Walking New Zealand September 2025

The Swan Valley is set for a major caffeine boost with the announcement of a new Yahava KoffeeWorks location, due to open 2028. To be set across 17-acres close to its current location, the new roastery is a visionary project to be Western Australia's largest walk-in coffee roastery open to the public. It's set to offer a sensory and immersive experience, including a cinematic walk-through of a coffee plantation, complete with crunchy soil sound effects underfoot. Visitors will be able to roam around the vast working roastery, watch live demonstrations, sample free tastings, take coffee classes, and purchase coffees and meals from the full kitchen. Offering views of the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan, the venue will also include alfresco dining and a nature playground. The Swan Valley is WA's oldest wine…

UTracks has opened bookings for its 2026 Coast to Coast walking tours, including a new 10 day Best of the Coast to Coast in Comfort & Guided itinerary. This comes as walkers prepare to experience the trail's recent upgrades for the first time, following its National Trail designation. The new guided option offers highlights of the classic 309km route, from St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay, across three national parks, with enhanced accommodation, expert guidance and extras like a castle stay and Victorian steamboat cruise on Lake Ullswater. The Comfort & Guided version will suit travellers who want to experience the most impressive stretches of the walk without committing to the full 309 kilometres. The 10-day guided itinerary includes carefully selected sections of the trail, boutique accommodation with ensuite rooms…

As Italy celebrates the 550th anniversary of the birth of artist Michelangelo in Tuscany, a short film showcasing the allure of a walking holiday in the region has been released by European selfguided hiking tour operator, On Foot Holidays. On Foot Holidays’ seven night walk through Tuscany's hills, medieval hamlets, vineyards and avenues of cypress trees is one of its most popular routes. This inspired the UK operator to make a 4.5 minute video about it. The inn-to-inn walk begins in the southern Tuscan city of Siena and ends in the hilltop town of Montepulciano. Highlights include local cuisine, Tuscan wines, visits to the abbeys of Monte Oliveto and Sant’ Antimo and the ancient thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni. Walkers also visit the town of Pienza, a World-Heritage site famous…

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is trialing a car parking fee at the White Horse Hill car park in Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park, and Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) is urging DOC to ensure the proposed system does not unfairly penalise backcountry users. White Horse Hill is a key departure point for both day visitors and multi-day trampers. While FMC acknowledges the need to manage growing congestion, particularly from day use, it stresses that backcountry users—who make up only a small fraction of the total visitors—must not bear the brunt of a problem they are not causing. FMC has provided feedback to DOC and looks forward to reviewing the proposed pricing model once it becomes available. Successful implementation of this trial will depend on a clear and cost-effective plan. There…

It is remarkable that one gem of a lake, the largest on the West Coast at 40 sq km, could be missed over all of our road trips to remote corners of the South Island to seek out the best walks. But because the Transalpine Railway through Arthur's Pass and the Otira Tunnel stops at Moana on its way to Greymouth every day, it makes for easy, comfortable and scenic access from Christchurch. That's how we happened to spend a few days there, enjoying clear skies and developing a strong urge to explore the local short walks. The three walks we did all begin at the western end of town where the main street through the town crosses the railway on a bridge and loops back along the lakeshore. The…

The Wairarapa Walking Festival returns for its fifth year from 14–23 November. Participants are invited to discover the region's varied landscapes and rich heritage through a curated programme of guided walks. From coastal panoramas and regenerating forests to working farmland and historic townships, participants will have the opportunity to encounter native flora and fauna, explore active farms, learn from local experts, and enjoy experiences that celebrate the region's food, wine, and rich stories. The festival is grounded in the principles of ako, hōpara, and hono-learning, exploring, and connecting. Each walk is designed to reflect these values, developing a deeper appreciation of local ecosystems, cultural and historical narratives, and community connections. With more than 25 walks on offer, the programme caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. Thanks to…