Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i Walking New Zealand

Lemala Camps & Lodges is launching its newest property, Lemala Osonjoi Lodge on 15 July, on the edge of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. Osonjoi Lodge will feature 16 spacious suites, each with king beds, en-suite bathrooms, large picture windows, and a nook with a double bed that can serve as an extra sleeping area. Given its 8,000ft elevation, suites will be equipped with slow-burn wood stoves to keep guests warm when the mist rolls in. For families and larger groups, the lodge will include two two-bedroom suites, accommodating up to four adults and two children. The interior design blends African chic with a stylish Nordic touch, creating a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere. The central guest areas will feature a lounge, bar, outdoor viewing deck, and the secluded Forest Spa, which will…

The Kimberley will soon become Australia's latest sustainable tourism hotspot with world-leading luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent set to develop a new eco-lodge in Purnululu National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to the world-famous Bungle Bungle Range, believed to be over 350 million years old. The environmentally and culturally sensitive premium lodge is due to open by 2027 and will be developed in partnership with the Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), with the initiative endorsed by BAC as the Traditional Owners. The luxury eco-lodge will be an exciting new offering for visitors to experience the magic of the Kimberley - one of the world's last true wilderness areas, where ancient culture, prehistoric landscapes and otherworldly nature abound.…

A haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Kāpiti's big backyard invites you to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. Experience the natural beauty of the Coast from hidden pockets of untouched nature to stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. From coastal and river trails to lush bush walks, these scenic walks invite you to explore. Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, 9.1km 3-4 hours walking Experience breathtaking views high above the coastline on one of the Wellington region's finest hikes. The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and Kapiti Island. The trail can be walked in either direction, but most choose to walk from north to south. Heading south, the trail follows the Kāpiti railway line, then veers uphill and across…

Hidden in the Canterbury foot hills, Washpen Falls walk will take you through an ancient canyon formed by a volcano some 89 million years ago, and along with centuries of glacial activities, it has created the unique landscape of the Malvern hills and this remarkable short walk experience. Washpen Falls Walk is located at the southern end of the Malvern Hills, an hour from Christchurch, near Windwhistle, approximately 20 minutes from Darfield. Just north of Windwhistle, turn onto Washpen Road and 400m along you will see a Washpen Falls sign. Follow the farm road through paddocks until you reach the old wool shed where there is parking and toilets available. As the walk is on private land, entry costs $10 (adults), $5 (children), cash only, payable at the woolshed. At…

Cycling from Thames to the Matatoki Cheese Barn on the Hauraki Rail Trail offers a delightful experience through scenic countryside. The journey covers approximately 11km and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your cycling pace. Time your ride to enjoy the Grahamstown Market, held every Saturday from 8am - 12pm on Pollen Street in Thames. You'll find locally produced plants, fruit and veg plus bric-a-brac, second hand goods and books, arts and crafts, fine food, cheeses, specialty oils and much more. Whether it's a quick coffee fix or fish and chips, a stop at The Wharf offers the perfect waterside location, looking out across the water to boats, seabirds and shore life among the mangroves. As you begin your ride from Thames, you'll enjoy views along…

If you're looking for new places and walks to explore with your dog this time of the year, you'll find hundreds of options across Tāmaki Makaurau. Here are a few of our top picks ordered by location: North/West Birkenhead and Northcote offer a range of bush and beach options, as well as spectacular views across the inner Waitematā Harbour and a number of dog-friendly cafes. Kauri Point Domain is off-leash at all times and you can follow a track down to Fitzpatrick Bay where dogs can enjoy an off-leash paddle between 5pm and 10am in summer and anytime in other months. Sanders Reserve Sanders Reserve is a scenic coastal reserve in the north-west overlooking the Waitematā. There is an easy gravel loop path lined with mānuka trees and native bush…

The newly launched experiential mobile camp – Sarara Wilderness in Kenya – is open. This camp in the Samburu expands Bush & Beyond's portfolio with more immersive wilderness experiences. At Sarara Wilderness, up to 12 guests at a time have a tented stay in the wilderness, with wildlife viewing, cultural encounters, as well as a range of outdoor activities – including hiking in the bush. An option is for guests to fly out for one night from one of Sarara's other ecolodges to add another strand to their Africa trip. The camp comprises six tents and two guide rooms with a separate dining room and lounge area. There is also a mobile plunge pool.…

