272 NOVEMBER 2020

RECREATION WALKING and CYCLING TRAILS

New Zealand Walk:

Tongariro Alpine Crossing best one day walk in NZ

NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE NO 272

New Zealand Walks:

Seven day walks around Queenstown New Zealand Walk:

Waipu Cove Walkway with “views to die for”

New Zealand Walks:

Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove

New Zealand Walk:

An amble around Lake Hakanoa

NZ $8.50 inc GST

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

1

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2 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

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CONTENTS8

Issue 272 - 2020

2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walk: An amble by Lake Hakanoa 9 New Zealand Walk: A trail that reconnects us to

the Waikato River 10 New Zealand Walk: Tongariro Alpine Crossing: best one day walk in NZ 16 New Zealand Walk: Time to explore Nydia Bay 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Australian Walk: Five of the top walks in Mel- bourne 22 Te Araroa Trail: Te Araroa Auckland Trust plan to

enhance walking experience 24 New Zealand Walk: “Views to die for” on Waipu

Cove Walkway 27 New Zealand Walks: Seven day walks around

Queenstown 30 Overseas Walk: Whitburn to South Shields in the

north east of England 34 New Zealand Walk: Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove full of history 38 New Zealand Walks: Track work making strides in

Auckland regional parks 38 New Zealand Walks: Walk New Zealand before you

walk the world 40 New Zealand Walk: Rotorao Island an unique

island sanctuary 42 Subscription page 43 Index of previous 14 issues 44 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 51 Wilderness Guides 52 Event:Manawatu Walking Festival

Cover Photo: On the Waipu Cove Walkway looking out into the Pacific Sea. Photo by Vicki Ross

WALKING New Zealand

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Published Monthly

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Frank Goldingham: Phone 06-358-6863 CONTRIBUTORS: Judy Eva, Bob Hodgson,, Stephen Day, Vicki Ross, Lindsay Wright, Leslay Farmer, Kackie Fan and Phillip Donnell ADVERTISING MANAGER: Frank Goldingham 0800 walking (925-546) 027-274-0726 Email: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz COMING EVENTS ADVERTISING: Frank Goldingham 0800-walking (925-546) Email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS: Phone 0800-925-546 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: New Zealand Residents; 24 issues $159.00 posted, 12 issues $84.50 posted, 6 issues $51.00 posted DIGITAL $29.00, 12 issues Australia: 12 issues: $122.00 Rest of World: $138.00 NEWSAGENT DISTRIBUTION: Ovato Ltd WALKING NEW ZEALAND LTD, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Telephone 06-358-6863 - Fax 06-358-6864 E-Mail: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz

Website: www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

The information and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher, and while every effort will be made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the editor or publisher for inaccurate information.

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10 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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Over $30m investment in streets for people

Queen Charlotte Track walking packages Let us arrange it all for you Includes: • Private, en suite rooms • Luggage transfers • Restaurant meals available • Daily packed lunches • Pre-trip briefing • Private Land Track Pass • Information kit and map Locally owned and operated family business based in Picton

NZ Transport Agency has announced an additional $10.1 million investment through the Innovating Streets for People pilot fund to make towns and cities more people friendly, in addition to $13.95 million announced in June.

Kathryn King, NZ Transport Agency’s Portfolio Manager Developing Regions says, “We’re funding 32 more projects from councils across the country that will help to create streets that everyone can enjoy by moving around in safe, healthy and sustainable ways”.

Projects include safe streets around schools so children can get some exercise and fresh air on their way to school, ‘low traffic neighbourhoods’ where people can access local streets that are made much quieter through reduced rat-running by others, and town centre revitalisations to make business districts more vibrant.”

All projects will be delivered by June 2021.

Treehouse Trail

Natural Encounters Walks www.natural-encounters.com info@natural-encounters.com Ph: 021 268 8879

4 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

Pukeiti has expanded its popular Kids Treehouse Trail activity into te reo Māori. The Kids Treehouse Trail was launched in 2017 and has become a popular activity for families to complete together on their visit. I offers a full sensory experience, as children foillow the secret trail between treehouses and discover the creatures that inhabit Pukeiti. The Treehouse Trail takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and is free. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walk talk Taranaki’s Pukeiti

welcomes new eatery

New boardwalk for popular Murujuga rock art site

Visitors to Murujuga National Park in the Pilbara, WA, Australia, now have improved access to viewing culturally significant rock art with a new walking trail and signage.

