Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i Walking New Zealand

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Charge to now walk in Enclosed Gardens

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…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Two Hawke's Bay sites re-open to public

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…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve walk

Okitu Bush Scenic Reserve is located on SH35/Whangara Road, about 8 km east of central Gisborne, at the northern end of Wainui Beach. There is a parking area at the entrance to this bush reserve and a grassy picnic area with several picnic tables. A well-graded walking track through the bush crosses over three small foot bridges and takes between 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The track leads to a lookout platform from where there is a good view of Wainui Beach and the surrounding hills. An extension of the track connects to the end of Sirrah Street. The original vegetation in the reserve was a small remnant of modified coastal forest with broad-leaved species and puriri. Substantial plantings over the past 20 years have introduced or reintroduced many…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Active seniors experience Tasmanian wilderness

Our 18 Day Autumn tour of Tasmania, during April this year was just outstanding. The itinerary was designed by Wildside Travel with every effort to deliver interesting exercise as often as possible while circumnavigating the state. The primary activity being walks and hikes in as many forest and wilderness locations as possible while experiencing all the other wonderful offerings like seafood, award winning bakery's, artisan cheese, chocolate, batch brewed Gins and whiskey's….and it would be rude not to mention the wine! We start with a good grounding in and around Hobart city enjoying the waterfront features, parks, Salamanca market, Botanic Gardens and the under-rated trails all over kunyani/ Mt Wellington recreational reserve. Sampling fantastic fresh seafood which almost every eatery includes, bespoke ice cream flavours unique to Tassie e.g. Myrtle…

3 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Wrights Hill Lookout Loop Walk around an historic hill fortress

The Wrights Hill Lookout Loop takes you around the historic Wrights Hill Fortress to the summit, past many WWII fortifications. The fortress is mostly an underground network of tunnels, but you can still see some historic gun emplacements above ground. The trailhead is directly opposite the middle car park on Wrights Hill Road. Look for the ‘Wrights Hill Lookout’ sign and cross the road when it is safe. Walk up the first section, known as John's Track. Take the first left and you will shortly join the Lookout track. Continue up the hill until you come to a t-intersection. Turn right to go to the lookout and the Wrights Hill gun emplacements. The lookout has great views over Wellington city and the nearby Mākara wind farm. At the top, follow…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Toi's Challenge - a stunning trail in Whakatane

For over thirty years, Toi's Challenge has been a highlight of the eastern Bay of Plenty trail running calendar, featuring a spectacular mix of coastal and forest trails between Whakatane and Ohope. Last year, around 700 runners and walkers lined up — across the Julian's Berry Farm 18km Toi's Challenge, the 1XX 18km Toi's walk, and the Robinson's Law 6km fun run and walk. The popular day showcases the trails of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, the Footsteps of Toi, named after the Māori chief who ruled the area around 800 years ago. It's a genuine multi-terrain challenge, with the 18km route including short sections of sealed path, sand, and wooden steps, as well as lots of forest trail. From Whakatane, the course twists up and down steep coastal hills and…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Te Araroa Track improvements

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.…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

New facilities open at Karijini National Park

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.…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Pureora Timber Trail in a recovering native forest

The Pureora Timber Trail is an 85 kilometre (53 miles if like myself, you prefer the old money) multi-use track through recovering, remnant and virgin bush land in the central North Island. Popular with mountain bike trail riders, it is largely step free, generously surfaced,and well managed. It is relatively gentle as it gains elevation steadily if walking northwards. Relatively easy – but it is certainly not a walk in the park. There are a few huts and shelters, and even a sizeable lodge for those requiring a fancy roof. My friend Ken and I pitched tents, but also stayed a night in a 60-odd year-old hunter's cabin deep in the woods. Good thing as that was the only rainy night. There are no shops and mostly no cell phone…

5 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

20 walks at Bay of Islands Walking Weekend

Get ready for an exhilarating 4-day walking festival like no other from the 10th to the 13 October.! The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is an action-packed program with over 20 walks to choose from designed to keep you on your toes and immerse you in the breathtaking beauty of the peninsula, take you to award winning vineyards and restaurants, and through some of the most stunning areas of the Bay of Islands. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual stroller, we've got a fantastic lineup of walks to match every level of adventure. Every year we aim to have a few new walks, last years new walks were such a success we are bringing them back. The PhatHouse Brewery River Walk was a lot of fun. Walk along…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Super Saunters on the islands of Samoa

