Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Walking New Zealand

In a recent court case, the Supreme Court has confirmed that iwi and hapū can be granted customary marine title over navigable riverbeds where they form part of the marine and coastal area. In the case of Whakatōhea Kotahitanga Waka (Edwards) and Others v Ngāti Ira o Waioweka and Others, the Court found that the Coal Mines Acts of 1979 and 1903 did not extinguish Māori customary rights to the beds of navigable rivers. The court concluded that “the beds of navigable rivers form part of the common marine and coastal area as defined in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, and [customary marine title] recognition orders may extend to them”. It is important to note that none of this changes people's public access rights to the…

A new self-guided cycle from Australian Cycle Tours traverses the southern coast and up to one of Australia's best known natural landmarks, The Twelve Apostles. Launching this September, The Great Ocean Road Cycle itinerary offers a new way to experience Victoria's coastal route. Designed for confident riders, the seven day journey offers the freedom of selfguided travel with details taken care of, including accommodation, daily luggage transfers, and a navigation app. The trip begins inland on the volcanic plains of Camperdown, linking the Camperdown to Timboon Rail Trail and the Twelve Apostles Trail, a newly developed path through native bush and farmland. The route then descends toward the coast, joining the Great Ocean Road. Bookings are now open for September 2025 through to December 2026. australiancycletours.com.au…

People journeying on State Highway 1 (SH1) through Kaikōura this summer can camp overnight at Department of Conservation campsites or take a break for a walk or seal viewing in areas where access isn't restricted due to earthquake damage or the highway rebuild. SH1 reopened north of Kaikōura on 15 December restoring the coastal highway link between Picton and Christchurch. The highway between Clarence and Mangāmāunu and Peketā and Goose Bay was most affected by damage from the November 2016 quake and these sections will close overnight from 8.30pm until 7am. No camping is allowed in these closure areas. DOC South Marlborough Operations Manager Phil Bradfield said with the night-time closures and possible unexpected delays on the highway, people may choose to break their journey overnight or for shorter rest…

Walk to the stunning 35m-high Great Dripping Wall Explore a sacred Wiradjuri site rich in natural beauty Family-friendly trail with swimming spots and picnic area. The Drip is a one and a half hour walking track that meanders through the breathtaking Goulburn River State Conservation Area in NSW, Australia. Following the river to the base of the Great Dripping Wall, a sandstone cliff face dotted with ferns and grasses that towers 35m high, the grade 3 track criss-crosses creeks, traverses staircases and uneven rocks. Rain water trickling through the porous rock wall makes it a cool oasis. The Drip Gorge is a significant place for the local Wiradjuri People and is at its most glorious after rains when the sandstone walls drip with clear spring water. Beginning and ending at…

The Haiku Pathway is a one-of-a-kind in New Zealand and unique outside Japan. It's a flat, stroller-friendly path that's also great for walking the dog, Alow 40 minutes return It features over 40 haiku poems, the vast majority engraved on to river boulders, alongside a pathway that meanders either side of Uretara Stream and forms a peaceful park in the heart of a bustling country town. The poems have been specially chosen to reflect their location and feature work by poets from New Zealand and overseas to form what is the largest collection of haiku “stones” in English and the only “haiku walk” outside Japan. The pathway, which was a Millennium Project for the town, links into two other popular walks, the Bird Walk and Yeoman Walkway at The Landing,…

We took a day to go to the end of the Heaphy Track at the Karamea end as we were staying in Westport for a week. It was a very beautiful sunny day on the West Coast in mid winter. The drive from Westport is approximately 110km to the Kahurangi National Park. We had spectacular views along the coast with constant views of the sea. We reached the Kohaihai Shelter car park and DOC campsite mid morning. The first walk was to the lookout which gave us amazing views of the area with lots of photo opportunities. The weather was calm and sunny so we ventured towards the swing bridge over the Kohaihai River heading for Scotts Hill lookout which was another half an hour further on. It had been…

