Put a spring in your step and get walking

It's never been easier for Rotorua residents to put an extra spring in their step.

October is Walktober month, a joint initiative of Sport Bay of Plenty and Event Venues which aims to get people active and enjoying the region's walkways and outdoor attractions. Organisers have put together a calendar of 55 walks for people of all ages and fitness levels, ranging from pram pushing with the kids to tramping on Mt Ruapehu.

Yesterday Walktober was launched at City Focus with a line dancing and stilt walking display. Rotorua District Council community programmes and events co-ordinator Jess Morrison said the month-long event, in it's third year, had something for everyone. "We want people to utilise the beautiful resources Rotorua has to offer and get fit at the same time. Most things are free or low-cost so they're easily accessible."

This month's calendar is punctuated with several high-profile events.
* Starting October 7, to coincide with its annual appeal, Plunket is hosting weekly one-hour Tuesday walks, taking in the lakefront, Sulphur Point and Whakarewarewa Forest.
* October 11, Rotorua is hosting the Reebok Ekiden, a relay around Lake Rotorua for teams of six who can either walk or run the 42.2km course.
* October 12, the Lake Okataina Outdoor Education Centre is holding an open day and children and their families can see glow worms by walking through the Redwoods at night.
* October 29, Rotorua will host the inaugural Feel the Spirit Pink Walk, a 3.2km fun walk along the lakefront for breast cancer.
* A full calendar of events is available from the Rotorua Aquatic Centre, Sport Bay of Plenty, and City Focus.