Plans are well under way for a range of events to be held in the Catlins over the next six months.
Tourism Catlins projects co-ordinator Kim Dodds said many committees and communities had planning well advanced for events for the new sporting season.
In 2009, Tourism Catlins launched the "Catlins Great Escape Bike Journey", adding sister event the "Catlins Great Escape Coastal Walk" in 2010.
The group also helped with the launch of two new events, Tri Pounawea and the Pawakataka in 2009.
"We are extremely lucky to have such proactive committees in our region that can produce such professionally managed events that offer unique experiences and are community driven," Mrs Dodds said.
The Pawakataka (upturned waka) ride, walk and run will be held on November 17, based in Mokoreta.
The event includes a 40km mountain bike course, 21km recreational bike ride, 21km half-marathon, 10km cross-country recreational walk, and a 10km cross-country hill run section up Mt Egremont.
Tri Pounawea now has a new name, the Tri Pounawea Duathlon - Jacobs Hill Run/Walk.
The event, organised by the residents of Pounawea and Owaka, will be held on December 1.
In addition to the duathlon, the event will also include a 12.5km walk or run up Jacobs Hill.
Mrs Dodds said Tri Pounawea had become an attractive event and past events had seen a strong field of more than 100 competitors.
Another group, Catlins Coast Inc, is organising two events under the Catlins Great Escape brand, for next year.
The coastal walk will be on February 2 in the south Catlins area.
The route will take walkers along the coastline from Fortrose to Waipapa Point, finishing with a tour of the Waipapa Point Lighthouse.
Mrs Dodds said interest in the Catlins had increased with the success of the New Zealand film Two Little Boys which was filmed in the Catlins.
The 2013 bike journey on April 20-21, will tour locations highlighted in the movie.
Register online at www.catlins.org.nz.
