Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Walking New Zealand

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Enhanced tours on Coral Coast, WA

A new outback experience along the Coral Coast in Western Australia is provided by Proudback’s enhanced Adventurer and Explorer tours; now including the Kennedy Range National Park loop track. The 11-night Adventurer tour takes travellers from Perth / Boorloo to the Ningaloo Reef, while the Explorer tour is a 12-night expedition from Perth to the Coral Coast, visiting Shark Bay and Dirk Hartog Island. Both tours offer the chance to traverse the plateau of the Kennedy Range, located a full day’s drive northeast of Perth. Proudback leads adventureseekers on immersive four-wheel-drive journeys, with training provided before departure. Each tour includes full catering and comfortable swags, with nights sleeping beneath the stars.…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

New airport, cliff walk boost Blue Mountains

The opening of New Western Sydney International Airport late next year is expected to be a boon for the Blue Mountains region. Louise Clifton, general manager of Blue Mountains Tourism, says the journey by train will be about one and a half hours with the trip by car being slightly quicker. ‘It means that people can come straight to the Blue Mountains and chill out,’ she adds. She says a recent addition which has quickly grown in popularity is the Grand Cliff Walk, an 18 kilometre excursion that goes through a number of villages. ‘You could do it a day but most people take two and stay a night somewhere like Leura, Katoomba or Wentworth Falls.’ Clifton points out that a number of companies – including Blue Mountains Adventure Company…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Access easements are the foundation of Kawatiri Coastal Trail

Before the bikes and walking shoes arrived, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail needed planning meetings and a series of easements over many different West Coast land parcels. The Outdoor Access Commission, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa was excited to witness the Kawatiri Coastal Trail’s official opening in March 2025. They have supported the Kawatiri Coastal Trail since the Charleston Westport Coastal Trail Trust started planning its route in 2015. A trail needs legal access over land before anyone can lift a spade or a hammer to begin building. They have helped the trust obtain a written agreement from landowners that is transferable to a new owner should the land be sold. An Agreement to Grant an Easement (ATGAE) template was developed to do this. ATGAEs give greater certainty to trail builders working…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Dunedin track builder wins national award

Twelve years and seven rugged kilometres of track building in honour of a late friend has earned a Dunedin volunteer a national award. Arthur Blondell, a dedicated community volunteer, has spent the last 12 years building and maintaining the 7km River Track, commonly called Arthur’s Track. On Thursday, 29 May, he received an Outdoor Access Champion award for the track, which follows the south branch of the Waikouaiti River in the picturesque Silverpeaks Scenic Reserve. Arthur’s Track keeps walkers on conservation land, providing some bush to walk through while avoiding roads, forestry tracks, and locked gates. It also improves access to the Philip J. Cox Memorial Hut, a special tribute to his late friend. The hut is a vital shelter on the Silverpeaks Circuit Track. However, accessing it was previously…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Women walk the World: Why female small group travel continues to grow

From Spain’s ancient pilgrimage routes to Italy’s dramatic coastlines and the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc, an increasing number of women are lacing up their hiking boots and setting off on active travel trips. Whether solo or in small, womenonly groups, female travellers are carving out their space in the sphere. The result? A booming sector where travel becomes not just a holiday, but a gateway to empowerment. Active travel, covering experiences like walking, cycling, and alpine hiking, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism. And at the heart of this growth is a desire for deeper, more meaningful experiences. According to a 2024 travel trends report by Condé Nast Traveller, women are increasingly seeking holidays that blend physical challenge with personal growth. These travellers aren’t content…

3 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

McClaren Falls Park has lots of easy walks

Tauranga is lucky to have a peaceful oasis, only 19 kms from the city centre. Set in 190 hectares of park land, off SH 29, lies Lake McClaren, and the impressive Mc Claren Falls. Seen from the bridge, before the park entrance, these falls are intriguing, because they vary from a dribble over rocks, to a roaring flow totally covering the rocks, after heavy rain. The park is home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in New Zealand, with over 500 different species. It is a perfect place for a picnic, with push button barbeques, camping, fishing, kayaking, biking opportunities, equestrian facilities and bush walks. It also has one of the best and most challenging Disc Golf courses in New Zealand. There are lots of easy walks…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

