Eastern Bay of Plenty gets Virtually On Track

The Eastern Bay of Plenty’s stunning backyard playground is about to get thrust into a new spotlight with a project called Virtually On Track.

Department of Conservation partnership ranger Steve Brightwell said Virtually on Track is an innovative joint venture partnership between DOC, Sport Bay of Plenty and Sport NZ which brings on-the-ground and on-line together as its supports residents and visitors alike to discover, explore and connect with eight Bay of Plenty recreational gems.

“This region is rich with beautiful parks, spaces and reserves,” Mr Brightwell said.

“Virtually on Track is designed to connect these natural resources with regular recreation activities and opportunities, and to utilise modern technology to create exciting new ways to explore and play in them. “

The project is focused on eight local gem sites with three, Kawerau and Tarawera, Whakatane and Ohiwa Harbour, and Opotiki and Motu, being in the Eastern Bay.
The others are Rotorua Eastern Lakes, McLarens Falls and Lower Kaimai, Waihi Beach and Coastline, Papamoa Hills Range, and Otanewainuku and Kaharoa Corridor.

Virtually on Track embraces the wide range of activities at each of the gems with environmental restoration and conservation treated as equally valid recreational pursuits as the more adrenalin-charged adventure sports.

With an information rich website profiling the gems and the activities at each of them, combined with a powerful social media platform, Virtually On Track is geared to giving those who love their backyard playground the best possible tools for sharing their enthusiasm, building new supporters and ultimately making these places even better than they already are.

Virtually On Track will be holding official public launch events next week in collaboration with DOC’s Conservation Week. As part of the launch, there will be a ‘have a go’ type activities on each of the gem sites. 

Eastern Bay events are:

Kawerau and Tarawera Gem
Monday 3rd November, 4.30-6.30pm, Waterhouse St Reserve, Kawerau

Whakatane and Ohiwa Harbour Gem
Wednesday 5th November, 4.30-6.30pm, Mataatua Reserve, Whakatane

Opotiki and Motu Gem
Friday 7th November, 4.30-6.30pm, Memorial Park Sports Pavilion, Opotiki

Come along to a launch event, check out the promotional video, have a go at some adventure and conservation activities and learn about how you can get involved with the project. Different activities will be available depending on the site but could include anything from mountain biking to geo-teering, geocaching, stand up paddling, kayaking, waka ama or orienteering.

The virtual hub and social media platform will also be revealed to activate and connect people with each other and the local gems throughout the Bay.

For more information about Virtually on Track or to register your interest for a launch event phone 07 578 0016 or check out www.sportbop.co.nz/virtuallyontrack