Things to do  |  24 Sep 2019

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Who let the dogs out and into the red zone?

Dogs’ Day Out in the Zone is one of the top three “must-do” events at The Breeze Walking Festival this year, along with The Generation Game and a treasure hunt on the Coastal Pathway.

Christchurch City Council Head of Community Support, Governance and Partnerships John Filsell says the festival walks offer great opportunities to discover new areas of the city and Banks Peninsula.

“It’s always interesting to see Christchurch from a fresh perspective,” Mr Filsell says.

“A walk in the red zone or around wetlands and along a coastal path all deepens our understanding of the local habitat and visiting a special place on foot is the best way to get up close.”

A special scamper for dogs and owners through the Richmond Community Gardens on Sunday, 29 September will celebrate the opening weekend of the annual festival.

You can treat your pooch and discover the red zone to your dog’s delight between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Take the lead and register your dog at 10.30am to join the guided walks at 11.30am. Free microchipping for Christchurch-registered dogs is also available, along with dog-related stalls and activities, and plenty of treats.

All the family can be part of The Generation Game in the Travis Wetland on Sunday, 6 October.

Enjoy a wander around the wetland loop in Burwood between 10am and 1pm as you tackle games and activities from across the decades. From great-grandparents to babies in buggies, all are welcome to make the most of their family ties.

Families can also search for treasure and learn about the sea habitat during a new event – Adventure on Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway – on Sunday, 13 October.

Set off from Scott Park in Ferrymead between 10am and 11am for the 6.5-kilometre one-way walk to Scarborough Park.

Join the treasure hunt while also learning about the ecology of coastal flora and fauna. Coastal activities wrap up by 2pm.

Festival programmes are available at Christchurch City Council libraries and Service Centres or online, with more than 50 walks on offer between 28 September and 13 October.