Locals are encouraged to get out and explore nature for Get Outdoors Week, which runs through to Sunday (November 28). 

Get Outdoors Week is led by Recreation Aotearoa in collaboration with New Zealand’s leading recreation, tourism and safety organisations, and the Game Animal Council (GAC) says the annual celebration is a reminder to explore and harvest from nature this summer.

“Get Outdoors Week is about encouraging people into the outdoors and to enjoy all the health and wellbeing benefits that go along with active recreation,” GAC general manager Tim Gale said. 

“As a statutory organisation representing hunters, we know that for many people hunting, fishing and food gathering are a major part of their outdoor experience and we want to encourage others to enjoy those experiences also.”

Locals are spoilt for choice - Isthmus Peak is one of many great hikes around the Upper Clutha. 

Also in support of Get Outdoors Week, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand has donated a $500 voucher to the winner of the ‘Harvesting from Nature's Food Basket’ daily photo competition.

Recreation Aotearoa CEO Andrew Leslie said there were a variety of ways to get involved in Get Outdoors week, and recommended the Department of Conservation website as a good place to start. 

“You can filter searches by region to find something in your area. Some of these walks are popular well-known spots, but you can also find hidden gems or places you may not have been to before.”

To find a new outdoor activity in the Upper Clutha, locals can also check the Wānaka App’s ‘Things to do’ and ‘Places’ section for sports clubs, walking tracks, biking trails and more. 

Taking your kids to give the Northlake pump track a go is a simple way to take part.

Get Outdoors week is a good chance for outdoor activity operators to promote their businesses and share their passion for the outdoors with the wider community, Recreation Aotearoa outdoors programme manager Jen Riley 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 Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is also supporting Get Outdoors Week, with the expressed goal of making outdoor trips safer and easier. 

Find more information at the Get Outdoors Week website here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App