NEWS RELEASE
12 December, 2002
Swingbridge walk launches Regional Outdoors
What better way to get over a busy Christmas than to bring the family on a free, nature discovery walk?
Greater Wellington – the Regional Council launches its Regional Outdoors programme of walks and events with a
swingbridge track family quiz/ nature discovery walk at Kaitoke Regional Park on 5 January 2003.
“The swingbridge track is an easy, one-hour walk through beautiful native forest. The track, which features a
swingbridge across a river, is suitable for all ages and abilities,” says Kaitoke Ranger Steve Edwards.
Kaitoke Regional Park was also the location used to film Rivendell in The Fellowship of the Ring. A display board shows
how an area of the park was transformed into the mythical home of the elves.
“Although the elves have left no footprints, it’s easy to see why Kaitoke was chosen to be Rivendell. It’s such a
magical place,” Steve says.
The swingbridge track walk begins at 11am from the Waterworks Road entrance to Kaitoke Regional Park. No bookings are
required. Bring a pen, warm clothes, drinking water, a sun hat – and maybe stay on for a picnic lunch.
The swingbridge walk is the first of over 30 events in regional parks and forests over the summer and most events are
free (some have a minimal cost to cover transport). Participants in previous years have said, “Brilliant, a great day,
well organised. Congratulations.”; “Excellent, will recommend this walk to anyone!”
Regional Council Landcare Committee chairman Chris Laidlaw says Regional Outdoors is a way of encouraging people to
visit the region’s parks and to learn more about their environments and cultural history.
A full listing of events is available in Elements, at visitor information centres and under events on www.gw.govt.nz.
ENDS