms/pages/Parks-Week.html

1st March 2013 - NORTHERN TERRITORY BACKS PARKS WEEK 2013