Overseas Guided Walks Mount Vaea is a 472m summit overlooking Apia, the capital of Samoa. The mountain is situated about 3km inland from the township and harbour. It is best known as the burial place of the Scottish writer and poet Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived the last four years of his life in Samoa before his death on 3 December 1894. Stevenson, who lived on the east side of Mount Vaea, was called Tusitala (Samoan language: tusi ‘book’, tala ‘writer’) by the people of Samoa. He had chosen the mountain top as his final resting place. Inscribed on Stevenson's tomb is his epitaph: “This be the verse you grave for me: Here he lies where he longed to be; Home is the sailor, home from the sea, And the…

5 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

NORTH ISLAND

NORTHLAND BAY OF ISLANDS BAY OF ISLANDS WALKERS: Saturday (AM), Jacqui Watson 022-601-9741, Roz Whittaker 021-063-1455 DARGAVILLE DARGAVILLE TRAMPING GROUP: Last Sunday of month (AM), Lynley Thompson 021-102-3974, colvilleestate1@gmail.com WHANGAREI CARDIAC CARE WALKING GROUP: Wednesday (AM or PM), Jo or Hugh Knight 09-438-7976 KIWI SENIORS WALKING GROUP: Monday (AM), Kensington Reception, 09-437-4404 GREEN PRESCRIPTION WALKING GROUPS: 0800-228-483 HARRIERS WALKING GROUP: Tuesday (AM), Wednesday (PM), Thursday (AM), Val Babe 09-437-1657 HIKURANGI WALKING GROUP: Tuesday (PM) KAMO 60's UP: Monday, Thursday (AM), Yvonne 09-435-1101 TIKIPUNGA WALKING GROUP: Tuesday (AM), Barbara Derrick 09-435-0746 WAIPU WALKING GROUP: Wednesday (AM) WHANGAREI TRAMPING CLUB: Sue Guyatt 09-436-1441 GREAT BARRIER ISLAND BARRIER TRAMPING& BEER LOVERS CLUB: Sunday, John Brock 09-429-0211 AUCKLAND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CLUB: midweek, weekends (BIA), walks, tramps, www.oacnz.org, OutdoorActivitiesAuck@outlook.com AUCKLAND NATURAL HISTORY CLUB: Every second…

17 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

NEW ZEALAND

SEPTEMBER 2024 1 Macpac Auckland Trail Run & Walk: Shakespear Regional Park, Shakespear Regional Park, Auckland 1 The Lake Dunstan Trail Marathon, Clyde to Cromwell 7 Kaikōura Whale Run, Kaikoura 7 Kinloch Off road Challenge, Kinloch Taupo 7 Loburn 68 Canterbury Road Relay, Loburn 7 Milnes Beatson Motueka to Māpua Relay, Tasman District 8 Run Auckland: Millwater Estuary, Silverdale, Auckland 14 Wainuiomata Hill Run, Wainuiomata 15 Terry Fox Run: Auckland, Flat Bush, Auckland 15 Emerson's Dunedin Marathon, Dunedin 15 Hutt Marathon, Petone, Lower Hutt 15 Terry Fox Run: Auckland, Flat Bush, Auckland 15 Terry Fox Run: Christchurch, Hagley Park, Christchurch 15 North Shore Marathon, Milford, Auckland 15 Whangarei Run/Walk Festival, Whangarei 21 Race Tekapo Trail Festival, Lake Tekapo, Canterbury 21 Andrew Reece Memorial Relay, Rangiora 21 Queen Charlotte Relay, Picton…

4 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

The Pohangina Downhill Walk

9th November 2024 8:00am to 2:00pm Situated in the beautiful Pohangina Valley, in the Manawatu district, climb aboard a shuttle bus ride to the beginning of the Branch Road walkway and take a gentle walk down through 6kms of native bush and farmland back to the Pohangina township to County Fayre, where a light lunch awaits you (all included in the price). Caravan and Campervan facilities available locally. YOU MUST BOOK and PRE-PAY for this event Adults $30, Children $15 (5 to 15yr), Family $100 (2 Adults & 4 Children), under 5's free. For more information or to book your ticket email: countyfayre@inspire.net.nz or message our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CountyFayre.…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Birthday celebrations for two tramping clubs

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…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

On the trails through national parks in the Northern Territory

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…

6 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Trans Dinarica Trail – a long ride through nine countries

Overseas Cycling Trails Fancy a long bike ride - one that goes through nine countries and is 4,500 kilometers long, well the Trans Dinarica Trail opened on July 31 2024 could be the one for you! The Trans Dinarica bike trail has already made a splash in 2024. The first and only cycle route to link all eight countries of the Western Balkans was named as one of Lonely Planet‘s Best in Travel experiences for the upcoming year. Then, following suit, Time Out, the Daily Mail, and Outside magazine proclaimed the new bicycle trail one of the year's most important destinations and adventures. Now, CNN, one the world's largest news organizations, has named Trans Dinarica route to its “Where to go in 2024: The best places to visit” list. According…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Cape Wanbrow Track now part of Oamaru's Skyline Walk