NORTH ISLAND

NORTHLAND BAY OF ISLANDS BAY OF ISLANDS WALKERS: Saturday (AM), Jacqui Watson 022-6019741, 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 09435-0746 WAIPU WALKING GROUP: Wednesday (AM) WHANGAREI TRAMPING CLUB: http://www.whangareitrampingclub.co.nz/ 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 Sunday, (AM),…

17 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

High Court's Whakaari decision confirms landowners not liable for access

Ongoing concerns among landowners about liability for injuries on their land during recreational activities have been addressed by the High Court’s decision in the case of Whakaari Management Ltd v WorkSafe. The court confirmed that landowners are not responsible for risks associated with recreational activities. This ruling comes after a troubling trend of landowners blocking public access because they misunderstood the Health and Safety at Work Act. The Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust (ACAT) played a pivotal role, intervening in the appeal and representing the voice of outdoor recreationists. The court decision underscores the importance of accessible outdoor spaces while acknowledging the tragic events on Whakaari/White Island.…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Walking improves physicail and mental health

Walking is a fun way to improve physical and mental health, and there are scientific studies regularly being published to back this up. In terms of physical health, one study found that people who were experiencing back pain who walked at least three times a week had a lower risk of the pain recurring. Another study looked at the benefits of Nordic walking, a style of walking where you use poles to engage the upper body. The study found that for people with coronary artery disease, after doing Nordic walking for 12 weeks increased their heart function the most compared to others who did different forms of exercise. And while there are many recommendations about the distance you need to walk to see health impacts, a recent analysis of multiple…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Nine DOC huts for the first timer

The Department of Conservation (DOC) looks after over 950 huts of all shapes and sizes so we asked some of our stafffor their experiences and picks, particularly huts suitable for first time trampers. Take a look: Wellington Powell Hut Powell Hut is extremely popular and the fastest way to the top of the Tararua Ranges in Tararua Forest Park. The spectacular views are only a 1.5 hour drive from Wellington, easily accessed by Holdsworth Road near Masterton. Atiwhakatu Hut The near new Atiwhakatu Hut is an easy walk from Holdsworth Road. It’s popular as part of the beautiful Jumbo Circuit - a two to three day tramp involving a climb through beech-podocarp forest to some of the best alpine views in the Tararua Forest Park. “The Holdsworth area in the…

3 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Wairakau Stream Walk included a climb up the Duke's Nose Peak

The Wairakau Stream Walk to Lake Cove Hut, (with a sidetrack up the Duke’s Nose) is a unique bush walk with a fun climb, fabulous views, cool swimming spots and inviting picnic areas. The walk starts in Totara North, a small settlement on the western side of Whangaroa Harbour in Northland. It can be accessed by land or by sea. By land, the track starts 400 metres down Campbell Road. There is car parking available, and a large DOC sign indicates the start of the trail, which follows the Wairakau Stream. The track can also be reached by sea. Water taxis are sometimes available, or if you have a friend with a boat, it’s worth considering this option. We had a friend with a boat, who collected our group of…

4 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

The wild West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island

August last year my husband and I flew to Vancouver to not just visit John’s brother and family, but to tackle the Pacific Rim, West Coast Trail. The Huu-ay-aht, Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations have always lived along Vancouver Islands west coast. Over 200 years ago these nations were using these trails and paddling this route for trade and travel. Over the century following sailors began bringing trade to the First Nations people but sailing this coastline was dangerous and resulted in many tragedies. The coastline was referred to as the “graveyard of the Pacific”, referring to the hazardous waters. A lighthouse and a telegraph pole were erected by the government between 1889-1890 in an attempt to improve communication along this route. The wild West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Ten best walks and hikes in Tasmania

