Discover the adventure and fun of orienteering

It’s orienteering time in Bottle Lake Forest Park this Sunday, with the choice of tackling the challenge on foot or by bike.

The annual Bottle Lake Forest Park Orienteering Day is a chance to navigate your way through selected sections of the 898 hectare forest while discovering the adventure and fun of orienteering.

Orienteering, often described as “cunning running”, is a sport the whole family can enjoy while experiencing the challenge and fun of tackling the ‘wilds’ with a map and water bottle, says Sarah Benton, Christchurch City Council Community Recreation Adviser.

Adventurers start the challenge of navigating a chosen course in the quickest time anytime from 10 am to noon with the event finishing at 2 pm. “You can enter as a group or as an individual and our courses are designed to accommodate beginners through to experts,” says Ms Benton.

Participants need to bring their own walking shoes or mountain bike and helmet along with a water bottle and a compass. Organisers provide the map of the course as well as complimentary fruit, water and sunscreen.

The event is held in partnership with the Peninsula and Plains Orienteers, who plan the courses through the forest and assist budding orienteers on the day. Members of Canterbury Mountain Bike Club will also be on site to provide practical tips for mountain bikers

After the challenge, you can have a family picnic and enjoy free face painting, bouncy castle, free Hellers sausage sizzle and spot prizes for the kids.

A follow on event will be held on Sunday 8 March at Bottle Lake Forest. For cancellations listen to Classic Hits or Newstalk ZB around 9am on the day.

The Bottle Lake Forest Park Orienteering Day is a Christchurch City Council initiative, supported by the Burwood/Pegasus Community Board, Peninsula and Plains Orienteers, Classic Hits 97.7FM and Canterbury Mountain Biking Club.

ENDS

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