18 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tourism Waitaki Waitaki’s golden season a drawcard Kim Newth Photo: Tourism Waitaki “Our days are getting shorter and the mornings are crisper but our autumn is very mild and the colours in the Waitaki Valley are truly impressive.” to page 20 In these uncertain times, it is important to find ways to manage stress. Too much stress can impair memory and makes us feel anxious and depressed. Engaging in a little bit of self-care can go a long way. A getaway to the Waitaki District this autumn could be the ideal choice if you’re wanting to unwind, relax and de-stress. The region’s natural beauty is at its golden best at this time of year, providing a magnificent setting for a restful long weekend break that will help recharge body and soul. “We have some of our best weather at this time of year,” says Margaret Munro, Tourism Waitaki’s General Manager. “Our days are getting shorter and the mornings are crisper but our autumn is very mild and the colours in the Waitaki Valley are truly impressive.” With so many walking tracks and biking routes to choose from, it’s easy to get out and explore the area’s delights, even if you only have a hour or two to spare. With a focus on easy to moderate tracks, the district’s walking trails can be enjoyed by all ages and levels of fitness. Trails range from 30 minutes to full day and are spread across the Waitaki from the golden tussock-lands of the high-country to the coast. For cyclists, a great day trip option is the final 54km section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail from Duntroon to Oamaru. Vertical Ventures Cycle Tours in Oamaru is the place to go to book a bike and shuttle transport. High performance mountain bikes and e-bikes are available for hire. “Duntroon to Oamaru is one of our most popular cycle day trips,” says Vertical Ventures Cycle Tours’ owner Rob Connolly. “There are a lot of historic farms to cycle through, along with limestone country, and the trail runs right past the spectacular Elephant Rocks boulder field. It joins an old railway line and there’s a railway tunnel to cycle through, so there is a lot to see and experience along the way.” “This is the kind of ride where you can go at your own pace and take time to soak up the sights,” he says. A lot of visitors enjoy stopping for a pint or coffee at Enfield. If a shorter ride is preferred, then Rob and his team can arrange a drop-off that’s closer to Oamaru, or people can opt to start in Oamaru and cycle to Enfield and back. A getaway to the Waitaki District this autumn could be the ideal choice if you’re wanting to unwind, relax and de-stress.
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