Walk talk

The Outdoor Access Commission, recently partnered with NZ Mountain Safety Council’s (MSC) Plan My Walk app. In recent years, both organisations have developed their own digital information platforms, each offering different benefits to walkers and other trail users.

As part of the new partnership, The Outdoor Access Commission, will provide funding and support for MSC to complete further Plan My Walk developments over the next two years. Additionally, Plan My Walk will incorporate the Outdoor Access Commission’s public walking tracks, previously available through their platform, Find My Adventure.

The Outdoor Access Commission, Chief Executive Ric Cullinane says people want to see agencies that spend public money work together to create great public services.

“In this case, instead of possibly duplicating efforts by developing similar platforms, we can support the NZ Mountain Safety Council to continue to create a great app that helps people explore the outdoors and be safe while they do it.”

Find My Adventure, by the Outdoor Access Commission, provides mapping information about New Zealand’s tracks and trails, with the goal of creating a single national dataset. Whereas Plan My Walk by MSC, was developed to enable effective planning and preparation for walking and tramping trips with the aim to reduce preventable outdoor safety incidents. Find My Adventure will remain a mapping solution to support the work of local community projects such as trail trusts and Te Araroa.

MSC and the Outdoor Access Commission, have collaborated for many years, and it became evident that walkers and trail users would benefit from a single platform with all the information in one place; Plan My Walk, Cullinane says.

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says The Outdoor Access Commission’s support of Plan My walk ensures walkers have access to the largest collection of public tracks and trails data and the best access to safety information.

“It is a powerful example of how collaboration will always trump the solo and siloed approach.

Walking New Zealand magazine has gone digital on our own website. Viewers can read through the lastest issue for only $3.95 an issue, paid by credit card before viewing.

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The Giant Ferns Park, named for its giant ferns, is the perfect spot to discover the unique and incredible biodiversity of New Caledonia in the South Pacific. From the town of Farino, located in the mountain range, more than 4,535 hectares of tropical rainforest can be explored by bike, kickbike or horseback, or simply by walking along its 40km of marked trails.

Another popular activity in the park is birdwatching. The area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including several endemic species such as the New Caledonian Parakeet and the Kagu. Visitors can bring binoculars and join a guided tour to learn more about the birds and their habitat.

For those who prefer a slower pace, why not experience the power of trees with forest therapy?

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