Think scavenger hunt, map reading and puzzle solving by bike as you explore the trails of Kopurererua Valley and you've got all you need to join in the business and family-friendly Great K Valley Cycle Adventure.

"We invite you to join us for an action packed scavenger hunt by bike,"says a Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise member.

Business teams are also encouraged to get a team together and register to pedal for a cause, as well as consider sponsorship opportunities.

The annual event which started in 2018, will be held on Sunday April 16, 2023, with all proceeds raised going to the Graeme Dingle Foundation Bay of Plenty. The foundation supports local kids with values and life skills programmes.

Much anticipated by families, adventurers, friends and workmates who want to have some fun on bikes together, it combines the best of all disciplines to locate clues and points hidden in ‘K' Valley, and solve an overall puzzle.

The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure will be held on Sunday March 12. Photo: Supplied.

The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure is family fun for all ages. Photo: Supplied.

There is a 10km family or team course and a longer 25km course - both courses are planned for up to six people in a team. The event runs from 11am – 3pm with prizegiving taking place at 2pm.

'Get your friends and family together to enjoy a fun few hours as you find the clues within the valley,” says co-organiser Rhonda Wisbey.

'Teams can start at 10 minute intervals between 10am and 12 midday. On arrival and registration you will be directed to the starter for briefing confirmation and your team start.”

The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure will be held on Sunday March 12. Photo: Supplied.

Rhonda says all profits from the event will go to local youth charities.

Sponsorship
Business and individuals are invited to sponsor the event by providing goods for participant prize giving or providing monetary support. Clue stops around the course can be branded with business logos as well as special clues for the business team entry and acknowledgement through social media and advertising.

Kopurererua Valley

Kopurererua Valley is the largest urban wetland restoration in New Zealand.

The 364 hectare block of low lying rural land situated between residential neighbourhoods in Tauranga runs from Judea in the north to Tauriko in the south, and bordered by the neighbourhoods of Te Reti, Gate Pa, Greerton, Westridge and Cambridge Heights.

The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure will be held on Sunday March 12. Photo: Supplied.

Kopurererua Valley was for many years inhabited by the people of Ngāi Tamarāwaho. Remains of pā and other archaeological sites are located throughout the valley. Ngāi Tamarāwaho is mana whenua of Kopurererua Valley and this place has special significance to the hapū. The valley is also packed with bird life.

The Kopurererua Rotary Centennial Trust, established in 2004, played a significant role in raising funds to purchase more than plants and trees during the first ten years of planting in the valley. The trust played a significant role in raising funds to purchase more than 120,000 plants and trees during the first ten years of planting in the valley.

The Puketoromiro Pā which stands towards the southern end of the Kopurererua Valley. Photo: Supplied.

Over the last 19 years the valley has transitioned from a rural farmland to a series of native bush and wetlands with recreational trails throughout. Construction of a boardwalk in 2005 made the valley more accessible to walkers and cyclists, with the surrounds planted with help again from the Kopurererua Rotary Centennial Trust.

About Rotary

Rotary Club members are business and professional leaders who volunteer in their communities.

They encourage high ethical standards and carry out humanitarian projects to address issues such as poverty, health, hunger, education and the environment.

Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the world's first service organisation, Rotary quickly expanded around the globe and is now made up of nearly 33,000 clubs in 200 countries with more than 1.2 million members. Visit www.rotary.org.nz to learn more.

To book now for the 2023 Great K Valley Cycle Adventure on Sunday March 12, go to www.eventspronto.co.nz/event6989

Map of the Kopurererua Valley cycleway and walkway. Image: Tauranga City Council.