Walking New Zealand August 2025

Cyclists on the grade 1, flat Hauraki Rail Trail will find towns, and coffee, always within easy reach. That's according to Olivia Robinson, trail sales and marketing support, who joined The Great Rides Central North Island stand at eXplore. Divided into five sections, the 197kmtrail officially starts in Kaiaua in the north, winding its way along the Firth of Thames to Thames, then Paeroa. Cyclists can choose a side trip through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi, before heading back to Paeroa, then Te Aroha and finally Matamata. Suiting ‘bite-sized’ cycling or multiday journeys the trail takes in coastal wetlands, maritime and goldmining history, railway tunnels, farmland, waterfalls and Hobbiton. Robinson says local knowledge and collaboration between operators is strong. The trail has 80 official partners, meaning tour operators can be…

The Auckland Natural History Walking Club is celebrating 100 years of walking on 20th July. The club was founded in 1925 by celebrated botanist, artist and author Marguerite Crookes. A tree commemorating Marguerite and her life is to be planted at Auckland University on Tuesday 22nd July. The club meets on alternative Sundays to explore and enjoy the forests, lakes rivers and coastlines of the Auckland region and the trees, plants and birdlife we find in these places. Membership currently stands at 120.…

Gold Coast's Better by Bike is promoting Northern Rivers Rail Trail, a 24km adventure through rainforests, hinterland, glow worm tunnels and country villages. Better by Bike offers premium e-bikes, rugged fat tyre beasts, or e-trikes. For the family market it has infant seats, tow-behind bikes, and chariots for children explorers and pets. The rail trail is an easy grade ride for all ages, especially on an e-bike. Cyclists can start from Better By Bike's Murwillumbah Railway Station shop or get picked up from their accommodation. Riders can pedal one way and be met by the team at the end, or bike the full return trip. The gear clients need, instructions, trail tips and recommendations are provided. Better By Bike offers luxury van pickup service from the Gold Coast, as well…

Trampers and hunters have been unable to access Ferny Gair via the Teme River in Marlborough for many years despite an unformed legal road and a marginal strip providing legal access. this year, the Sunday Star Times published an important investigation into the issue and its broader implications for NZ. Legal public access between Avon Valley Road and Ferny Gair Conservation Area clearly exists, and we can demonstrate it on maps and legal documents. The intent of that unformed legal road and marginal strip is clear - to provide unimpeded, free public access to Ferny Gair.…

There is now a new self-guided walking experience along the remote and rugged Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan. The seven-day journey offers experienced travellers an opportunity to explore Japan's wild northeast – a part of the country still largely untouched by mass tourism. The Michinoku Coastal Trail, stretching over 1,000 kilometres through the scenic Tohoku region, was developed as part of Japan's reconstruction efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The trail now stands as a symbol of renewal and resilience. The trail's most spectacular sections are through coastal shrines, remote fishing villages, forested headlands and hidden bays between Hachinohe and the cliffs of Kitayamazaki. There is accommodation in locally run inns and small hotels. The trail offers travellers the chance to connect deeply with nature and local traditions while enjoying…

Friends of Wairoa Stream became the 50th community trailmaker group to join the outdoor Access Commission's national map of trailmakers. Friends of Wairoa Stream have formed a 4km public walkway and wildlife corridor along the Wairoa Stream and two tributary streams at Kerikeri. So far, they have planted about 24,500 native plants of about 60 species to link bush remnants as far as possible to achieve continuous forest along the track and the stream bank. This has enabled public access to a formerly hidden waterfall named Te Wairere that had become inaccessible and lost in a wilderness of weeds.…