Walking New Zealand September 2022

Otago CMS partial review approval expands possibilities for bicycle trails The New Zealand Conservation Authority has approved a partial review of the Otago Conservation Management Strategy, meaning DOC can now consider more locations on public conservation land for bicycle trail proposals. Conservation Management Strategies (CMS) are approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) under the Conservation Act and provide direction for the management of public conservation land, waters, and species for which the Department of Conservation (DOC) has responsibility. The Otago CMS was approved in 2016, listing where bicycle trails were allowed on public conservation land (PCL) in the region. This was mostly a list of existing trails. By 2019 DOC was receiving multiple new proposals to construct cycleways and bicycle tracks on PCL not listed in the Otago…

Walk talk A long-term vision to restore Carnival Park Scenic Reserve in Pahiatua to its previous glory kicked off with a community open day on 16 June. Carnival Park was opened as a botanic garden in 1915 with proceeds from a local carnival. Explore Pahiatua Incorporated (EPI) member, Karolyn Donald, says the area was originally part of Te Tapere Nui O Whatonga (also known as 40-mile bush), but is now one of the few remnants of the once mighty forest. “Some of the trees were here before European settlement and survived a devastating fire that ripped through the area in 1898. This makes the reserve unique and culturally significant.” Karolyn has strong connections to the reserve. She grew up in Pahiatua and was the custodian of the neighbouring campground for…

Walk talk Auckland City Council wants to know what you think about its proposal to upgrade Harbour Bridge Park in Westhaven. Its planning to transform this popular waterfront destination, west of the harbour bridge, over the next few years to make it a place where more people can enjoy the views across the Waitematā Harbour and spend time with friends and whānau, as well as providing a key walking and cycling connection between Herne Bay and the city centre, connecting through the Westhaven Promenade. The innovative design will make the most of the location by moving part of Curran Street away from the water's edge, creating a spacious new waterfront promenade and park. This will make room for new seating, picnic and fishing spots, green space, lighting and improved stormwater…

Bikeabout has released Experience the Barossa by e-bike tours. Clients can spend a day taking in some of the best the Barossa has to offer with visits to Yalumba, Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, Artisans of Barossa, and the Barossa Valley Cheese Company. This guided tour is suitable for beginners and travels on the Barossa Trail and quiet roads. bikeabout.com.au/book-a-tour/ Conservation Week/Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation announces that Conservation Week 2022 will be held 5-11 September with a focus on how we can take action for nature.…

The Waipara Vineyard Trail — Mountford Estate walkway was officially gazetted last week. This provides enduring access over part of the popular Waipara Vineyard Trail that winds through vineyards in the stunning rolling hills around Waipara. The opportunity to legalise this section of the trail arose through an Overseas Investment Office decision the Commission advised on when the vineyard was sold to a Japanese investor in 2017. The Hurunui District Council, which developed the Waipara Vineyard Trail, has become the legal controlling authority for the Walkway. It is managed and maintained by Hurunui Trails Trust. The short, easy and well-formed track offers walkers and bikers good views of vineyards and beyond to the Waipara Valley.…

My Favourite Walk We were lucky to have a perfect Spring day to explore Somes island in Wellington Harbour. Leaving Queens Wharf, a ferry stops at the island, and continues to Days Bay. We stayed on the boat for an extra ride, and landed on the return journey, because numbers are limited to 15 landing at any one time. This allows the resident ranger to supervise bag checks, so no pests are brought on to the island, which is a predator free scenic reserve. Matiu/Somes is a tiny island of only 25ha but with a big history. Originally named Matiu by Kupe, in honour of a daughter, it was inhabited by groups of Taranaki hapu and iwi in the 1820's and 30's. In 1839 it was renamed Somes, after the…