The $1.3 million Ngajarli Trail helps showcase the national park’s array of rock art – with some estimated to be more than 45,000 years old. Interpretive signage has also been added to educate visitors on the cultural importance of the area to traditional owners. The modern infrastructure, the first recreational development in the national park, will allow greater access for a wider range of people through tours run by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC), and other traditional owner tour businesses.

The 700-metre trail is designed for universal access, ensuring this facility can be enjoyed by all members of the community. The national park can be reached in a half-hour drive from the city of Karratha.

Above: Murujuga National Park’s Ngajarli Trail. Image credit Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions.

Available from Rangitawa Publishing,

rangitawa@xtra.co.nz,

Kindle, Amazon books or order from any book store. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Say hello to Rainforest Eatery, the vibrant new cafe nestled in the heart of Pukeiti – serving up old school favourites with a modern twist.

Rainforest Eatery is the latest venture by local chef Graeme Cawsey, who is also behind family-run The Baking Co in Stratford.

Opened last month, Rainforest Eatery has a focus on fresh, real food ingredients and everything on the menu is lovingly made from scratch.

“Our food philosophy is simple. Flour, milk and eggs is all you need,” Graeme says. “We will never use additives, preservatives or colouring and many of our dishes actually cater to vegan, keto and dairy free diets.”

Rainforest Eatery will have an ever evolving menu, following the seasons at Pukeiti. Think fresh breads and sandwiches made from scratch, hearty salads and soups and of course the famous donuts and sweet treats found at The Baking Co will be on offer at Rainforest Eatery too.

With local being a key factor, it’s also no surprise it will also be serving up Proof and Stock coffee for those needing their caffeine fix before hitting the Pukeiti trails.

Rainforest Eatery is sure to be a hot spot for those looking to refuel after exploring the many tracks and trails at Pukeiti. The cafe space is modern and the natural elements from Pukeiti flow inside with lush indoor plants, while the outdoor seating options on the deck offer views over the main lawn and gardens.

Ouch! Sore feet while walking?

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5

My Favourite Walk

An amble by Lake Hakanoa

Words by Lindsay Wright

H

untly isn’t the type of town that people linger in.The wide brown Waikato River bisects the town, separating the ramshackle suburbs of west Huntly from the town centre and the houses huddled on the hills in the east.

The main road swept through the town but is now deserted because most traffic hurtles to and from Auckland on the Waikato Expressway further east.

But the tourist information website shows a lozenge shaped lake not far from the town centre with information on a round the lake walkway which had attracted a number of glowing reviews.

After five hours on the road

and another four to go, it sounded good, so we diverted into backcountry Huntly and laced our walking shoes on.

The first thing to learn about Huntly is how to spell it. It has one less syllable than the Huntley who pair with Palmer to bring you good crunchy crackers. The story goes that a postmaster named it after his hometown, Huntly, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and used a Huntley Lodge stamp for outbound mail but both Above: A jetty on Lake Hakanoa.

Below left: The entrance to the Ponga Grove.

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My Favourite Walk

Above right: A peaceful scene on the lake.

Below left: A band rotunda.

Below right: A bridge crosses a narrow part of the lake.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

.

the “Lodge” and the “e” were dropped in later years.

Local iwi, named the area Rahui Pokeka and its surrounding area is steeped in Maori history and falls within the rohe(tribal area) Waikato-Tainui of the Taihui waka confederation. NgatiMahuta and Ngati Whawhakia are the subtribes in the Huntly area.

The Lake Hakanoa walk starts with a stroll along a flat, formed pathway under a beautifully carved arch.

The 3.6m circuit is a nature reserve and birds are everywhere.

Native birds; pukeko, kingfisher, and tui strut, flutter and fly about their business. Water birds abound and duck, geese, black and pied shags geese and heron paddle round the verges of the lake.

