Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Walking New Zealand

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…

There's a special thrill in being among the first to experience something new, and on a crisp, sunny morning, I found myself on my ebike at the gateway of the just-opened Manawatū Tararua, Te Ahu a Turanga shared pathway. Stretching some 11 kilometres from Ashhurst to Woodville, this trail promised not only a scenic ride but also a journey through some of the region's most captivating landscapes. As I set out, I quickly discovered that this pathway is more than just a link between two towns—it's a showcase of community spirit, natural beauty, and thoughtful design. My adventure began at the Ashhurst end, where a spacious new parking area sits conveniently beside the impressive new bridge. The morning air was cold enough to make me grateful for my cycling gloves,…

One of my favorite places to take the dog for a proper run off leach is St Leonard's Beach on Auckland's North Shore. This is a popular beach in summer, it's hard to find a car park on the cul-de-sac at the entry to the beach. There are very steep concrete steps almost vertical that go directly down to the beach. Just don't think about getting back up those stairs as easily on your return. When you finally make it down, the harbour opens before you with Rangitoto right within reaching distance and all the scattered boats of the harbour. There is a rocky breakwater extending out and a stone wall lining the base of the cliff that is falling away. Walking around the rocks is great for the step…

The Auckland Marathon has long been a celebration of endurance, community, and inclusion. It is not just a race for the fastest runners but a festival for all who wish to test themselves, whether they run, jog, or walk. Recently Mike Wagg a 60 year old ex runner contacted Auckland Marathon about not having a walking catagory and his reply from them 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.” That's why the recent decision to discontinue the competitive walking section is so disappointing—and why it must be…

A forward plan is tactical planning that helps identify, schedule and prioritise actions to achieve specific objectives over a defined period. Forward planning is crucial for proactive decision-making, clarity of goals, and adaptability in the face of change, both for individuals and organisations. It allows for better resource allocation, risk mitigation, and the ability to seize opportunities, ultimately leading to greater success. Without forward planning, vague thoughts stream shapelessly through our minds like long sad vapours through the twilight sky, and little progress is made. One of the areas for which forward planning is almost a necessity is travel. Before any trip, you need to consider various factors. These may include health checkups, travel medication, finances (budget, currency exchange, payments), ensuring your passport is valid, understanding visa requirements, obtaining travel…

The Terrace Walk at Franz Josef provides a good introduction to the rainforest of the Glacier Region of the West Coast as well and an opportunity to see glow worms after dark - it's a great option with children. This easy walk winds a short way along the bush-clad terraces at the south end of the village. The trail is relatively flat until the last few meters, when it winds uphill and becomes somewhat rocky. This walk leads you through a flat section of Wild West Coast podocarp forest before you start a gradual ascent up a line of gold mining tailings. You will be able to see the remains of flumes and water pipes just before the small wooden bridge that crosses a creek There is no access beyond…

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…

Success has many parents, so the saying goes. This is proving to be the case with the new walking and biking shared path linking Ashhurst with Woodville. While still awaiting the stage two bridge for walkers to safely cross the Manawatū River from Ashhurst to Te Apiti, the new 11 km shared path from Te Apiti up and over into Woodville is fantastic, and already getting good use. While NZTA eventually agreed to the shared path, they were dead against it at the start. So how did we even get the path? Grassroots hard yards, effort by community members who were unhappy when the initial NZTA proposal came out with no safe space for walkers or people on bikes to make the east-west crossing in one of the few places…

On a fine warm sunny May day, I arrived in Kurow in the Waitaki District of the South Island to walk up Kurow Hill. Kurow is well known as the home town of rugby legend Richie McCaw. The Kurow Hill Walking Track is an easement across Awakino Station hill pasture. The track was built in 1989 and is maintained by volunteers of the Kurow Trails Committee. It is accessed from the end of Grey Street where there is ample parking or you can park anywhere in the township and it's a short walk to the track start. Once through the gate, a short level walk leads to a track sign before a flight of steps, upgraded in January 2024, and then follows a rather steep climb which zigzags its way…

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend from 9, 10, 11, 12 October 2025 offers a diverse line-up of guided walks suitable for all fitness levels, from coastal strolls to challenging hikes, vineyard tours to historic journeys, and everything in between. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, foodie, history buff, or simply love exploring new places, there's a walk for you. Here's a taste of what's on offer: Kayak & Walk Adventures Haruru Falls via Waitangi River: Combine walking and kayaking with local wildlife, Māori legends, and stunning views. Kayaking up the Waitangi River, exploring the mangroves on the way to the scenic horse shoe shaped Haruru Falls, then walk back along…

The Karituwhenua Stream Walkway is a lovely, mostly flat loop track of approximately 1.6 kilometers that takes less than an hour to complete, making it a perfect casual or brisk walk for families. The walkway offers a shaded path through native bush, providing a cool respite on sunny days, which sounds ideal for your recent walk on a lovely sunny but cool day. Along the track, you can enjoy various features such as picnic tables for resting or a family snack, and named tree species that offer an educational element as you walk. The walkway is well maintained with cute bridges crossing the stream, although the stream itself can be quite dry in summer and more flowing in wetter seasons. Birdlife is abundant, including the distinctive tui, adding to the…

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…

Fantail Falls Walk is a popular picturesque spot and is a must stop when driving from Wanaka to Haast. The 23-meter high waterfalllocated in, Fantail Falls in Mt Aspiring National Park, along Haast Highway, SH 6 is 85kms or under an hour's drive north from Wanaka. .The road is ealed and on the right there is a sign “Fantail Falls” and a car park. There are no facilities there. The Fantail Falls Walk is an easy 10 minutes return walk that starts from the carpark and leads to the waterfall's lookout by a well formed flat track through picturesque forest. The track is suitable for people of all abilities. This is a beautiful and easily accessible fan-shaped waterfall, that drops into the crystal clear blue Haast River. The waterfall is…

In the heart of New Zealand's South Island, the Omarama Clay Cliffs rise unexpectedly from the flat Waitaki landscape, their jagged spires and narrow ravines creating a scene that feels more at home on another planet than in rural Canterbury. Having just walked these remarkable formations, I'm excited to share what makes the Omarama Clay Cliffs such a memorable destination—how to get there, what to expect on the walk, the history behind these geological wonders, and why they attract visitors from all over the world. The Omarama Clay Cliffs are located about 10 kilometres west of the small town of Omarama, making them a convenient stop for anyone road-tripping between Christchurch, Tekapo, Twizel, Wanaka, or Queenstown. The drive itself is part of the adventure: after turning off State Highway 8…