Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i Walking New Zealand

Walk talk The Department of Conservation (DOC) have introduced a booking system for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, that went live on 1 October on the DOC website. DOC is encouraging everyone who accesses any part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to make a booking. This enables DOC to gather information on what visitors are doing when they come to Tongariro to help shape future improvements. While strongly encouraged, booking is not compulsory. The booking form will help people doing outdoor recreation other than the Crossing to understand their access options, including permits to park longer than four hours. All parking is available on a first come first served basis. Whilst completing the short booking form you will be asked if you are intending to park for longer than four hours.…

My Favourite Walk In early Spring, ‘Shoestrings Tramping Group’ did a couple of delightful short walks in the eastern Kaimai ranges. Both walks are well sign-posted and easily accessible from Tauranga. The first, Puketoki Reserve is reached from Leyland Road, off Whakamarama Road, a 16 minute drive from Bethlehem. Parking is beside the Te Puna Stream, across the road from the reserve entrance. This is one of the oldest reserves in the Bay of Plenty. The area was extensively milled in the early 1900's, and a thriving community grew around it. In 1926 Henry Sharplin of the Whakamarama Timber Company, donated 85 acres to the Whakamarama community. The only large trees remaining, were those not suitable for timber at that time, so most of the reserve is re-growth. Now, there…

Parrs Park is a large, multi-use destination park located with in Oratia in West Auckland, with a 1.6 loop walk. Walkers can enjoy the park's many walking trails, picnic areas, gardens and wild-flower meadows, meandering through an impressive collection of large macrocarpa trees. There is a 1.2km loop that goes around the park. The trail around the park consists mainly of gentle and wide sealed concrete paths which lead to most park features, though the northern meadows area contains compacted gravel tracks. The northern part of the park includes a large dog off-leash area, as well as community facilities such as a table tennis club and swimming pool which is available for swimming lessons and lane swimming. The southern half of the park is a thriving sports park with grassed…

Tasmania and Victoria are the two states which make up the south-eastern part of Australia. One of the best ways to appreciate their unique features is on foot. Only on foot can you begin to appreciate the grand scale of the physical drama before you and its exquisitelywrought detailing. Next summer, Footsteps Walking and Travel Club of Aotearoa New Zealand offers you the opportunity to undertake many of top day-walks in one or both. For some, the combo may be a little too challenging, so you are welcome to select just Tasmania, or just Victoria. Hardy types can take the double in their stride. Both trips include two rest days as relaxing and leisurely interludes. Lying 240km south of Victoria Its publicity as “the natural state” taining a huge variety…

New Zealand Walk The picturesque town of Taupo, nestled beside the stunning Lake Taupo, is a magnet for hikers. While the region offers a plethora of activities, one experience that should undoubtedly find its way onto your itinerary is the Mt Tauhara Summit Walk. With its breathtaking views at the summit at 2088m, this hike promises an unforgettable adventure. The 2.8km trail begins a 10.6km drive from Taupo's town centre. Accessible and well-marked, the trail offers ample parking for eager hikers. The adventure begins here, and anticipation builds as you set foot on the track that winds through the lush native bush. The walk is a moderately challenging hike. It's not extremely long, but the steep sections and elevation gain can make it physically demanding. Hikers should be prepared for…

New Zealand Walk New Zealand's pristine landscapes are a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder, offering numerous opportunities for walkers to immerse themselves in it's unique wilderness. One such gem is the Kaitoke Swingbridge Loop Track, a picturesque trail located in Kaitoke Regional Park, just a short drive from Wellington. The Kaitoke Swingbridge Loop Track is a moderately easy walking track, suitable for a wide range of hikers, from families with children to seasoned adventurers. This loop track forms part of the larger Kaitoke Regional Park, nestled in the lush heart of the Upper Hutt Valley. The track gets its name from the charming swingbridge that crosses the sparkling turquoise waters of the Hutt River, adding a touch of excitement to the walk. The Kaitoke Swingbridge Loop Track is…

Take a guided walk with the Auckland Council Parks team around the Auckland Domain and historic 1920s Winter Gardens on Cecember 14.. Auckland Domain is Auckland's oldest park and one of the largest urban parks in Tamaki Makaurau. Developed on 75 hectares around the cone of an extinct volcano – Pukekawa. Learn about this fascinating vast park's natural and cultural heritage in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau/ Auckland. An average level of fitness and mobility is required. Contact Anna Baine mylocalpark@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz…

Award winning walking tour company Oh Hey WA is expanding into the historic port city of Fremantle in West Australia (Walyalup), with public and custom private walking tours available from October 1. Explore the streets of the bohemian city with an experienced and lively guide, discovering its unique history and many gems. On the 2.5 hour walking tour guests will hear fascinating stories of Aboriginal history and the colonists, convicts and immigrants that shaped the area, as well as discovering incredible street art and the city's hidden bars and hotspots.…

The Waimakariri District has a great selection of walks that will take you by lakes, rivers and wetlands, or through native bush and into the hills. There are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy, from short walks for families and little legs to day trips and more challenging terrain. Between the Waimakariri, Ashley and Kaiapoi Rivers, there are some great walking options for all ages and abilities. From 1km tracks (one-way) to networks of 18km, we're spoilt for choice. With rivers, lakes, streams, beaches and mountains there is plenty of opportunity for walking and cycling in Waimakariri. The Waimakariri District lies to the north of the Waimakariri River in North Canterbury. The major urban areas are Rangiora and Kaiapoi, which are respectively about 30 and 20 minutes travelling time…