“A sign gives credit to the work done by members of “Friends of the Hakanoa Walkway”” and the walkway has that feeling to it.

Let other people clamber in and out of gorges and trudge

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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My Favourite Walk

Above: In the “Gardens of the World” Middle: A wharf sticks out of the water. Below: Two cultural features.

An amble by Lake Hakanoa

through high country passes but this is a well loved urban walkway, a gentle ramble around a picturesque landmark. Some houses poke their eaves out above the bush and a wharf sticks out into the water.

This walkway is part of peoples’ lives, a relaxing daily ramble loved and cared for by the people who use it. People greet each other cheerily and amble past.

There are no rubbish bins – and no rubbish. These walkers are proud of their friendly ittle track and the part it plays in their welfare At the southern end of the lake , the walkway winds through the “Gardens of the World.” New Zealand natives are the first section followed by copses of flora from Australia, the UK, North and South America, the Orient and South Africa. Bright foreign flowers and bush.

The east side of the lake has picnic tables and park like lawns with a view across the lake to the twin chimneys of the Genesis Electricity owned power station, the country’s biggest.

Very soon, too soon, we skirt the motor camp and arrive back at the car park where another four cars have joined ours while their drivers are out on the walkway.

We sit and recall the walk; the birds, plants, wetlands and relaxation.

Then hit the button – on the road again.

Fact file

Lake Hakanoa Walkway details: Location: Huntly Domain, Park Avenue, Huntly Length: 3.6km (approx. 45 minute walk) More Info: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz

8 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Need 2 Know

A trail network that reconnects us to the Waikato River

P

rofessor Mick Abbott that our environment shapes who works at Lincoln Uni- we are.

“In a journey, in a step, going versity’s School of Landscape Architecture. Often along a trail, something changes.

It is that power of places to he helps design tracks direct and guide you that is and trails. exciting.”

He’s very interested The most recent project in protected area landthat the Commission asked scapes. He believes Dr Abbott for his help with most places are speis our Connecting Franklincial not just public North Waikato project. The conservation lands.

He focuses on how By Stephen Day project aims to connect the people of Pokeno, Tuakau to make those places and Pukekohe to each other, and even more important and signifito the outdoors. cant for us.

He started by looking to the Dr Abbott has worked closely with the Walking Access Com- outdoors for inspiration. In that mission on our three biggest proj- region the Waikato River is paraects in Taranaki, Pūhoi to Pākiri mount. It’s always been there, and more recently in the South and it has always been shaping people and guiding a way to Auckland-North Waikato.

One of his insights is that land- move through the land.

In developing a trail strategy scapes can change people rather than people change landscapes. Dr Abbott and his team spent “In the field of landscape ar- time listening to mana whenua. chitecture, we are often asked He says they were generous in to change a site around to suit helping him to develop a strategy people,” he says. “But what I that connects people to the river have increasingly become aware in ways that do not change the of is that the real opportunity is river but allows the river to have how we might change ourselves much more influence over us.

“Connectivity back to the river a bit. How might landscapes stay the same but how they can rather than connectivity just to State Highway 1 is crucial. That’s change us?”

Professor Abbott says this gets not just a short-term need. It’s a down to some core questions long-term futureproofing. Someabout who we are as people, such thing people will be grateful for in 200 years.” as what it means to belong.

Dr Abbott’s work identifies “To belong somewhere is to feel connected to a place. The op- what the core relationship is that portunity to connect ourselves to people want to have with the places is exciting. But that does land. Then it works out how a not mean for us to change a place; trail can support that relationit means for us to feel changed by ship.

“The key thing with trails is, a place.” normally property boundaries Professor Abbott’s work designing networks of trials is divide and separate, but trails, strongly influenced by this view at their core, are about connectwww.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

ing. They bring people together, they bring communities together, they bring different age groups together.”

Investing in a trail should not focus just on infrastructural needs but also those deeper needs to stay connected to our places and landscapes. They should also offer that potential to people who move to the area and come after us.

“It is easy to view the river as just that main channel, but if you listen to iwi, it is not just the main channel. It is the banks, it is the wetlands, it what’s on the bottom of the river. It is the waterspouts.

