Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Walking New Zealand

Located on the stunning Otago Peninsula, the Sandymount to Sandfly Bay Track offers an exhilarating coastal adventure just a stone's throw from Dunedin. This captivating walk showcases the raw beauty of the South Island, combining dramatic landscapes with the chance to observe unique wildlife in their natural habitat. To reach the trailhead from Dunedin, head east along Portobello Road, which hugs the picturesque Otago Harbour. As you approach the peninsula, turn onto Highcliff Road and then onto Sandymount Road. The journey takes about 45 minutes, winding through rolling hills and offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding coastline. Be prepared for a narrow, winding gravel road as you near the end of Sandymount Road, where you'll find the carpark that marks the start of your adventure6. The Sandymount to Sandfly Bay…

The Greytown Rail Trail is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The surfaces are well-maintained and suitable for a range of mobility aids, including wheelchairs and strollers. The trails have gentle gradients, making them easily manageable for people with limited mobility or fitness levels. The off road sections of the Tauwharenikau Trail are also accessible to everyone and are wheelchair friendly. However the sections using public roads are not suitable. Greytown Cycling Without Age is a fantastic initiative that provides an opportunity for elderly and less-abled members of the community to enjoy the Greytown Rail Trail on a trishaw. Volunteer pilots take passengers on a slow and gentle ride, allowing them to experience the beautiful scenery and fresh air. This initiative promotes social inclusion and encourages inter-generational connections.…

The Whangamata Stream Trail, located near Kinloch, offers a picturesque journey through beautiful forest scenery. The trail runs from Lake Taupo up to Whangamata Road, providing visitors with a serene walking or biking experience. The Whangamata Stream Trail is about 4 km long, making it an accessible option for various fitness levels. It's a dual-use track, suitable for both walking and biking, allowing visitors to choose their preferred mode of exploration. While the trail is generally considered moderate in difficulty, it offers a pleasant forest walk with some variations in terrain. The path follows the Whangamata Stream, providing a mix of flat areas and gentle inclines. One of the highlights along the trail is the historic Kinloch waterwheel. This feature adds a touch of local history to your journey, offering…

Last Summer we made walking the Hollyford Valley our goal. The Hollyford River in Fiordland, flows through a very deep U-shaped glacial valley from the Darran Ranges in the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea at Martins Bay. Maori lived here from 1650 to 1800, because there was good access to food, timber and pounamu, which was treasured for tools, ornaments and weapons. Europeans discovered the area much later. In the 1860's Captain Alabaster, a whaler, explored the valley, meeting Chief Tutoko at Martins Bay. At the same time, Hector, a geologist from Otago, named the hills above the bay after Tutokos daughters, and suggested a road to Queenstown. George Gunn and Mckellar while exploring, noticed the valley from key Summit. Caples also spent a lot of time prospecting for…

Embarking on the Taranaki Falls Loop Walk in Tongariro National Park is a captivating walk through diverse landscapes and natural wonders. This 6-kilometre loop track offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and manageable terrain, making it an ideal choice for hikers of various skill levels. As I set out on the trail from Whakapapa Village, I'm immediately struck by the ever-changing scenery. The track begins by winding through alpine grasslands, offering breathtaking views of the iconic volcanoes that define Tongariro National Park. Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro loom in the distance, their majestic silhouettes a constant companion throughout the walk. The first part of the track traverses open tussock and alpine shrublands, reminiscent of a desert-like tundra. This section provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the unique volcanic landscape…

Get the whole family active on one of Auckland's fantastic bike paths. Scenic routes wind through tranquil neighbourhoods and reserves and meander along coastal areas and past playgrounds, with plenty of places to stop and picnic or play. These paths are gentle and picturesque, suitable for kids and first-time cyclists. Explore Ambury Farm and Māngere Foreshore Stop for a mid-bike breather at Ambury Regional Park (also known as Ambury Farm) and enjoy seeing a city farm in action with cows, chickens, pigs and more. Start your ride at the beginning of Kiwi Esplanade Reserve near the new Ngā Hau Māngere Bridge and weave your way around the waterfront to Ambury Regional Park. Once you're in the farm you can begin the Māngere Foreshore Path, this isn't a loop so you…

Head west to walk the flanks of the largest maunga in the Waikato, which dominates the western horizon yet is only a 30-minute drive from Hamilton. Beneath its dense ancient forest canopy, there's plenty to explore on foot. The Mangakara Nature Walk is a good starting point for leisurely strolling, while folks keen to head into the challenging interior of this forest park should prepare themselves for gut-busting climbs towards its 959-metre-high peak. Listen out for the haunting birdsong of the at-risk reintroduced kōkako. Kāniwhaniwha Caves & Nikau Walk This outing ticks all the boxes if you aren't squeamish about underground caves or unnervingly close cave wētā encounters. The trail follows the Kāniwhaniwha Stream along a pleasant flat 4WD route before entering the forest towards the 20-metre-long limestone cave. Some…

The Coromandel Peninsula has long been a jewel in New Zealand's crown, a place where rugged coastlines meet pristine beaches, and lush forests give way to breathtaking vistas. For years, Cathedral Cove has been one of its most iconic destinations, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its natural archway, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. However, after significant storm damage in recent years, the beloved Cathedral Cove Walkway was closed, leaving many of us longing for the day we could once again tread its path. That day finally arrived with the reopening of the walkway, and my partner and I eagerly set out to experience it for ourselves. We arrived at the Hahei visitor parking area early in the morning, eager to beat the crowds and make the…

There are lots of opportunities for cycle rides around New Zealand and the Wairarapa region is no exception. We were delighted to see that there was a rail trail in Greytown so we decided to spend a few days exploring the area. The Greytown to Woodside Trail is a scenic 5 km walking and cycling track connecting Greytown to the nearest train station at Woodside. This branch railway line had been disused since the 1950s, but in 2010 it was turned into a walking, running and cycling track. The well signposted trail entrance starts in Cotter Street, Greytown. The wide limestone trail follows the original Greytown to Woodside railway line with views of the Tararua Range and Gladstone Hills. There is a regular train service on the Wairarapa Line from…

There's nothing quite like walking to connect you with the land. Whether it's the crunch of leaves beneath your boots, the misty hush of a dense forest, or the thrill of reaching a summit and seeing the world stretch out before you, walking is an adventure in its purest form. From 1st to 22nd April, the ECHO Walking Festival returns, offering over 45 guided walks across some of the most breathtaking landscapes from the Kaimais to the Coromandel. From family-friendly nature trails to tough climbs that will test even the most seasoned trampers, this festival is about getting outdoors, learning about the land, and enjoying the journey. For those looking for a serious adventure, the festival features some of the most rewarding hikes in the North Island. ● Tuahu Track…

As I stood at the base of Mount Maunganui, gazing up at its imposing 232-metre peak, I felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. The iconic mountain, known locally as Mauao, has long been a symbol of the Bay of Plenty region, and today I would finally tackle its famous summit track. Setting off from the main beach, I joined the steady stream of hikers making their way up the well-worn path. The track started with a series of steep steps, immediately getting my heart pumping. As I climbed higher, the lush native forest enveloped me, providing welcome shade from the morning sun. The trail was busy, even early in the day. I encountered people of all ages and fitness levels, from young families to elderly couples, all united in…