Bay sports app to put people on the right track

Sport Bay of Plenty recreation adviser Jen Riley, front right, said technology was great to engage people with the outdoors.

Sport Bay of Plenty, the Department of Conservation and Sport NZ are utilising technology to come up with innovative ways to engage people with the region's outdoor spaces.

Virtually on Track, a new initiative which will explore the Bay's recreational spaces, is set to launch on November 1.

It is a website with apps, social media and a virtual hub to find out what you can get involved with across the region or in your own backyard.

The organisations have pinpointed eight "local gem sites" whose recreation activities will feature on the website.

Time spent engaged in adventure and conservation activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, waka ama, orienteering and geo-teering can be logged online at the virtual hub and social media platform.

The apps will create fun challenges that encourage more people to get out and explore.

Sport Bay of Plenty recreation adviser Jen Riley said technology was great to engage people with the outdoors.

"We are exploring different apps, making people more aware, it's the novelty of being able to log how many kilometres you can clock up over a week."

Virtually on Track will be holding an official public launch at the beginning of November in collaboration with DoC's Conservation Week.

As part of the launch, there will be a "have a go" event on each of the eight local gem sites, eight events over nine days.

*For more information or to register your interest for a launch event call (07) 578 0016 or visit www.sportbop.co.nz/virtuallyontrack.