And it is expansive. The river is these giant lungs, giant kidney.

Our connection to the river does not have to be to that main channel. It permeates much more than that.”

Dr Abbott’s work is now a public report, complete with recommendations and phasing for those recommendations. Each community will have a conscious connection to each other and to the awa. Te Araroa will focus on taking people on one of the richest river journeys in the country.

Other recommendations will support e-bikes and other walking and cycling commuting options for local people, connecting them to railway stations for those who want to go to Auckland or Hamilton.

Dr Abbott’s strategy report is now in the hands of local people.

Local councils will create a governance structure to run the key projects. They will work with central government, developers, local community volunteer groups and residents to implement the strategy.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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My Favourite Walk

Tongariro Alpine best one day walk in

10 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

T

Crossing

NZ

.

By Lesley Farmer www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

My Favourite Walk

ongariro National Park is the 4th oldest national park in the world and New Zealand’s first, established in 1894.

It contains the Tongariro Alpine Crossing said to be the best one day walk in NZ and 6th best in the world! It also boasts dual UNESCO World Heritage status.

Doing the crossing was unexpected, a work colleagues’ friend had dropped out due to injury.

When the question was asked did I know anyone who would like to go, I didn’t hesitate.

2020 New Year resolution “ Life is short, say yes, be bold, do more of what you enjoy!”

So......I find myself with my workmate and her 17 year old son waiting for a 6am shuttle bus from National Park to the start of the crossing at Mangatepopo. There is an air of anticipation amongst the bus passengers as we tumble out.

We have struck it lucky with brilliant cloudless skies, the sun light just starting to creep over the snowy topping on Mt Ruapehu.

Mt Ngauruhoe is solid and uncompromising, sitting firmly between Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Their majesty is awe inspiring.

The track features excellent signage boards informing you of where you are on an elevation cross section diagram, volcanic features and history of volcanic activity. A reminder that we are on the volcanic plateau and walking beside active volcanoes!

We are starting at an elevation of 1120m above sea level. The air is fresh so we put on another layer, our backpacks and begin the walk up the Mangatepopo valley. A mixture of well-formed gravel paths and board walks, flanked by great cliffs of rock.

I am surprised at the diversity Left: Walking across the crater.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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My Favourite Walk

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing of alpine plants creating a tapestry of colours. We are surrounded by heavily flowering small manuka, mountain daisies and alpine flora.

The track leads us to the Devils staircase, which rises from 14001600 metres above sea level. I suspect this climb has been much improved with the addition of wooden staircases, ever rising to the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

I stop to catch my breath several times and turn around and look at the view back down the valley and there is Mt Taranaki in the distant horizon, clear and distinct. Wow. There are plenty of wows on this hike. The next one is when we find ourselves on the vast flat south crater, bordered by high craggy rock cliff faces. Ngauruhoe to our right, sits imposingly dominant with its steep sides looking impossible to ever scale; climbing is in fact discouraged.

It is like a harsh luna landscape,

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devoid of any vegetation.

There is time for photos. As we leave the crater, we begin climbing over a rugged tumble of rocks and boulders to a ledge. A photo opportunity looking south. A lull before the daunting steep ascent to the Red Crater, the highest point at 1880m. Trampers ahead look like little ants on the peak.

This is a challenging, scramble over a jumble of boulders with steep cliffs on each side. Not for the faint hearted or vertigo impaired.

I keep my eyes and mind firmly fixed ahead on each foot and hand hold.

The redness of the scoria is deep rusty red in the crater, a gaping scar disappearing off to the right.

That was a challenging climb, but what comes next is equally as testing. The scree slope that descends to the beautiful, often photographed, Emerald Lakes (Nga Rotopounamu). The scree escarpment is fine loose volcanic gravel that shifts under your foot.

Trampers all develop their own strategies to descend. Mine is to step with my foot sideways, allowing my boot to bed into the loose scree. Others take it front on, keeping a steady pace sliding downwards I encounter two trampers going up the escarpment, a quick conversation reveals they are doing the Tongariro Northern Circuit. I wished them luck especially on the uphill climb.

