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Nikki Scott Virtually on Track Project Leader Sport Bay of Plenty |
The Bay of Plenty region is rich with beautiful parks, spaces and reserves – and locals are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing scenery and getting outdoors.
Within just a couple of hours drive there are gorgeous white sand beaches stretching from the secluded Orokawa Bay, north of Waihi Beach, to sunny Opotiki in the east. There's numerous stunning lakes nestled around Rotorua and luscious native bush and unique forests including Whakarewarewa, Otanewainuku and Motu; plus regional parks that all boast their own uniqueness, like Papamoa Hills and Ohiwa Harbour. It's all here right on our doorstep.
As well as endless opportunities and activities to take part in recreation in your own time, adventure sport and recreation events are booming in the Bay. While adventure races and multisport events are gaining popularity, so are trail running and mountain biking. With world-class trails so close to home, and spectacular scenery, locals are spoilt for selection when it comes to weekend events to get involved in.
April is a busy month with an array of adventure events on offer. The Beyond Adventure Racing Beginner Biathlon at TECT All Terrain Park on April 5th features a 5km trail run and 6km mountain bike; a great event to ignite your multisport passion. The Tauranga Mountain Bike Club is hosting the XC Eliminator event on the 6th April at Summerhill Recreational Trails. Four riders, one 5min lap, fastest riders advance until a winner is found.
The 14th annual Earthwise Kaimai Classic multisport event will be held at McLaren Falls Park in the lower Kaimai Ranges on April 27. This year offers three trail running distances of 5km, 10km and 15km.
Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua has a number of events next month; just a couple to highlight are Xterra Rotorua Festival on April 12 and the 24-hour mountain biking N-duro event on April 25. Through either of these events, social and competitive riders will enjoy some of the best trails in New Zealand.
If you are thinking about taking part in an adventure race, and you have a bit of time to train, the Gravity six-hour Adventure Race in Kawerau on June 7 or the Manawahe Eco Trust six-hour Adventure Race in Whakatane on July 26 are great options. Both of these events cater for social and competitive participants and team options.
For more information about events available across the region, check out www.sportbop.co.nz or event websites.