Ōamaru is the largest town in the Waitaki district and it is famous for its rich local history and its stunning historical limestone buildings. After taking the time to explore the beautiful historic precinct and waterfront area, it is an easy walk to the start of the Cape Wanbrow tracks by heading up Tyne Street and then turning left onto Test Street. From here, it is only a short walk to a small gate on the right, and the track steadily heads up the hill to the Cape Wanbrow lookout for those sweeping views of the Oamaru district and surrounding Kakanui hills. (The lookout and Cape Wanbrow tracks can also be accessed by car from Tamar Street). The Cape Wanbrow area is a rocky headland which overlooks and protects the…

3 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

Kuirau Park walks in a geothermal area

Take a walk and discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity in this informal public park located right next to Rotorua's city centre. Kuira Park ia a lovely free park with ample parking on the road and in the park, where you take take a pleasant stroll, with steam erupting from the ground. Kuirau Park is a nature park with two small geothermal foot baths where you can sit on the surrounding seats and dip your tired feet into the soothing warm mineral water. There are tiny little fish swimming around that will nibble gently at your feet cleaning and soothing them. You may find it difficult to leave that area. There are mud pools, thermal landscaping, and a large playground to explore with picnic tables and a barbecue…

3 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

SOUTH ISLAND

MARLBOROUGH BLENHEIM 50 PLUS WALKING GROUP: Monday (AM), 03-579-3101 PICTON WALK GROUP: Monday (AM), Claire 03-573-7991 NELSON MOTUEKA MOTUEKA 50+ WALKERS: Motueka, Thursday, www.motueka-50pluswalkers.org.nz, secretary@50pluswalkers@gmail.com MOTUEKA TRAMPING CLUB: Day and multi day trips available, secretary.motuekatc@gmail.com NELSON NELSON STRIDERS: Tuesday, Thursday, (PM), (BI), Averil West, 03-548-3655 NELSON KIWISENIORS: Tuesday (AM), 03-548-1126 WAKEFIELD WALKING GROUP: Thursday (AM), Lou Manson, 03-541-8414 TAHUNA KIWISENIORS: Monday (AM), 03-548-1126 NELSON 50+ WALKING GROUP: Tuesday, Thursday (AM), Roger Haynes, 03-539-6402 WAIMEA HARRIER WALKERS: Saturday (PM), Sunday (AM) (BIA), Heather McNabb, 03-547-8490 WEDNESDAY WALKERS: Wednesday (AM), Visitor Information Centre WAIMEA TRAMPING CLUB: Sunday (AM) (PM), wtc.richmond@gmail.com, www.waimeatrampingclub.org.nz TAKAKA GOLDEN BAY ALPINE AND TRAMPING CLUB: Regular day and overnight tramps, Gaylene Wilkinson, Club President, beachgums@gmail.com WEDNESDAY WALKERS GROUP: Weekly day walks, Richard English 03-525-6179 rsenglish@xtra.co.nz CANTERBURY CHRISTCHURCH ACTIVE CHRISTCHURCH…

9 min

Walking New Zealand |October 2024

REST OF WORLD

AUGUST 2024 3-4 IML Walking Festival, Kaunas, Lithuania 9-11 IML Walking Festival, Vaasa, Finland 24-25 IML Walking Festival, Verdal, Norway 31-1 September IML Walking Festival, Gospic, Croatia SEPTEMBER 2024 7-8 IML Walking Festival, Arenzano, Italy 3-4 IML Walking Festival, Kaunas, Lithuania 13-15 IML Walking Festival, Seefield, Austria 14-15 IML Walking Festival, Beijing, China 28-29 IML Walking Festival, Brno, Czech Republic OCTOBER 2024 5-6 IML Walking Festival, Fulda, Germany 19-20 IML Walking Festival, Arlington, USA 19-20 IML Walking Festival, Won-Ju, Korea NOVEMBER 2024 2-3 IML Walking Festival, Higashimatsuyama, Japan 9-10 ML Walking Festival, Taipei, Taiwan 16-17 ML Walking Festival, Jogjakarta, Indonesia FEBRUARY 2025 15-16 IML Walking Festival, San Antonio, USA MARCH 2025 1-3 IML Walking Festival, Yatsushiro, Japan 23 -24 IML Walking Festival, Canberrra, ACT, Australia APRIL 2025 14 Paris Marathm,…

1 min