Nicki Scott Recreation Advisor Sport Bay of Plenty

It is ‘officially' SPRING – time to enjoy the wonderful spring flowers, the warmer weather and begin the countdown to daylight saving!

As the days become longer, why not challenge yourself to spring into action with some physical activity?

Walking can be the perfect way to begin regular activity. Walking is convenient, enjoyable, safe, healthy, and cost-free, which makes it easy to start and create regular habits.

In Tauranga we are spoilt for choice, with so many scenic walkways and reserves it's easy to enjoy the sights, sounds and fresh air.

Coming to mind firstly is the tracks up and around Mauao.

It's hard to beat the stunning views you are rewarded with as you reach the summit. If hill climbing is your thing Papamoa Hill's Regional Park walking track can be a great alternative to Mauao's summit track.

The track rises steeply through pine forest up to the open ridge; with outstanding panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty coastline waiting to meet you.

The Lakes in Tauriko is fast becoming another great option for hill walkers. The Lakes provide 20km's of walkways and footpaths that wind though the development. While many tracks are flat there are a number of hill rises offering something to suit every fitness level.

The Waikareao Estuary is popular and is very central for an after-work or lunchtime walk. This unique walkway meanders through tidal mangroves and boardwalks. With many access points the flat track offers something for all abilities.

The pathways of both the Bethlehem wetlands and Gordon Carmichael Reserve offer more than three kilometres of walkways and cycling links between Bethlehem, Brookfield and Bellevue, this is a great area to check out if you haven't already. Te Puna Quarry Park is a very popular place to walk; there are a number of walking tracks, gardens and great views.

This is just a small snippet of the variety of walkways available in the Western Bay of Plenty. An excellent walkways booklet is available from the Tauranga City Council website offering detailed information of more walks available in the area. The Western Bay District Council website also has information on parks and walkways in the region.

If you need some extra motivation to spring into action, you might be interested entering a local event. Many people really enjoy and benefit from the motivation that entering an event gives them – having a specific goal, working towards it, seeing the improvements through training, and then of course the thrill of being part of the event on the day is an awesome feeling. Throughout spring and summer Tauranga hosts many great walk/run events so look out for one to suit you!

Contact Sport Bay of Plenty on 07 578 0016 or check out www.sportbop.co.nz for more information.