Locals who want to try out a new sport have dozens of opportunities this week with the Tākaro: Festival of Sport now underway.

Anyone can head along to the free ‘have a go’ sessions local clubs are running to give newcomers a chance to try out a new sport.

Takaro is running through to Sunday (March 17), with sessions for everything from karate to golf and mountain biking to hockey.

Sport Central community sport advisor Tiny Carruthers said pickleball had been a standout session with plenty of people heading along to try out the sport (which has surged in popularity in recent years) on Monday (March 11).

He expects the sessions for football, basketball and golf to be similarly popular.

“They are three sporting codes that have experienced huge growth and have really taken off,” Tiny said.

Tiny said the ‘have a go’ format was designed to be a simple, low stress way for locals to learn about the sports opportunities available in the Upper Clutha.

“It’s a good way to just come along and try out something new,” he said.

Tiny said the Night N Day Rainbow Run - a 5km fun run taking place on Friday (March 15) at Eely Point - is set to be a highlight.

“Last year it was really popular,” he said. “It’s a good place for families to congregate afterwards too and meet some new people and have a swim if they like.”

Saturday (March 16) is also expected to be a big day with sessions in squash, bowling, tennis, croquet, ParkRun (a weekly social run) and netball taking place, with the first four taking place within easy walking distance of each other.

Tiny said the Sport Central play trailer - a supervised kids’ play area - would be at the squash club in the morning and the tennis club in the afternoon “so parents can drop their kids at the play trailer and try tennis or squash”.

Takaro started on Monday and there are plenty more ‘have a go’ sessions which anyone can attend up until Sunday.

There are also ‘get involved’ sessions for people who would like to volunteer for a local club.

“We’re pretty excited about what’s still to come,” Tiny said. 

Find the full schedule at the Tākaro: Festival of Sport button on the Wānaka App.

PHOTO: Wānaka App