Things to Do
One of the major attractions of living in Clutha Country is the lifestyle. There are endless opportunities to get out and about and enjoy yourself, no matter what you’re into.Our great natural environment is full of outdoor options from walking, fishing, hunting and surfing, kayaking, trout fishing, water skiing, mountain biking, four-wheel off-road driving, horse riding, yachting, jet boating on the Clutha river and of course, a golf course in almost every town.
Community events and spirit leave a number of cities for dust. We have the time and space to enjoy our families, our neighbours, mates and do all the things we want to do. While we may not have the lastest fad available yet, (we aren’t sure we want it either) we have everything that you need to bring up a healthy and happy family through the support of the community, whether it is building the school pool, planting a shelter belt, or driving a friend to the doctors.
Towns have a range of leisure facilities, from sports fields to playgrounds, halls to libraries to swimming pools.
Team sports fill a weekend, often with plenty of practices during the week as well. Anything from rugby, netball, cricket, soccer, hockey, tennis, touch rugby and more (don’t forget the after-match function!).
Indoor activities for those who don’t wish to brave the outdoor climate include: Aerobics, badminton, basketball, indoor bowls, bridge, snooker, and squash, to classical ballet and modern dance.
Clutha Country support the arts and in different parts of the district artists, galleries, craft shops, and museums can be found . Creative clubs, which cover the spectrum of activities, are spread throughout Clutha Country.
Outdoor activities such as mountain biking, surfing, walking running, boating and sailing are easily accessible in the wide open space and vastly diverse landscape, providing a challenging playground for even the most adventurous of us. There are an abundance of ponyclubs and horse riding activities to get you into the outdoors- events such as the Otago Goldfields Cavalcade (www.cavalcade.co.nz) and the Catlins Canter, which both have a strong following. Other outdoor pursuits include bowls, croquet, brass bands, pipe band, and marching.
A strong agricultural background sees farmers rely on well trained dogs in assisting them to farm this countryside. This has eventuated in dog trialling, held at fixed times across Clutha Country. Duck shooting is another seasonal event from the first Saturday in May until the end of June. A firearms license is required.
Fishing is a well known pastime (season October until April) and there are many guided fishing tours available in the region. Hunting trips are also a popular pursuit.
Community Services: The strength of the Clutha community is evident in the amount of services available and the generous support everyone offers. If you are more about volunteering your services or learning a new skill to support your community, we have plenty of opportunities. The Lions club are always looking for worthy courses to support and are often found fundraising throughout the district. Volunteer for the fire brigade or train to be a volunteer ambulance officer. Rotary and Round Table are also very active in the community, as is Project Clutha.
The Surf Life Saving Club is also a worthy cause to be involved in. Children’s services include Plunket and Playcentres, as well as PTA and Board of Trustees. Search and rescue is a vital service that ensures the safety of our community. The community is always on the lookout for those who have another skill to offer or wish to coach or train a current club or group. Put your skills to good use.
For more information and contact details for clubs and associations in Clutha Country, go to
http://www.cluthadc.govt.nz/Web%20Pages/Your%20Council/Community_Directory.htm