Shared Pathway The Te Ara Moana (the Ocean Path) 10km-long SH88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers Shared Pathway, a remarkable feat of engineering, is now open to walkers and cyclists. In a country celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, building this $50 million pathway posed a unique challenge where available space was limited. Construction funding was approved in 2019 for the last section of the SH88 shared walking and cycling path between St Leonards and Port Chalmers with work starting in 2020, but then work was held up with Covid restrictions. The pathway features a 3m-wide well-lit shared sealed walking path, with fencing separating the path and main trunk rail line and safer links from the path to communities along this route, and side safety barriers on the sections of SH88 between…

New Zealand Walk The Te Ana Falls track in Tangoio Forest near Napier offers a beautiful natural setting and an enjoyable walking experience. Here's what you can expect from the walk to Te Ana Falls: The Te Ana Falls track is generally considered to be a relatively easy walk suitable for most fitness levels. It's a well-maintained track with a gentle gradient. The track to Te Ana Falls is approximately a 2.6-kilometre round trip. It usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour to complete, depending on your pace and the time you spend enjoying the falls. As you walk along the track, you'll be surrounded by lush native forest, including towering trees and ferns. The track is often shaded, making it a pleasant walk even on a warm day.…

New Zealand Walk Walking up Mt. Aubrey near Whangarei can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Mount Aubrey is a steep, bushclad ridge and scenic reserve rising above the settlement of McLeod Bay. It is part of the remains of an ancient chain of volcanoes in the area, which include the nearby Mount Manaia. The views from the ridge and peaks are breathtaking, taking in the whole of the Whangārei Harbour, the Marsden Bay port and the old oil refinery. Pātaua and the Pacific coastline can be seen to the east together with Mount Manaia and the Whangārei Heads to the south. The walk may take you through native New Zealand bush, where you can spot native plant species and possibly some birdlife. Keep an eye out for the native…

Walk talk Award winning guided hiking company The Hike Collective has launched a new walking tour on Perth's Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), exploring the environmental and conservation activities and world-class sustainability practices on the island. As an A-class reserve, Rottnest is known for its incredible landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and the worldfamous quokkas. This two-hour RISE: Rottnest Island Sustainability & Environmental Conservation Tour will go further to showcase what happens behind the scenes to keep the island thriving and sustainable, shining a light on the importance of environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.…

Online travel agency Wotif has released the winners of its 2023 Uniquely Aussie Awards, with Perth's renowned Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba) taking out the award for Australia's Best Botanic Garden. As one of the world's largest inner-city parks, it boats a beautiful display of more than 3,000 species of WA's unique native flora, tranquil parklands with playgrounds and barbecue facilities, expanses of unique bushland and walkways with stunning views over the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan) and Perth (Boorloo) city skyline. Coming in as finalists in the annual awards was Zebedee Springs in the Kimberley for Best Hot Spring; Gage Roads Brewery in Fremantle (Walyalup) for Best Brewery; Warders Hotel Fremantle for Best Hotel Room Service; Haz Beanz Finestkind Coffee in Albany (Kinjarling) for Best Flat White; and…

Shared Pathway The long awaited shared path way from Feilding heading south to Palmerston North is completed by as far as the Nannest ades Line intersection. The 7km route part of the Te Ara roa Trail has now being able to be used by walkers and cyclists early in September. The route runs beside the main trunk railway line and passes the Taonui Airport that has been classed as having more flights than nearby Palmeston North Airport. The shared pathway has been in the planning stages for local authori ties since 2007, but external funding has been needed to get construction under way. The new shared pathway provides a sealed track safely separated from highway motorists by a grass verge.…

Nestled at the top of the South Island, the Queen Charlotte Track stands as a testament to the untouched beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. This 71-kilometre trail meanders through pristine coastal landscapes, native forests, and historic sites, offering hikers an unparalleled journey through the heart of nature. While independent treks on the Queen Charlotte Track are rewarding, a guided hike with Wilderness Guides of Marlborough elevates the experience to a whole new level of adventure, education, and immersion. The Queen Charlotte Track traverses the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken river valleys, deep bays, and intricate waterways. It's a region that enchants with its breathtaking vistas and a unique blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Exploring this area with experienced guides from Wilderness Guides of Marlborough provides an insider's perspective…

Overseas Cycle Tours An African safari is one of the truly most spine tingling, jaw dropping, awesomely thrilling experiences imaginable. I used to take guests on safaris to Southern Africa and witnessed their reactions when they saw their first elephant at a waterhole, the elegant neck of a giraffe above the bushline, lions procreating in the middle of the road and massive herds of flighty wildebeest and zebra. Some guests would have tears in their eyes, others just rigid with wonder not wishing to disturb a single moment of it, to just be invisible without causing a distraction. Traditionally, safari-goers don't get much exercise as drives by open landrover are the most productive and rewarding ways of game-viewing. Being too vehicle bound you can miss some of the small creatures…

New Zealand Walk The cascading Wainui Falls is undoubtedly one of the most stunning natural attractions in the Nelson Tasman region. Over the hill in Golden Bay, it's a short one-hour return walk through lush native bush to reach the picturesque waterfall. Shaded by overhanging nikau palms, you'll follow the path of the Wainui River, flowing gently but purposefully beside you. A soundtrack of cicadas, birdsong and the distant hum of the thunder ing waterfall echoes through the valley, increasing in volume as you cross the swing bridge and arrive at the viewing platform that encircles the falls. Plunging 20 metres down granite bedrock into the crystal pools below, inquisitive onlookers receive soft sprays of fresh water on their cheeks, cooling them off from the walk through the bush. Fact…