Walking New Zealand August 2023

Walking and cycling are fundamental to how urban New Zealanders get around according to the latest report from our ongoing survey looking at attitudes towards, and rates of walking and cycling in six New Zealand cities. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed said they cycled or walked regularly during 2022, which continues to grow on pre-COVID levels, which sat at 65% in 2019. This latest research shows that some good progress has been made in terms of increases in walking and cycling over time, but there is still loads of potential for more people to travel under their own steam. NZ Transport Agency is currently working alongside partners to develop national walking and cycling plans, which will give us the pathway to significantly increase the safety and attractiveness of these active…

Walmsley and Underwood Park, Totara Park and North Shore Memorial Park have joined seven other Auckland Council parks as being recognised as some of the best green spaces in the world in the annual Green Flag Awards. The Green Flag Award scheme is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces, which assesses parks on criteria such as quality of services, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability. Auckland Council parks have consistently been awarded Green Flags since 2016, setting a standard for excellence in public parks and providing quality outdoor spaces across Tāmaki Makaurau. Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council's General Manager for Parks and Community Facilities, is pleased that Auckland is yet again being commended.…

Hiking app for Washington State Washington State's new TREAD Map app is now available to download on iOS and Android. The app has been fully revamped for an improved user experience. ‘This will be beneficial to New Zealand visitors that need to plan hikes in advance and would like to get the most out of their time in Washington State,’ says Elaine Patton, Linkd Tourism –Visit Seattle and Washington State representative in New Zealand. In addition to a new interface, users will find new and improved features, including updates on air quality and weather, traffic cameras and mountain pass reports, expanded activity filters and all national park entrance points. stateofwatourism.com/treadmap- app…

Development is underway for the new Hamilton Gardens visitor entr y precinct, which includes a new Visitor Centre and enhancements to Hamilton Gardens Café. The project scheduled to be completed by end of Q1 2024 will transform how visitors are welcomed to the world-class gardens that is popular with walkers Along with a clear, secure entry point into the Enclosed Gardens and better flow, there will be new retail space. The new entry precinct will create a sense of arrival which reflects the worldclass gardens and the Visitor Centre will also enable the processing of paid entry into the gardens.…

Taranaki's Around the Mountain Circuit has been closed until further notice due to severe storm damage and constant erosion. Sections of the track have been wiped out when rviewed by DOC in May. DOC staff made the call to close the Stony River/ Hangatahua Route along the Around the Mountain Circuit. The closure of the route means trampers cannot complete the full circuit. “The route has become unsafe for trampers due to erosion and the ongoing risk of rock fall,” says DOC's Taranaki Operations Manager Gareth Hopkins. Although the closure will disappoint some visitors to Egmont National Park, the risk of serious injury to trampers is significant. Currently it is not possible to reroute or repair the track, says Gareth Hopkins. The closure will be reviewed in six months when…

New Zealand Walks Treat yourself to a civilised adventure on New Zealand's finest coastal Great Walk. Let Wilson Abel Tasman take care of the details and free up your time to reconnect with the important things in life, friends, and family. Escape the stresses of modern living and revive on this three or five-day Great Walk that features a well-formed track shaded by lush native forest and weaving between sheltered golden-sand beaches. See the spectacular granite coast from a different perspective with sea kayaking options. Experience the tranquillity of the National Park after most visitors have left for the day. There is no need to travel out of the park if you want a touch of luxury compared to staying overnight at Department of Conservation huts or campsites along the…