A'Deanes Bush in the Central Hawkes Bay is the best remaining example of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains. The 38.5 ha scenic reserve, dominated by mataī and kahikatea, is situated on a flat river terrace and the walk there is a 1 km loop walk, an ideal place to stop for a short easy 30 minute walk after a long drive. A large tōtara tree, about 34 m high, is the focal point of this track that begins at the reserve entrance. It takes at least seven people to encircle its trunk with their arms. The track passes through the forest to the Tukipo River. If you're visiting on dusk, watch out for long-tailed bats as they emerge to feed. Getting there: Off SH 50 south of Ongaonga.…

Visitors can now book the iconic Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts and experience a summer taster of the Tongariro Northern Circuit while Oturere Hut is rebuilt. Both huts have mattresses, water supply, toilets, heating, and cooking facilities, and Waihohonu Hut will have full-time wardens through the summer. DOC Tongariro Senior Ranger Heritage and Visitors Jenny Hayward says it's a great opportunity for families to have overnight adventures in one of New Zealand's most famous natural environments. “These are both quite accessible locations to get outside and connect with nature,” she says. “A young family might tackle the easy 20-minute walk to Mangatepopo for their first hut stay. “Alternatively, it's little more than 15 kilometres from Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut, a nice manageable challenge on a well-formed track.” Both Waihohonu and…

Intrepid Travel has a new premium walking and trekking trip range for travellers seeking a higher end adventure traversing some of the world's best hiking trails. Led by Intrepid's most experienced local leaders, Intrepid's Premium spans five continents and ranges from three to nine days. The 10 new Premium trips feature unforgettable hikes through Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan and the United States. Since its 2022 launch, Premium has become Intrepid's fastest growing travel style, while sales of its walking and trekking range have surged nearly ninefold. The new range blends day hikes with elevated experiences to meet this growing demand. Erica Kritikides, general manager of experiences at Intrepid Travel, says the range is designed for travellers who are eager to take on the challenge of some of…

The tumultuous Tasman assaults the coastline of the south-west North Island, surging in a broad sweep from the mouth of the Wellington Harbour at Pencarrow Head to the mouth of the Whanganui River at Castlecliff Beach. The adjacent hinterland incorporates Ohariu, Kapiti, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Waitotara. It's a region choc-full of great walks as well as a lot of interesting history. The centre-piece is a whale-backed, oblong-shaped landmark lying about 6km offshore. It is 10km long, 2km wide and 521m high. Captain Cook first sighted it on 14 January 1770 as he sailed down the South Taranaki Bight to conclude his circumnavigation of the North Island. He named it “Entry Isle” because of its position at the gateway to what he later discovered was the strait which now bears his…

Mt Roskill known traditionally as Puketāpapa or Pukewīwī offers one of Auckland's most satisfying urban walks for families. Rising above the suburbs, this mountain cone is celebrated for its panoramic views, manageable walking routes, rich cultural history, and accessibility. After our experiences on the walk, we'll guide you through the essentials: what you'll see and do, detailed walk distances and times, track surface conditions, where to start, and tips for parking. The most common starting point for a family walk up Mt Roskill is 1372 Dominion Road. This spot is easy to locate, and there's a small car park near the entrance, ideal for those driving in for a morning or afternoon stroll. Alternatively, some longer walks incorporate Oakley Creek or connect with local parks like Keith Hay Park and…

The Lou's Lookout Track in the Wairoa District begins on the uphill side of the road, opposite a small carpark on the lake side of the road. It rises through rock bluffs and huge boulders in the forest to a platform which gives a spectacular view of Lake Waikaremoana and Panekire Bluffs. The reason for the lake's name, “sea of dashing waters” is sometimes apparent from up here when strong winds whip up the lake's surface. This is an approximate 45 minutes return walk. Lou's Lookout and the track up to it lie on a massive landslide from the end of Ngamoko (the peak to the east of the lookout) 2,200 years ago. Fact file Track classed is an easy walk How to get there: Track starts at Lake Road,…

A must do walk in Picton is Tirohanga Track, a good climb up through stunning bush that offers extensive views of Picton, Waikawa and the Marlborough Sounds. It only takes about 45 minutes to reach the top lookout, before returning the way you came, or heading down the other side and returning through the streets of Picton. The Tirohanga Track in Picton is a 1.2 km walk to a summit with incredible views over Picton and the surrounding Marlborough Sounds, taking approximately 45 minutes one-way. This moderate-difficulty walk is mostly through bush, making it suitable for summer, and can also be done as a 5.5 km loop for a longer experience. The track can be a bit challenging due to its steepness, but is well worth the effort for the…

