NEWS RELEASE
26 February 2008

The Stepping Out! walking season begins

This year’s Stepping Out! booklets are now in Feeling Great stands across the city, highlighting a whole host of walking activities that Wellington City Council is promoting throughout the month of March.

The Council’s Sport and Recreation Portfolio Leader Councillor John Morrison says walking is a great way to keep fit.

“Walking for just 30 minutes a day has dramatic health benefits. It reduces stress, is a low-cost way to keep fit and is a great way to get outside and explore the city. There is no better time to get into walking than during Stepping Out! month.”

Walking highlights for the month include a full-body workout, thanks to Nordic Walking, at Newtown Park on Sunday 2 March and at Mt Victoria on Sunday 9 March. Using specially designed walking poles, Nordic Walking will increase your heart rate and burn lots of calories – much more than from a regular walk.

If you are one of those people who lie awake at night wondering what happens to all of your rubbish when we take it away, now’s your chance to find out. Join Wellington Waste Awareness for a guided tour through Wellington’s landfill in Happy Valley on Saturday 8 March.

That same day, women who have never been hiking before can embark on Tender Foot – an overnight tramp with an overnight hut stay. The tramp will be on the Orongorongo track with lots of rest stops, beautiful scenery and plenty of hearty food.

At lunchtime on Wednesday 26 March, Waterfront Walk n’ Roll offers a walk for everyone, regardless of physical ability, to take in the sights surrounding the waterfront and meet people with similar interests.

A growing amount of prams seem to be appearing all over the city, so we have organised Power Pram, a meander through the bush tracks of Central Park on Sunday 30 March. The walk finishes up at the playground where you and your children can enjoy the swings, see saws and the fabulous flying fox.

There are also lots of self-guided walks profiled in the booklet, making it a useful companion for exploring the city’s many tracks and breathtaking sights all year round.

Full details of events and dates, who to contact, and if applicable, prices and booking details are in the Stepping Out! booklet available from the Council’s swimming pools, recreation centres and libraries.
The guide can also be found at www.feelinggreat.co.nz

ENDS

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