With Air New Zealand operating direct air flights from Auckland to Tasmania’s capital Hobart, from October to March it is sure to attract Kiwis to explore walking and hiking experiences in Tasmania. With over 1.5 million hectares of Wilderness World Heritage Area, it doesn’t really matter which direction one heads, there’s wild walking paths to follow. It’s no surprise that those who own a good pair of boots often step in Tassie’s direction for their premium walk experiences. The Wukalina Walk is the latest multi-day offering to join the Tasmanian fold. A first of its kind, Wukalina is a Tasmanian Aboriginal-owned and operated walk in the Bay of Fires region on the east coast. Wukalina Walk It’s a walk with a story to tell – a story that dates back…

8 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

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.motueka50pluswalkers.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 |July 2025

AUSTRALIA

JUNE 2025 8 Mildura Riverfront Marathon Festival, Mildura Vic 8 Run Fest South West Rocks, West Rocks, NSW 14 Surf Coast Trail Marathon, Torquay, VCic 15 Albury Ranges Trail Run, West Albury, Vic 15 Bay to Bay Running Festival, Gosford, NSW 15 Charles Darwin Trail Run, Charles Darwin National Park, NT 15 Kununurra Half Marathon, Kununurra, WA 15 Rottnest Running Festival, Rottnest Island, WA 15 Western Sydney 10: Parramatta, Sydney, NSW 17 Black Mountain Run Up and Power Walk, Canberra, Act 20 Brisbane Valley Rail Trail 100s, Yarraman, Qld 21 Byron Rainforest Run, Minyon Falls, NSW 21 Untamed Border Run, Killarney, Qld 22 Cooks River Fun Run, Sydney, NSW 22 Heaven & Hell RunningWorks Trail Marathon, Kelmscott, WA 29 Half on the Hill, Griffith, NSW 29 Pichi Richi Marathon, Port…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Kawakawa wetland boardwalk construction gets underway

The Outdoor Access Commission Northland field advisor attended a karakia this week to bless the start of a boardwalk construction for Ngā Papa Pa Orooro, a Ngāti Hine-led walking and cycling project in Kawakawa. This boardwalk is the final phase of a larger wetland restoration project led by Ngāti Hine that has been going on for more than two years with the support of Jobs for Nature and DOC. The Outdoor Access Commission has been involved for over a year, supporting the boardwalk team with access issues. The boardwalk traverses DOC land, unformed legal roads, and Kiwi Rail lands. It also intersects the Heritage Railway and the Twin Coast Cycleway. Successfully restoring the native wetlands has been a source of pride for the young people involved, and The Outdoor Access…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Tawa Loop Walk a blend of natural beauty

Acrisp, sunny autumn day is the perfect invitation to explore the Tawa Loop Walk in the Manawatū Gorge, just a short drive from Palmerston North. Our experience on this track was a blend of natural beauty, local history, and community spirit-an ideal escape for anyone seeking a taste of the region’s wild heart. The Tawa Loop Track starts at the Ashhurst end of Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, about 12 km (20 minutes) east of Palmerston North. Parking is available on Napier Road, Aokautere, with the carpark open from early morning until evening, depending on the season. The walk branches off the main Manawatū Gorge Track about 500 meters from the carpark, leading you into the lush embrace of native bush. The Tawa Loop is well-maintained and clearly signposted, making…

4 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

What is Footsteps

For some years now, you will have noticed articles and advertisements in this magazine which refer to “Footsteps”. But what is Footsteps and how does it operate? Why is it regularly featured in a magazine that finds its readers mainly among walking groups. Footsteps is a unique walking club which exists to serve all the local walking clubs throughout New Zealand. enabling their members to venture further afield both within our borders and overseas. It was established in 2020 after the demise of the FMC Travel Club, and in response to many requests. Footsteps operates much the same as any outdoor pursuits club, but with a national constituency (without formal membership or an annual subscription!). People from all around the country come together to participate in its excursions and activities,…

5 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Sign of the Vines: new Marlborough Vineyard Trail

The delicious challenge of wheeling between 20 of the nation’s finest wineries has just become easier, with help from The Outdoor Access Commission. A new bike trail linking Marlborough wineries was launched recently and supported by a grant for signage from The Outdoor Access Commission. The Marlborough Vineyard Trail links some of Marlborough’s most popular wineries via 20km of trail, much of which is off-road – including riverbanks and the edges of vineyards. Made possible through the cooperation of wineries and other landowners, it was opened by Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor. The Marlborough District Council was the main funder of the project. Mayor Taylor said the trail boosted the existing cycle infrastructure and improved safety by taking cyclists off busy roads. An Enhanced Access Grant was awarded to the Renwick…