Bream Bay locals have held a ceremony recently to turn the first sod for the long-anticipated shared path connecting Marsden Cove to the Ruakākā retail district. Local residents, business owners, and trail builders gathered to commence the project. The shared path will provide a safe, scenic, and enjoyable route for pedestrians and cyclists between their homes and local businesses. The project is part of the wider Northland Regional Walking and Cycling Project, where the Outdoor Access Commission (Herenga a Nuku) is a leading partner. Anderson has been supporting the project with advice about public access. Now that construction has begun, he looks forward to seeing the path built and local people walking and biking on it.…

One of my favourite places to walk or cycle is the Otago Central Rail Trail and autumn is the most colourful time to experience it. In mid May, I walked the section Galloway to Chatto Creek near Alexandra, a distance of 10 kms. This section takes you through rural farmland and a typical Central Otago schist rock and wild thyme landscape offering scenic views of the Manuherikia Valley. It is a gentle climb all the way to Chatto Creek although the climb is barely noticeable. My support vehicle dropped me off on Galloway Road adjacent to the cute blue Galloway station building, once the ladies waiting room at the former railway station, its wooden picket gate entry flanked by two slabs of schist. These slabs were once used as fence…

The majestic Moreton Bay fig trees located on Headstone Road on Norfolk Island are believed to be over 200 years old. This is an ideal spot for a holiday photo! Opposite the trees is the 100 Acres Headstone Public Reserve, a fairly easy bushwalk that takes you right to the cliff top. Didn't Winnie-the Pooh live in hundred acre wood? Well I haven't come across him yet but the walk through One hundred acres on Norfolk Island is like a wonderland. This acreage is the largest remaining coastal Norfolk Pine and White Oak Tree forest on the island. Undisturbed, the Masked Booby and Mutton Birds nest at your feet on the cliff edge and White Terns in the surrounding trees. The undergrowth of ferns reminds me of New Zealand but…

Cyclists can once again ride the full St James Cycle Trail loop, near Hanmer Springs, with the opening of a new bridge across the Waiau Uwha River. The 68-metre cycle bridge replaces the old McArthur Bridge, which was removed after it was severely damaged by rockfall in 2021. While the 64-kilometre Great Ride cycle trail has remained open, it hasn't been able to be ridden as a full loop without the bridge, as it spans a gorge and the river is unsafe to cross. Department of Conservation North Canterbury Operations Manager Leeann Ellis says having the new bridge open for summer will increase tourism and visitor opportunities. “We know the Hanmer Springs community and keen riders across New Zealand have been looking forward to the new bridge to reconnect the…

Discover the tranquil beauty of the Mangati Walkway in Bell Block, New Plymouth, where suburban serenity meets stunning natural landscapes. This well-maintained shared path offers picturesque views along the Mangati Stream, making it a perfect spot for walking, jogging, or cycling. With easy access points and a seamless connection to the renowned New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, exploration is both accessible and rewarding. Nearby, the Waipu Lagoons provide opportunities for wildlife observation, while local parks offer spaces to relax. Dive into the unique charm and community vibe of this hidden gem! The Mangati Walkway offers a serene streamside escape, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling in a peaceful suburban setting. There are multiple access points and nearby parking that make it convenient for both locals and visitors to enjoy the path.…

For over three decades, Toi's Challenge has stood as a cornerstone of the Eastern Bay of Plenty's trail running and walking calendar. Held annually in Whakatāne, this iconic event draws hundreds of participants to experience the stunning mix of coastal and forest trails that connect Whakatāne and Ōhope. In 2024, nearly 700 runners and walkers took part in three events: the Julian's Berry Farm 18km Toi's Challenge, the 1XX 18km Toi's Walk, and the Robinson Law 6km Fun Run and Walk. Each route showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi – the Footsteps of Toi, named after the Māori chief who once ruled the region. The 18km course is a true multiterrain adventure, winding through native forest, along beaches, up steep coastal hills, and across…