Walking New Zealand March 2023

Walk talk RiverLink, a transformational set of projects for Lower Hutt, is one step closer to reality with the green light given to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish an Alliance of design and construction firms to deliver the programme. RiverLink is jointly funded by the Government through the NZ Upgrade Programme, Greater Wellington and Hutt City Council. Emma Speight, NZTA Director of Regional Relationships for Wellington/Top of South, says RiverLink is a critical set of projects for Lower Hutt and represents more than five years’ worth of extensive consultation, engagement and consenting work by project partners on behalf of their local communities. RiverLink is expected to bring real benefits to the tens of thousands of Kiwis who live, work, and travel through Lower Hutt every day, with…

Cutting-edge technology is reducing the risk of a fire in one of Christchurch's most popular recreational spots – Bottle Lake Forest Park. Self-powered sensors have been installed in the park to help with early fire detection. Christchurch City Council and Spark New Zealand are trialling a new fire detection network that uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor conditions within the park, which is also a commercial forest, around-the-clock. With help from technology partner Attentis, they have installed a network of five self-powered sensors that deliver environmental monitoring, live micro-climate weather updates, air quality information, and visual and thermal imaging to assist in early fire detection. Thousands of people visit the park each year to get out in nature and enjoy the bike and walking tracks.…

Walk talk European self-guided walk operator, On Foot Holidays, has launched a new hiking route in the wine region of Galicia in north-west Spain. Hikers stay in historic inns and a former monastery and explore gorges, ancient citadels, medieval hamlets, and terraced vineyards established by monks in the Dark Ages. The new nine-night walking holiday in Spain brings to 35 the number of self-guided hikes UK-based On Foot Holidays offers in 11 countries across Europe. The Galicia walk is called Gorges of the Ribeira Sacra.…

Get on your bike and rediscover the joy of riding this February with the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. Returning for its seventh year, the month-long challenge encourages New Zealanders to make everyday trips with a bike. It's a great time to give cycling a go. Cycling has never been more accessible with the increase in cycleways around the country. Register your workplace or join as an individual for the chance to win great prizes and feel fitter and healthier. Correction There was an error in the headings of the article about a long walk around Waiheke Island. The correct spelling of the headings should have been Te Aka Hura.…

People in Auckland will have the chance in March to experience crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge on foot or using bikes, scooters or wheelchairs. The free events will be held on Sunday 12, 19 and 26 March, with 20,000 tickets available for each of the days. Ticket holders will enjoy free public transport (bus or train) to and from the arrival areas on either side of the bridge. The events are being held during the public consultation phase of the Waitematā Harbour Connections project which is investigating future long-term active mode connections across the harbour.…

Auckland Walks Rangitoto Island longer walks Lighthouse walk to McKenzie Bay Time: Two hours 30 minutes one way from Rangitoto Wharf; three hours 45 minutes one way to summit. This walk winds along the coast to McKenzie Bay, one of the two natural sand beaches on Rangitoto, and a good picnic and swimming spot. The road continues on to the summit for those who want a longer walk. Rangitoto Wharf to summit to Islington Bay Time: Two hours 30 minutes one way Take the Summit Track from Rangitoto Wharf and at the summit follow Summit Road down to Islington Bay. This is a good walk if you can arrange a ferry pick up at Islington Bay – make sure you check the ferry timetable first, as Islington Bay stops are seasonal.…