Whanganui Midweek

Fashion your own summer challenge

- David Scoullar

With most regular events cancelled this summer — the Whanganui Summer Programme is a notable exception — there’s the chance to discover, rediscover and enjoy the many walking, cycling and exploring opportunit­ies which we have on offer in our district.

It is a chance to have your own summer challenge to taste as many as possible.

In the city or nearby are numerous walks ranging from easy to challengin­g. Start with easy options, such as Rotokawau (Virginia Lake), Rotomokoia (Westmere Lake), Gordon Park, Bason Botanic Gardens, Hylton Park, Bushy Park Tarapuruhu­i, Durie Hill Tower walk, Bastia Hill water tower, round the bridges, riverbank walkways, urban walkways and the inner city heritage walk.

In the intermedia­te level is the Westmere Walkway which can be expanded to take in Matipo Park. The Atene Skyline Track falls into the hard category, though the viewpoint walk there is rated as intermedia­te. Also hard, if you do the full loop, are the Waitahinga Trails, but there are shorter walks available there, too.

Our beautiful beaches also provide easy to harder options at Castleclif­f, South Beach and Kai Iwi.

Mountain biking is available at the Springvale pump track, Hylton Park, Araheke mountain bike park, riverside shared pathways and That Place (payment needed).

Don’t get down about what you’re missing, get out and do it!

For more informatio­n ask the i-SITE or go to discoverwh­anganui.nz.

 ?? Photo / Supplied ?? The Hug Tree gets a lot of attention on the Waitahinga Trails.
Photo / Supplied The Hug Tree gets a lot of attention on the Waitahinga Trails.

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