It's May - and time to get your registration in for the sixth Metlink City Safari on Sunday 17 May 2009.
The safari, run by Orienteering Hutt Valley and Metlink, is an orienteering event with a difference. Unlike most orienteering challenges the City Safari course is made up of city streets and walkways, and you can use public transport, instead of only your feet, to get you where you need to go.
There are two events on the day - one is a six-hour event and the other one is three hours. Organiser Michael Wood says the six-hour challenge attracts serious athletes while the shorter course tends to be made up of family, business and school groups. "We cater for everyone, and strongly encourage those who are entering for the fun, to dress up for the occasion."
Starting at Queens Wharf, safari contestants will fan out in all directions, heading for up to 80 checkpoints around the city. The course stretches from Seatoun and Island Bay to Karori and Johnsonville.
Teams must work their way around public transport routes and timetables, and are allowed to use text timetable information services. "The event is a great opportunity to get around the city on our buses, trains, ferry and cable car. Planning your public transport routes and times is all part of the challenge."
Entries close on 7 May. Fees are $50 per person for the six-hour event and $30 for the three-hour course. There are big discounts for students. More information can be found at www.citysafari.org.nz.