It’s a steady descent with the reward of the lakes at the end.

It’s 10am and we decide its ‘lunch time’ perching on one of many boulders, viewing the vivid green Opposite page: Coming down on scree with Red Crater to the left. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

My Favourite Walk

best one day walk in NZ

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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My Favourite Walk

Tongariro Alpine Crossing best one not throw stones in the lakes day walk in NZ and or touch them. Everyone respects Explore our beautiful botanical world Discover the first-rate walking tracks and spectacular scenery at New Zealand’s national arboretum, a unique park sanctuary for all ages.

Eastwoodhill offers over 25km of graded and marked walking tracks set amongst 13,000 exotic and rare trees, shrubs and climbers.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of our botanical wonderland and plan to stay - accommodation, self-contained campervan sites.

lakes. The outstanding colour is derived from dissolved minerals leaching into the water.

Many walkers are sitting around the lakes, resting, eating and taking photographic proof of their walk. The view is impressive with the huge flat, central crater ahead, bounded again by impressive rugged cliff faces and black lava flows.

It is very hard to judge size and distances in this landscape. The smell of sulphur fills the air and volcanic vents are evident by the steam rising in various places. It is hard not to think about the recent tragedy on White Island.

The lakes mark the halfway point in the 19.4 km crossing. Refuelled, we are off again, an easy flat walk across the wide Central Crater plateau. What looks like white rocks scattered everywhere turns out to be a flowering alpine plant.

At the end of the crater plateau we have a short climb to view Te Wai Whakaata.o Te Rangihiroa (Blue lake ). The lakes are tapu, sacred, to Ngati Tuwharetoa. All walkers are asked to respect this

this. It was also so encouraging to not see any litter at all the whole walk, despite the high numbers walking the crossing.

DOC has wisely and kindly provided toilets at one to two hourly intervals. They have cleverly camouflaged each loo in photographic images of the surrounding landscape, be it rock or bush, to help them blend into the environment.

The terrain begins to change from totally rocky and barren, to increasing vegetation as we begin to move towards the northern slopes of Tongariro. The view takes in Lake Rotoaire, forest and farmland.

Down, down, down. The track is like a huge luge track zig zagging down the northern slope, again other walkers are visible as little dots on the distant track.

It is a well-formed track over pumice soil, fitted with many plastic honeycomb track holders.

The vegetation has been varied and Below right: Walking down on the northern side on Keatahi

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14 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

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My Favourite Walk

surprising with a range of so many different colours.

There are flowering alpine plants like white mountain daisy, introduced heather, hebe and bright yellow mountain buttercup.

After forever, the low alpine vegetation is suddenly waist high, then head high and unexpectedly you drop into great NZ bush with tall podocarps, mostly totara, and mountain cabbage trees.

It is cool and shady, a welcome respite from the clear skies and hot sun. Before long you become aware of a rushing noise, is that water?

A very fast-moving stream is rushing over boulders eventually to a waterfall. It is the Mangatetipua Stream.

We enjoy a more leisurely pace

enjoying the bush, it’s coolness and tranquillity soothing after the harshness of the barren rocky volcanic environment.

Suddenly it’s over! We arrive at a large wooden platform filled with reclining hikers awaiting their shuttle. We tumble on to the waiting bus, tired but exhilarated. six hours 15 minutes to complete the hike.

It was a privilege to have enjoyed the natural and wild beauty of Tongariro and I highly recommend researching the following excellent websites for more detail.

Yes, there were a lot of hikers but at no time did we feel hindered by other walkers.

I whole heartedly recommend the walk, if you enjoy stunning landscapes.

www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz www.doc.govt.nz www.mountainsafety.org.nz - a brilliant video on Tongariro Crossing A generous partnership with all people of New Zealand.

In 1887, the generosity and foresight of the Ngāti Tuwharetoa people saw 2630 hectares of the central volcanic plateau being declared sacrosanct by the Ariki (Chief), Horonuku te Heuheu Tukino IV, enacting a tuku (act of customary lore) of the three volcanic peaks to protect and preserve the mountains for Ngāti Tuwharetoa, other iwi and all New Zealanders. The intention of the tuku was to enter into a partnership with the Crown, to ensure the continued protection of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.