River Culture & Adventure to launch its first Larapinta Trail trip guided by First Nations leaders. From May 2025, a seven-day walking tour on the Larapinta Trail in Central Australia will be guided by two First Nations leaders and an Intrepid trip leader. Ten departures scheduled in 2025 will offer exclusive access to 100% Finke's private campsite on the trail. Hikers will walk through diverse landscapes, from riverbanks and desert plains to mountain ranges. The nine to 16km per day trek culminates at the summit of Mt Sonder, offering views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known as Tjoritja by the raditional custodians of the land. Brett Mitchell, ANZ managing director, New First Nations guided Larapinta Trail Intrepid Travel says the collaboration reinforces Intrepid's commitment to its Reconciliation Action Plan by…

Waitomo, only an hour south of Hamilton, is well known for its spectacular caves. It also has really interesting walking and biking trails. We recently spent a day exploring these. Arriving in Waitomo mid-morning we were met by Richard of Waitomo e-bikes. After a trial ride and an explanation of the route we were given muesli bars, drinks and maps. The trail led down a quiet rural road to Otorohanga. It was delightful - bordered most of the way by agapanthus, dandelions and white daisies. We passed interesting old barns, ponds, and streams and big bales of hay, stacked for later feeding. Cows rushed up to the fence to gaze as we went by. We passed a different holiday accommodation site, where there were options of a Hobbit house, a…

Colorado is the eighth largest state in the USA. The best way to define hiking in Colorado is through the numbers: 43 Colorado state parks, 13 national parks and monuments, 13 national forests and grasslands and 58 “fourteeners” - peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet (4267m) above sea level. All of these add up to over 60,000kms of hiking trails (and there are 17,000-plus of those) waiting to be discovered. The national and state parks, along with the national forests, are your best bets for hiking. There is no shortage of freedom to roam here, that's for sure; in fact the only problem is being overwhelmed with choices. So many people just drive through the parks and stop at lookout points, but really this is a place to get…

Ruakuri Scenic Reserve in Waitomo offers a captivating journey through one of nature's most enchanting landscapes. Here we will guide you through the must-see attractions and experiences within this remarkable area. The crown jewel of the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve is undoubtedly the Ruakuri Bush Walk. Often hailed as one of the best short walks in New Zealand, this 1.6km loop trail showcases the area's stunning natural beauty and geological wonders. As you embark on this 45-minute adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of lush native bush, limestone cliffs, and hidden caves. The walk follows the Waitomo Stream, winding through a forested gorge and passing under low limestone arches. One of the highlights is the Ruakuri Natural Bridge, a large cavernous tunnel that extends over the path. From the…

Keen trampers and mountain bikers hope the reopening of a walkway in Whangārei will encourage more recreational access to publicly owned forestry and bush at Mt Tiger. The Waikaraka Walkway, between Onerahi's Cartwright Road and Mount Tiger Road, is being formally opened for public access and will have kauri dieback wash stations installed this year. The track offers a 90-minute walk through established native bush and pine forest, including views over Whangārei Harbour. Whangārei Tramping Club chairman John Ward said the walkway was quite popular in the 1980s when most of the land was owned by Northland Harbour Board. But when the harbour board was dissolved in 1992 and the land handed to Northland Regional Council, the track was closed for commercial forestry operations. Ward said it was disappointing the…

A new footpath and pedestrian bridge has opened in Wellsford that allows residents to walk from Rodney Street to Centennial Park without having to cross busy State Highway 1. MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi, Auckland Council elected members and staff, Auckland Transport staff, Wharehine, Kiwirail, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa and the Wellsford community attended a blessing conducted by Mātanga – Tikanga me Te Reo Māori Richard Nahi on 1 February. The 1.8m-wide footpath runs from the exiting footpath at 68 Rodney Street to Centennial Park Road along the eastern side of the highway. A new footbridge east of the vehicle overbridge completes the footpath link over the railway tracks to Centennial Park Road. Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says this footpath link is important to the Wellsford community who…