Walking New Zealand May 2025

As Rome prepares for an unprecedented influx of visitors during the peak of the 2025 Jubilee, news of Pope Francis’ hospitalisation has drawn additional attention to the Vatican, with even more faithful making their way to the Eternal City in prayer and solidarity. According to Vatican News, an estimated 35 million pilgrims will visit during the Jubilee Year of Hope, attending religious ceremonies, processions, and cultural events in a spirit of faith and renewal. With the flood of crowds expected, many travellers are looking for ways to step away from the congestion, whether for a brief respite or a more extended journey beyond the city. “For those heading to Rome, adding a walking or cycling detour offers a much-needed break from the intensity of the crowds,” says UTracks General Manager,…

Walking tours continue to surge in popularity, with more people ‘over the ditch’ embracing active travel in Europe than ever before. UTracks reports that a growing demand for immersive experiences in remote destinations, are among their fastest-growing segments. These journeys take travellers deep into some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, from Romania’s dramatic peaks to Iceland’s Nordic wilderness. Albania is a trending destination, gaining attention for its rugged terrains and rich cultural history. The remote village of Theth, nestled in a stunning valley, provides access to some of the country’s most spectacular trails, including the renowned Peaks of the Balkans Trail. This multi-country guided hike, weaves through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo at elevations of up to 2,300 metres, offers an unforgettable journey through dramatic mountain scenery and diverse cultural landscapes.…

As little as five minutes a day of eccentric exercise could offer significant health benefits to those living a stagnant lifestyle, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) found. The study, led by Dr Benjamin Kirk and Professor Ken Nosaka in ECU’s School of Medical and Health Sciences, evaluated the effects of a five-minute a day, home-based bodyweight eccentric exercise program on physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and mental health in sedentary individuals. Over a four-week period, the participants completed daily exercise consisting of 10 repetitions each of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops focusing on eccentric - muscle lengthening contractions, by slowly stretching contracting muscles such as sitting to a chair slowly in which the front thigh muscles are lengthened while supporting the body weight.…

The family owners of the Southern Ocean Walk in South Australia have added a new itinerary with a focus on food producers. The new Fleurieu Gourmet Tour has been created for travellers who prefer more time to explore the produce the region has to offer whilst still enabling them to experience some of the stunning natural highlights of Deep Creek National Park, south of Adelaide. Time in the renowned McLaren Vale wine region is also included in this four-day, three-night experience.…

Run Akaroa is a new premier road running and walking event that has been created in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour near Christchurch on May 17 2026. There are three distances to choose from with each course starting along the rim of an ancient volcano; overlooking the sparkling waters of the Akaroa Harbour and the South Pacific Ocean. The courses are designed for maximum wow-factor and for this day only competitors can safely enjoy the famous “Summit Road” by foot. With Akaroa being a top location for visitors from all over the country and around the world, come and Run Akaroa to experience it for yourself!…

As an experienced tramper who has traversed many of New Zealand’s hilly tracks, I was excited to tackle the iconic Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This 10.2 km return journey typically takes around three hours to complete, but I found myself savoring every moment and spending closer to four hours on the trail. I set out early on a crisp Friday morning in March, hoping to beat the crowds and catch the first rays of sunlight illuminating the Southern Alps. The weather was pleasantly warm and sunny, with a few scattered clouds providing occasional respite from the sun. The track began at the White Horse Hill campground, where I encountered a group of international tourists eagerly preparing for their hike. We exchanged friendly nods as I started…