This means the area is now secure, ensuring everyone can enjoy the alpine plateau in their natural state for ever.

Te Heuheu said:”Behold, beyond are the fires of these mountains and the lands we have held in trust for you. Take them in your care and cherish them, they are your heritage and the heritage of your children.”

Below left: Lesley Farmer with Mt Ngauruhoe in the background.

Below right: A mountain plant in flower.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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New Zealand Walk

Taking time to explore Nydia Bay

W

alkers on the Nydia Track, Pelorus Sound, Marlborough all pass through Nydia Bay as it is the track half way point and overnight resting place between Kaiuma Bay and Duncan Bay. After walking for five hours, people are delighted by the prospect of fresh coffee and cake and a comfortable sit down at On the Track Lodge, situated on the shore of Nydia Bay. The refreshments are complimentary for lodge guests or available for a small cost to those just passing by.

Nydia Bay is remote with no road access, which means all visitors come by foot, mountain bike or boat (although a visitor did fly

By Kate Horrey

in by helicopter once). There is a Department of Conservation hut but many visitors stay in comfort at On the Track Lodge while they explore the area.

The lodge was built in the 1990s by a German-Kiwi couple and since then, other owners have repaired, refurbished and expanded the facilities. Helen and Art Blom purchased the lodge in 2015 and used it as a family home with their four children, as well as continuing the tradition of providing hospitality to guests.

In the last few years, the family has moved closer to town and employs experienced, friendly managers to care for guests, and the lodge, during the summer season (October to April) although the Bloms still come back

16 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

for frequent family visits.

The Blom children, now young adults, have wonderful memories from their time spent living in Nydia Bay. They invite family, friends and visitors to share the very special environment of the lodge. Maegen (19) explains it as ‘when you are there you are there’ - with no outside distractions and plenty of fun things either to do or choose not to do.

Art Jnr (15) is more rueful ‘Now I do six hours of school and two hours of fishing a day, in Nydia Bay I did two hours of school and six hours of fishing’.

Outdoor enthusiasts Kayla and Adrian are the onsite lodge managers for the coming season.

Both are warm, enthusiastic hospitality professionals with years of experience as walking guides and hosts. They have fallen for the charm of the lodge, the bay and the Nydia Track itself.

“When we travel ourselves, Adrian and I like to stay in places with personality; we love creative touches and there is plenty at On the Track Lodge” says Kayla.

Adding “the lodge is right on the water - we are in a private bay with so many amenities and activities - peace, quiet and views... and the hot tub is self explanatory, it’s so inviting!”

Lodge guests have a choice of well appointed chalets, renovated train carriages, a seaside cabin on the shore or a Mongolian yurt (perfect for groups up to 6 people).

The 1930’s train carriages are a surprise being so far from any rail tracks (they were brought in by barge). Recently renovated, the carriages have private bathrooms and offer a taste of luxury for visitors.

Fresh tasty meals are prepared

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walk

onsite - Kayla and Adrian bake the famous carrot cake. The Nydia Track itself is uncrowded, so many guests enjoy the chance to meet and swap stories over shared buffet meals. Cold drinks and snacks are also available, along with packed lunches for the rest of the walk.

Visitors are encouraged to stay two nights at the lodge to truly relax and enjoy the surroundings.

“People love the lodge because it takes you to a different kind of life, more relaxed, disconnected from the busyness of life, allowing people a chance to really connect with each other and nature” says owner Helen.

Native birds live in the surrounding bush, including tui, fantail, kereru and mischievous weka. If guests are lucky they may see dolphins, seals, stingray and other fish. Snapper have been caught off the Nydia jetty at high tide - although kawhai are more common.

Kayaks and a paddle board are available for guests to get out on the water and there are Above: Swimming in Nydia Bay. Below: The On the Track Lodge.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

also walks around the lodge. A good summer time activity is to walk, or run to the Department of Conservation Hut, 45 minutes away, and jump off their jetty into the sea to cool off and swim to a small island.

History buffs might like to walk the historic tram-way and enjoy spotting relics hidden among the punga trees from the area’s timbermill heyday. Another walk takes you past a semi-tame eel who often comes out to be photographed.

