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OUTDOORS
Fun for all
PINE VALLEY
STORY BY SUSIE WILLIAMS
One of our local hidden treasures is the Pine Valley
Outdoor Centre Adventure Playground.
Pine Valley is nestled at the base of the
Mt Richmond Forest Park, along with
family friendly short walks in the nearby
forest.
Providing the complex is not booked for
a special occasion or school group, the
public are welcome to come and use this
fabulous space. Amongst the pine trees
is an amazing adventure playground.
Suitable for kids and adults alike! There is
a flying fox, large rope swing, slippery dip
tunnel under the ground and loads more
agility and energy burning equipment.
You can even have races and follow each
other through the numbered obstacle/
confidence course.
In summer time don't forget the kids togs
and some dishwashing detergent! There
is a long water slide that once activated
flows water...hours of wet fun.
With toilets, BBQ's, picnic tables and lots
of grass areas this is the ultimate family
day out.
This fabulous complex is available to hire
for School groups, sports clubs, social
clubs, private or family groups. A great
base for tramping during the day in the
forest.
To check if the centre is booked and
available for you to enjoy, head to their
website www.pinevalleyoutdoors.org.nz.
A short drive on from the centre is the
Mount Richmond Forest Park. The start of
the Fishtail walking trail.
Other popular short walks
to explore:
Swing Bridge / Mill Flat Loop Walk
Continue along the riverside walk, just
past the waterfall turn off, to get to a
swing bridge which crosses Pine Valley
Stream. The swing bridge takes you to
the Mill Flat picnic/camping area (named
for the timber mill that once occupied
the site) and the start of a wonderful
15 minute loop walk through native
kahikatea forest.
Waterfall Walk
From the car park at the end of Pine
Valley Road, take the walking track that
follows along the riverside for about 20
minutes. To the left a side track involving
a fairly steep 15-minute uphill climb leads
to a small but beautiful waterfall. At night
the trail is lit by glow worms. At the end
of the river-crossing you will find a deep
pool just to the side, which makes a fun
and safe swimming hole in the Summer.
Latest from Pine Valley
There has been a lot of work going on
behind the scenes at the Pine Valley
Outdoor Centre.
They are working hard to get the
funds together to move the centre to
the next level. Aiming to construct an
'Administration Centre' on site to allow
for a camp manager to be available
24/7. There is also a plan to roll out a
new community education programme
that will bring together lots of different
cultural, environmental, conservation
and education groups from throughout
Marlborough. The centre have a wetland
area marked out for restoration,
conservation and education. Primarily
looking at options for a sustainable future
at the centre.
Any ideas / assistance you may be
able to provide the centre – please get
in touch with them. The Pine Valley
Outdoor Centre aims to reconnect
Marlborough children with a genuinely
'Marlborough' experience and keep the
Pine Valley Outdoor Centre part of every
Marlborough childhood!
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