Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Walking New Zealand

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…

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.…

New Zealand Walks Strap on your boots! Walking season is underway in the Marlborough Sounds with surging demand on the Queen Charlotte Track. Like the Abel Tasman Track, the Top of the South offers hikers some world-beating walking experiences. But if you'd rather hike in relative solitude, serenaded by birdsong, a tasty alternative to the heavily-trafficked walks is the Nydia Track in Pelorus Sound. Carved by loggers in the 1870s, the track is a lesser-known gem in the treasury of rewarding hikes. The 27km-long circuit is best accomplished as a two-day trek, first to Nydia Bay and then on to Duncan Bay. DOC classifies the track as “advanced,” although I'm not a mountain goat but found it a very manageable work-out. It's also open to mountain bikers, classified as an…

New Zealand Walks In 1991, the First Annual Cavalcade re-traced the historic journey of Cobb & Co. Coach's journey from Dunedin to the Dunstan Goldfields, via the Dunstan Trail. The Cobb & Co. Coach first left the Provincial Hotel in Dunedin on November 22, 1862. On November 22, 1991, the first Cavalcade left from Rockland's Station, near Middlemarch, and headed inland for the Dunstan, to end the journey at Cromwell. Over 220 people participated in the inaugural Cavalcade, with 240 horses, a Gold Coach, wagons, carts, gigs and buggies. The annual cavalcades have been run since 1991 with each having its own spirit and destination. The destination, or host town, changes every year, so that participants have the opportunity to learn more about each host town's association with Otago's gold…

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…

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 is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and one gem that stands out among its scenic wonders is the Great Lake Walkway, commonly known as Lion's Walk. Nestled on the shores of Lake Taupo, this picturesque pathway offers walkers and cyclists an immersive experience with nature, stunning views, and a chance to explore the heart of the North Island. Here we will delve into the beauty of Lion's Walk, uncovering the sights to behold, activities to enjoy, and the overall charm that makes it a mustvisit destination. The Great Lake Walkway, affectionately referred to as Lion's Walk, is a scenic trail that skirts the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. This well-maintained pathway stretches approximately 10 kilometers, providing both locals and tourists with an ideal…

Australian Walks The long distance Heysen Trail in South Australia is a 1200 km walk from the Flinders Ranges, via the Adelaide Hills, to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsular. It is recognised as one of the world's great long-distance trails and Australia's equivalent of the Pacific Coast Trail in the USA and our very own Te Araroa Trail. To walk the whole route would be a physical, mental and time commitment that few can do. To get a taste of the Heysen Trail, a four-day guided walk of the only coastal section that follows the Fleurieu Peninsular, is a great exploration of this wild coastline that excels in wildlife, botany and incredible vistas. The walking package, known as the Southern Ocean Walk, was the vision of Barry and Jane…

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…

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.…

There's plenty to explore on a road trip around the centre of Te Ika-aMāui this summer, writes Ceana Priest. Blown apart by the world's most recent super eruption about 26,500 years ago, Lake Taupō's rugged western shoreline is fringed with dramatic bluffs rising from its sparkling waters. And wedged between the lake's crater rim and vast forests saved by eco-warriors is State Highway 32, an excellent detour off the well-trodden State Highway One. The highway officially ends at Kuratau after winding through South Waikato. From here, it's a short drive to the southernmost point of Lake Taupō, where wallowing under the stars in the soothing thermal waters of Tokaanu Thermal Springs is a must-do. Centre of the North Island | Pureora Forest Park It hardly seems scientific, but a pin…

Viewpoint The recent loss of access along the TakapunaMilford path highlights the longstanding legal principle that private land ownership trumps most public interests. In some circumstances, such as easements or rights of way, the public can access private land. But typically, if a landowner does not want you on their land, that is their prerogative. Weather events have all but washed away the neighbouring Takapuna-Milford beach access. That makes the path more important for Aucklanders. As climate change becomes more severe, this loss of access is a growing problem for our coastal communities. Storms have taken other coastal access from Aucklanders, such as Te Henga Walkway. The law of the land The law is not as simple as always supporting private rights over public access. Public access to the outdoors…

New Zealand Walks Affinity Cruises are off for an exciting start to 2024 with two upcoming adventures in January and February. On January 30th they will embark on an amazing 4-night experience called the Pelorus Cruise and Walk. They will explore the beautiful Jacobs, Archer, and Nydia Tracks in the stunning Pelorus Sounds. This adventure offers a mix of thrilling walks and relaxing cruises that you won't want to miss. Another option is the awardwinning Queen Charlotte Track. It's available from January 6th to 11th and from February 15th to 20th. Their experienced crew has personally conquered these tracks and can help you choose the activities that suit your preferences. You can relax on the boat or take part in exhilarating walks – it's up to you. You don't have…

New Zealand's trail network is steadily growing, but if you've ever tried to reach a national or forest park without a car, you may have found your options extremely limited. You might want to enjoy the outdoors without a car because: you don't have a vehicle – perhaps you're on a tight budget or you've chosen not to own a car, or maybe you don't have a licence your chosen track isn't a loop – a vehicle isn't much help if you want to start in one location and finish in another (and if a mid-way key swap with friends isn't possible) you want to limit your contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution or car park overcrowding. But there are problems faced by the car-free Local tracks Some areas…