Orienteering

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Orienteering enthusiasts enjoy the mental challenge of preparing and executing strategies, while exercising in scenic locations. Described as ‘running while playing chess’ or ‘cunning running’, this sport is suitable for all ages and athletic abilities.

If you find hiking a little too tame, and like the idea of using a map and a compass to locate as many markers as you can in the shortest possible time, then you need to give this sport a go. Orienteering can also be enjoyed on mountain bikes or skis.

New Zealand’s challenging courses and beautiful scenery make orienteering a popular activity here, and our top teams compete internationally. There are permanent orienteering courses throughout the country - maps are available from local information centres.

Popular locations include Karamatura and Duder Regional Park in the Auckland region; the Whakarewarewa Forest Park in geothermal Rotorua; the Spa Thermal Park in Taupo; Waikanae Park north of Wellington; Rabbit Island and Botanics in Nelson; Victoria Park in Christchurch; and Ross Creek and Chingford Parks in Dunedin.