Walking New Zealand January 2024

Walk talk The formal opening last month of Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway was welcomed by many, including Huntsbury Hill resident Michael Franklin (Above). The keen cyclist and runner transitioned to a wheelchair in 2019 following nerve damage from radiation treatment. He uses the Coastal Pathway two to three times a week. Now, the 71-year-old can complete a return journey of around 13 kilometres from the Ferrymead Bridge to Scarborough, and if he adds in Charlesworth Reserve, almost 20 kilometres return. “I like the Coastal Pathway because you can go a long way – plus the beautiful scenery, the birds and meeting other people. The only thing that stops me (from coming) is rain because it gets a bit slippery,” Michael says. “It's nice to have a variety of…

Visitors to West Australia can now journey on a fourday adventure to discover the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) Marine Park with Exmouth Adventure Co and Trek Ningaloo. The new Ningaloo Odyssey Tour includes two days and two nights of guided trekking in Cape Range National Park, followed by two days and two nights of guided sea kayaking over Ningaloo Reef. Guests will go off the beaten track to explore the rugged gorges and majestic landscapes of Cape Range National Park, then traverse across coastal plains to swap trekking gear for a sea kayak and snorkelling equipment. Paddle across turquoise lagoons and snorkel through the coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef, all while camping under a blanket of stars. Tour prices start at $1995, with all equipment and meals…

Walk talk A new $3.6 million attraction has opened at Western Australia's first tourist attraction, Ngilgi Cave. The 'Ancient Lands Experience' welcomes locals and visitors to embark on a journey to discover the 600-million-year story associated with the Margaret River Region and its people. Situated on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge in Yallingup, a series of interactive installations woven throughout the natural bushland pay homage to the landscape's formation, the limestone caves, the 60,000-year custodianship of the Wadandi people, and the flora and fauna found in the region today. The cave experience that has captivated people for generations remains at the heart of the experience, with universal access pathways ensuring those who are unable to venture underground are able to gain an insight into the fascinating world of Ngilgi Cave. Visitors seeking…

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is returning in February and registrations are now open. Last year, more than 23,000 people took part despite the weather, which was a fantastic result. The challenge is all about empowering more people to fall in love with cycling. For those who are already hooked and would like to help share the love, we have lots of handy resources available - from tips and tricks, to a promotional toolkit with pre-written messages, social media posts, images and GIFS - it's a one-stop-shop to help promote the challenge. There are many benefits to getting involved including contributing to making a difference, health and wellbeing, great prizes, and the opportunity to provide information to city planners on how streets can be improved for cycling.…

If 2023 will be remembered for anything, it will be as the wettest, rainiest year Auckland has ever experienced. It started with the floods in late January that resulted in many of the region's most popular walking spots being closed for repair work. The good news is that 48 per cent of parks and community facility repair projects have been made. Auckland Council's Deputy Group Recovery Manager Mace Ward says that while there was widespread damage, it was mainly focused north and centrally with the brunt of it out west. “In terms of the Waitākere Ranges, Te Henga and Muriwai, there was very significant impacts on tracks through those areas.” However, there are still another 3400 repair projects to go. Mace says that a significant number of those are track-type…

New Zealand Walks When young surveyor Arthur Dudley Dobson (1841-1934) set out from Christchurch with his two brothers George and Edward in March 1864, he was not sure whether the information about a passage over the Main Divide given to him by West Coast Māori chief Tarapuhi would prove to be accurate. It was. They eventually crossed from the Waimakariri watershed over into the Otira Valley, traversing the 920m summit which now marks the boundary between Canterbury and Westland and features a tall plinth commemorating the heroic traverse. Arthur Dobson did not name the pass in his report to the Chief Surveyor at Christchurch, Thomas Cass, but subsequently in an assessment of all possible crossings over this central alpine region, his brother declared “Arthur's” pass to be the most favourable.…