2 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

Inglewood walkway a popular community asset

The Kurapete Windsor Walkway, a flat all-weather path in Inglewood, is a community asset that is widely appreciated by walkers, runners and cyclists. The 5km loop, which takes about 90 minutes to walk, offers great views of the Taranaki Maunga and the lush Taranaki countryside. The loop has increased in prominence since work began in 2010. Stage two the following year saw its popularity grow and now the completed walkway is a firm favourite with the locals as well as welcoming people from all over Taranaki and visitors to the region. The New Plymouth District Council completed the $1.5m project in September of 2024 with 3.7km of loose metal and grass berm replaced with a concrete path. There are also seats at several locations for people to rest. NPDC’s Kōhanga…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

No walking events now in Auckland Marathon

I’ve been a runner for many years, completing multiple half and full marathons in New Zealand. Now that I’m 60 I prefer competitive walking although it has taken me a couple of years to adapt and really build up speed. But I really enjoy it. I am incredibly disappointed that the Auckland Marathon 2025 no longer allows entrants to register in walking categories. I emailed them and their response was: “We no longer have a specific competitive walking category at this event. Due to the large number of participants on course, it’s not possible to reliably verify whether those registered as walkers complete the entire event walking. As a result, separate walker results may not accurately reflect actual performances.” Maybe so, but genuine walkers want to compete against like-minded entrants…

1 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

NEW ZEALAND

JUNE 2025 1 Milnes Beatson Kaiteriteri Gold, Kaiteriteri 1 Selwyn Marathon, Lincoln 2 Lakeside Relays, Harewood, Christchurch 7 Kirikiriroa Marathon, Hamilton 7 Pillar to Pou, two Mile Bay, Taupo 7 Scarecrow Scamper Cross Country, Tapawera 8 Auckland Trail Run & Walk: Shakespear, Auckland 8 Barefoot XTRAIL Series: Towai Traverse, Wainuiomata, Wellington 8 Gizzy Trail Run Series: Turihaua Station, Gisborne 8 Sri Chinmoy Auckland Series 2025: Race 4, Auckland Domain, Auckland 8 The Mount Vernon Grand Travers, Blenheim 14 Bridge to Bridge Ultra Marathon, Waimakariri to Kaiapoi, Canterbury 14 Mount Difficulty Ascent, Bannockburn near Cromwell 14 Rustic Run and Walk, Mt Difficulty Wines, Bannockburn near Cromwell 14 The Possum Night Trail Run, Wairakei Resort, Taupo 15 3 Peaks Challenge Series 2, Wellington 15 Gizzy Trail Run Series: Nicks Head Station -…

4 min

Walking New Zealand |July 2025

REST OF WORLD

JUNE 2025 14-15 Marche Internationale de Diekirch, Diekirch, Luxembourg 28-29 International Walking Festival, Viborg, Denmark JULY 2025 3-6 International Walking Festival, Castlebar, Ireland 15-18 International Walking Festival, Nijmegen, Netherlands AUGUST 2025 2-3 Lithuanian Marching Festival, Kaunas, Lithuanian 8-10 International Walking Festival,, Vassa, Finland 22-24 International Walking Festival, Duuchcov, Czek 30-31 International Walking Festival, Verday, Norway SEPTEMBER 2025 6-7 International Walking Festival, Gospic, Croatia 13-14 International Walking Festival, Beijing, China 19-21 International Walking Festival, Seefeld, Austria 21 In Flinders Fields Marathon, Diksmuide, Belgium 27-28 International Walking Festival,, Brno, Czeck Republic OCTOBER 2025 4-5 International Walking Festival, Fulda, Germany18-19 10-12 International Walking Festival, Ottawa, Canada NOVEMBER 2025 2 New York Marathon New York, USA 6-7 International Walking Festival, Arlington, Virginia, USA 25-26 International Walking Festival, Wonju, Korea DECEMBER 2025 1-3 International Walking…

1 min