Chances for special walk

Long Point, where the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust has big conservation plans. Photo by Stephen...
Long Point, where the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust has big conservation plans. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
The growing popularity of coastal walks through the Catlins has led to the introduction of a new event next month which organisers say will be ''extra special''.

Catlins Coast Inc has announced that this year's second Catlins Great Escape Coastal Walk will be held on April 6, beginning at Purakaunui Bay and finishing at Papatowai.

The event will be the fourth in the series of coastal walks.

Walkers will have a rare opportunity to meet Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust staff and hear their vision for conservation development at Long Point. The point is also noted for its native fur seals, sea lions, numerous seabird species, rare coastal plant communities, small remnants of native forest, and an archaeological site.

Catlins Coast Inc chairwoman Robyn Shanks said the group was excited to hold another walk this year.

''We are extremely grateful to the landowners, Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, Clutha Licensing Trust and Owaka Search and Rescue for supporting this event. Without their support this walk would not exist.''

Mrs Shanks said it was important to note the special event was a ''one-off opportunity''.

Last month's coastal walk followed the coastline from Fortrose to Waipapa Point, finishing with a tour of the Waipapa Point Lighthouse.

Registrations are now open for another event, the Catlins Great Escape Bike Journey, on April 20 and 21.

- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz

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