9 Jun 2016

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Three new orienteering courses will be officially opened in Halswell Quarry Park this weekend.

The new courses are a joint initiative between Christchurch City Council park rangers and the Peninsula and Plains Orienteering (PAPO) group.

Council Regional Parks Manager Kay Holder said rangers and volunteers had spent the last month installing three permanent orienteering courses of varying levels of difficulty: Introductory (white), Easy (yellow) and Intermediate ( orange).

“There is something in there for all ages and we'd really encourage everyone to come out and give orienteering a go. It's a great family activity. These courses will be officially opened with a public event on Sunday 12 June, and permanent courses will be available to school groups or individuals at any time after this date.”

Port Hills Ranger Robbie Hewson said the last month had been a great collaborative experience.

“It's been a great project with PAPO and Council Park Rangers working together alongside other volunteers from the Halswell community including the local Scouts.”

Sunday’s official opening event would also raise money for some young club members going to compete at the Junior World Orientation Champs in Switzerland.

Maps for the courses will be available from the Te Hāpua Halswell Centre from mid June.

Three of Christchurch’s regional parks are home to permanent orienteering courses - The Groynes, Victoria Park and Spencer Park.

These ten courses are of varying lengths and levels of difficulty.

Find out more on orienteering in Christchurch parks.