Expats rally to support Central Otago
Tourism Central Otago has just returned from showcasing the region at The Partners Life DUAL sporting event held on Auckland’s spectacular Motutapu and Rangitoto Islands.
This is a once a year opportunity for event goers and adventure seekers to experience these dual islands by foot, on mountain bike or both. This year entries reached a new record of 2,200 across all categories and with its festival style atmosphere there was, as always, large numbers of family and supporters on the island throughout the day.
With so many people at Home Bay – the central hub of the event, TCO were grateful for the support and assistance of some Auckland based proud expat Central Otago people. The Hastings and Gray families freely contributed their time and not only competed in the events proudly wearing their Central Otago colours, but also spent time mixing with the crowds and sharing their passion and knowledge of the region.
“As an ex mainlander living Auckland it was great to see the presence the Central Otago Tourism team had at the iconic Auckland event The Dual. My family and I took part in the race and spent some time relaxing in the Central Otago marquee. The hungry and thirsty participants at The Dual couldn’t get enough of the fresh Central Otago fruit and juice. Most people who entered the tent were definitely keen to plan a trip down to Central, the rail tail still seemed to be high on most people’s list of must dos with many people asking about it.” said Mark Hastings
Central Otago’s trails were a popular topic of conversation, with many people particularly interested in the Roxburgh Gorge Trail with its boat trip element. A taste of Central was a crowd pleaser with Central Otago grown fruit and juices garnering a lot of comment on the quality and intenseness of their flavour.
Adding to the specialness of the day was the final leg of Mal Law’s High 50 Challenge for Mental Health – 50 peaks in 50 days. For Tourism Central Otago, their helpers and many others, it was a privilege to support Mal’s efforts and to see him cross the line.
For more Information:
Pam Broadhead
Marketing and Product Development Manager
Tourism Central Otago
Ph: 027 597 8444
E: pam.broadhead@codc.govt.nz