Kia ora friend,

The first Winter Wander walk is here! Not the greatest weather to be releasing a walking challenge, so we'll forgive you if you wait a few days to get out on the trails! 

We've got information on the walks below as well as more information on how to enter the prize draw. All of this and more is available on our website.

This year, we're actually releasing five walks, so one more than last year! The walks will be sent out every Monday for the next five weeks. 

We are kicking week one off with our easiest walks and will slowly build the intensity as the weeks progress. We’ll offer plenty of tips and tricks along the way to ensure you can keep up with the challenge.

You'll find week one walks below.

On the Wānaka and Upper Clutha side we have the Hāwea River Track.  One of many trails starting at Albert Town Campground. We're following the river to Lake Hawea Village. Given the out and back nature of the trail, I guess you could also start from the village and just turn back when you're ready - there's no expectation to complete the entire thing. Pick your own adventure!

On the Queenstown side we have Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail. This trail circumnavigates the Kelvin Heights Golf Course! It has impressive views, hidden beach coves and a series of impressive art pieces generously gifted by an anonymous benefactor. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy the views?!

Check out our maps for the finer details.

Let us know when you complete each walk by either uploading a photo of yourself on the walk with the hastag: #qldcwinterwander (to social media) or reply to this email address with photo proof. If you upload to social media, make sure the post is public so we can see it!

• You get one entry per walk, so if you do all five available walks then you'll get five entries into the prize draw
• The winners will be randomly chosen on 4 September and contacted via social media or email depending on the entry method!

The next walk will be released on Monday 5 August, so make sure you hit our week 1 trails before then. See you out there!

Ka mihi,

The Sport & Recreation team