Walking New Zealand October 2022

A series of enormous wooden sculptures will be installed south of Perth this year in an Australian-first. Created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo, and standing at around five metres tall, the sculptures are intended to be protectors of the environment, and will each have their own distinct personality. Located in Mandurah and the wider Peel region, just an hours’ drive south of Perth, visitors will be encouraged to explore and discover these installations at five secret locations when it opens to the public in late 2022. An artist of international acclaim, Dambo has exhibited extensively throughout the world including in Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile. Dambo’s practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with the artist's works all handmade using recycled…

A new Bike Boat & Barge brochure from Cycling Europe features new tours in Champagne, France and the Moselle region of Germany. During a 15-day circuit tour of the Champagne region, guests board a traditional barge and cruise downstream past the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Paris then embark on daily rides across the vineyards on the banks of the Marne. Director, Jill Grant says the itinerary includes visits to the Champagne cellars in Epernay, the capital of the Champagne region, as well as small Champagne growers, who offer tastings. Compiegne, Reims, Chantilly Chateau and Chateau-Thierry are also visited along with several World War and Napoleonic War battlefields. Which way to Champagne? Cycling in Champagne The grade is not easy so a reasonable level of fitness is required. E…

Christchurch City Council has confirmed the cost of building the final and most complex section of Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway. The Government gave the Council $15.8 million in Shovel Ready funding to build the missing section of the Coastal Pathway - between the eastern end of Redcliffs Village and Shag Rock, Sumner - but with the site conditions now fully understood, the Council expects completing the pathway will cost $17.3 million. The Council has sufficient funds held in contingency for the project to cover the increased cost, but staff need the approval of elected members before they can draw down the funds. The funds were approved at the 28 July Council meeting.…

A 16km rapid transit corridor from Albany to Milldale via Dairy Flat could provide the backbone of North Auckland transport’s network, delivering frequent and high quality public transport. This is one proposal amongst a suite of long-term transport projects to support population growth of 110,000 more people expected to be living in Dairy Flat, Silverdale West and Wainui by 2050. The region is already growing rapidly with residential and commercial developments. Around 25km of new walking and cycling paths, improvements to State Highway 1, and new and upgraded roads have also been proposed; forming an integrated network to help people to move around whether it be by foot, bike, public transport or driving. These long-term projects are part of the Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth programme, a collaboration between Auckland…

One thing for certain is that the business associated with the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds are resilient. Over the last two years they have faced numerous Covid Lockdowns and two x 100-year weather events. Currently the 72 kms of brilliant views, bush-fringed coves and beaches, ancient forests, and the sea is open but, there are restrictions to some parts of the Track, meaning that its even more of an experience. Luckily, the Queen Charlotte Track operators are a tight knit bunch who show true Kiwi ingenuity and come up with ways around restrictions so New Zealanders can enjoy exploring one of NZ’s top attractions. So, don’t be put off - The Queen Charlotte Track is open, if there is a will, there is a way. Book now…

EVENT Every day, nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand. It is the number one type of cancer for women in New Zealand. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and to help raise awareness Walking Legends is running a special, one-off charity hike, in support of Breast Cancer New Zealand, in the Coromandel from 23rd – 26th January 2023. Walkers of all kinds are welcome, this is not just for women, this is for anyone who has had their life affected by breast cancer. The pandemic has been tough on events-based charities, like Breast Cancer New Zealand, so as the tourism industry gets back on its’ feet, we want to help lift this great charity back up with us. Join us in effecting real change for the…