In the evenings Nydia Bay’s clear skies are spectacular, there is a fire pit to gather around while stargazing and relaxing. Groups of up to 24 people are welcome and exclusive use of the lodge

.

is possible - including use of the outdoor pizza oven for the ultimate tasty slow-food experience.

On the Track Lodge’s remote location and small size means it is a great option for those wanting to get away and holiday safely away from the crowds.

Social distancing on the Nydia Track and in the Nydia Bay area presents no problem. The Lodge can operate at Covid Level 2 with a well thought out plan in place for food service, contact tracing and cleaning.

Bookings are fully refundable if travel plans are disrupted by changes to the Covid levels and guests are welcome to contact the Lodge for further information. www.onthetracklodge.nz ADVERTORIAL

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

17

Photo Contest

Above: Here are my friends Liz and Vibeke sitting on a log on Motueka sandspit after seeing the Bar-tailed Godwits and Red Knots 3kms along the spit. Photo by Rebecca Bowater, Atawhai, Nelson.

Below left: Heading across the grassy flats to Totara Flats Hut (Tararua Forest Park). Taken on a family tramp in January 2020. Photo by Zoe Cooper, Paraparaumu.

18Walking WalkingNew New Zealand, issue no -272 - 2020 18 Zealand, issue no 272 2020

P H OTO CONTEST Below right: ‘Eilish exploring Rivendel. Photo by Judith O’Leary, Upper Hutt.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Photo Contest

Above lef t: The Griswalds scurrying across Torrent Bay estuary before the tide finds its way! Day two of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Photo by Kayleigh Belt, Papamoa Beach.

Available from Rangitawa Publishing,

rangitawa@xtra.co.nz,

Kindle, Amazon books or order from any book store.

Above: The view of Franz Josef Glacier from the river bank at the end of an easy forest walk. The walkers in the distance were continuing in the riverbed to a second viewing point close to the terminal face of the glacier. Photo by Claire Woodhall, Havelock North.

We are looking for the best digital photos each month depicting walking Now the time to get your digital camera out or look through your digital images and enter the

Walking New Zealand Digital Photo Contest The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy.

The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, and NOT a link to a website to be downloaded.

The subject line must have the words “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, POSTAL ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption.

In this contest only ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

Te Araroa Trail www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Email your entries to: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with subject line “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest”Only EMAILED entries will be accepted.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020 19 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020 19

Australian Walks

Five of the top walks in

Melbourne

A

re you after an active city escape? Melbourne, in Victoria, Australia, is packed with exciting walking trails.

Fitness fanatics, leisurely strollers and active families are spoilt for choice; we’ve rounded up our 5 favourite tracks to help you plan your visit.

Melbourne is lucky enough to be spoilt with an impressive array of walking trails that weave through some of the most scenic parts of the city. But what are some of the best Melbourne walks? We did our stretches, popped on our runners and hit the pavement to find out.

Bayside Coastal Trail, Brighton to Beaumaris

Stretching 17 kilometres along Melbourne’s glorious southside coastline, the Bayside Coastal Trail is more than just a picturesque walking track – it also celebrates the region’s indigenous, artistic, historical and environmental heritage.

More than 90 informative signs mark the path, highlighting sites of significance, sharing stories from the Boon Wurrung culture (the traditional owners of the land) and educating passers-by on the local flora and fauna.

There are even displays of art from prominent Australian artists.

If we had to recommend a few must-see trail highlights though, it would have to be the crumbling Beaumaris cliffs, the colourful bathing boxes at Middle Brighton Above left: Cycling on a shared pathways beside the river.

Middle: On the Capital City Trail beside the Yarra River.

Below: Brighton Beach boxes.

Photo by Josh Withers on Unsplash

20 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Australian Walks

Beach and Half Moon Bay, which also makes for a great swim spot.

Difficulty level: Easy. Best for: Art lovers, history buffs and active families.

Capital City Trail

Looking for a walking track that showcases the very best of Melbourne’s top attractions?

