Walking New Zealand October 2024

Walk talk Non Hamiltonians walkers can now expect tp pay to walk in part of the Hamilton Gardens. Charging out-of-town visitors for entry to part of Hamilton Gardens will kick in from 18 September, with Hamiltonians retaining free access. The $20 entry fee for out-of-towners will help take the financial pressure of running Hamilton Gardens off ratepayers and create a more self-sustainable visitor destination. Hamiltonians and Hamilton ratepayers will need to provide proof of address and photo ID for free entry, at least for the first visit. They can then apply for a MyGardens Pass which will allow them unlimited visits, or opt to show proof of address and ID each visit. It costs around $6 million per year to operate and maintain the gardens. Until now, that cost has…

Members of the Manawatu Branch of the Te Araroa Trust have been busy with improvements to the Burttons Track section of the Te Araroa Trail between Palmerston North and Shannon. A new information panel (designed by Trustee Anthony Behrens) has been installed in Burttons Clearing. The sign (above) tells the story of Jim Burtton, the farmer who lived on this site for over 30 years and who created the track that the TA follows along this section. Improvements to Ian and Franks Hut, was also undetaken this year.…

Nelson Tramping Club is celebrating 90 years on Sunday 22 September. The current committee is organising an informal gathering at Fairfield House with a slap-up afternoon tea and refreshments. All members, present, past and partners are very welcome. There will be projected photos of the club's history and other displays. The afternoon tea will be served at about 3:30 pm. Walks in the Grampians are planned prior (optional, no registration required). Gather at 1 pm at Fairfield House to join groups taking either a short or a longer walk. For more information email the club's secretary: secretary. nelsontramping@gmail.com Napier Tramping Club is celebrating 50 years and marking the occasion on Saturday 12 October with a tramp up to Kaweka J in the morning, followed by a celebration dinner in the…

Walk talk DOC has reopened Hawke's Bay's Opouahi Scenic Reserve and White Pine Bush sites to the public on 30 July 2024. The two popular sites had been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle swept across the country in February last year. Senior Community Ranger Lindsay Tallman says the cyclone caused significant damage to the area. “There were major slips inside Opouahi Kiwi Creche, the lake track became inaccessible, and more than 200 sheep made their way into the creche through two separate openings in the fence,” says Lindsay. “We mounted a rescue mission into the creche and managed to recover nine kiwi chicks. Fence repairs were prioritized for the safety of the kiwi; these were completed in March 2023 thanks to hard work from the Environment, Conservation and Outdoor Education Trust…

One of West Australia's most dramatic and spectacular destinations, Karijini National Park is more accessible for visitors, thanks to the official opening of new day-use areas, viewing facilities and upgraded access roads. The upgrades, valued at $21.2 million, include road sealing, additional car park bays, and new lookouts, toilets and picnic facilities. Located in WA's Pilbara region, Karijini is famous for its gorges of ancient rock, cool swimming holes, cascading waterfalls and vertical rock canyons. Best explored over a number of days, visitors can either camp, or stay at the popular Karijini Eco Retreat.…

Australian Walks We recently visited Australia's Northern Territory and joined a small organised group and were guided on a seven day tour into several specially spectacular places in Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks DAY 1 Our tour group of seven met up with our ever helpful and vigilant guide and driver Jo in a hotel in Darwin one evening, and set off next morning on what was to be a characteristically early start. Being on the road before sunrise made the most of every day. The city was soon left behind as we made our way east with brief stops at Fogg Dam and Mamakulala Wetlands for glimpses of the birdlife we'd see much more of along the way ahead. The sign at the entrance to Kakadu National Park is…