Then head straight for the Capital City Trail. Starting on the banks of the Yarra River at Southbank, this 29-kilometre route bypasses the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victorian Arts Centre and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It then reaches leafy Yarra Bend Park, which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

The second half of the Capital City Trail snakes through Royal Park and past Melbourne Zoo, alongside Moonee Ponds Creek

towards Docklands, and then onto South Wharf and the Exhibition Centre.

While it’s an entirely flat path, it’s a tough one to complete in a day – so you may want to divide the circuit up into more manageable sections.

For a comprehensive tour of Melbourne’s leading landmarks though, this is one walking trail that’s hard to beat.

Difficulty level: Easy. Best for: Seeing the sights of Melbourne.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Melbourne’s  suburban fringe, the 1000 Steps is not for the fainthearted – or the unfit. At just over 1.8 kilometres to reach the finish point of the track, you’d be forgiven for thinking you could knock it out in 15 to 20 minutes.

Think again. Entirely uphill, and with a steep incline that never lets up, it’s best to leave a good 30 to 40 minutes to tackle this monster.

Our tip? Once you reach the top, follow Lyrebird Track back down to the start; it zigzags through a lush, fern-filled valley. After all, we don’t imagine you’ll get much of a chance to admire the scenery going up, so you may as well take your time to appreciate it on the way back down!

Difficulty level: Hard. Best for: Fitness fanatics.

Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps), Dandenong The Tan, Melbourne Ranges You’re not considered a true Melbourne health enthusiast if you haven’t completed the famous Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, otherwise known as the 1000 Steps, at least once.

Long considered a city institution, no list of best Melbourne walks would be complete without mentioning the iconic track that loops around the Royal Botanic Gardens: The Tan. A 3.8-kilometre round trip, The Tan is one of Melbourne’s most popular walking trails, and for good reason. The mostly gravel path (a stretch of bitumen along Anderson Street being the only exception) suits walkers of all abilities, and it’s not unusual to spot elite athletes sharing the track with mums and bubs in prams, sprightly seniors, fitness groups Above right: On the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk also known as 1000 steps.

Below left: A jogger at Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo by Josie Withers, Visit Victoria

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

21

Australian Walks

Te Araroa Trail

Five of the top walks in Melbourne

or seasoned power walkers.

A slight incline up Anderson Street, also known as Heartbreak Hill, may get the legs burning, but otherwise it’s a lovely route right in the heart of the city.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. Best for: Everyone!

Merri Creek Trail, Melbourne’s inner north

A quiet, charming walking track that the people of Melbourne’s inner north would rather keep on the down-low, Merri Creek Trail is one of the city’s hidden gems.

Beginning at Dight Falls, where the Yarra River and Merri Creek meet, the 21-kilometre track is best known for its thriving vegetation, surprising abundance of wildlife (keep an eye out for turtles, frogs and ducks) and plenty of quirky places to stop along the way.

These pitstops include the uber-cool shops and cafes of North Fitzroy, CERES Community Environment Park in East Brunswick, Coburg Velodrome and Coburg Lake Reserve. Merri Creek Trail also joins up with the Capital City Trail, should you want to combine the two tracks.

A shared path that caters for both walkers and cyclists, Merri Creek Trail is a Melbourne walk for those looking to escape the city and get back to nature.

Difficulty level: Easy. Best for: A sunny Sunday arvo stroll.

You can now view back issues of

Walking New Zealand magazine, two issues back from the latest, FREE at : http://issuu.com/walkingnewzealand.

Te Araroa Auckland Trust plan to enhance walking experience

C

ollaboration and public events top of mind for new Te Araroa Auckland Trust Day walks, volunteer initiatives and efforts to bring Auckland’s outdoor community together are on the agenda for a new regional trust tasked with enhancing the scenic stretch of Te Araroa trail that passes through the Auckland region.

Chaired by experienced businessman Clayton Wakefield, the new Te Araroa Auckland Trust will work closely with Te Araroa Trust’s national board and executive director to strengthen connections and enhance the walking experience.

The regional trust’s focus will be on the more than 200 km of the national trail that passes through Auckland on its way down the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

The other appointments to the Auckland trust are film freelancer Stacey Ngawhika, accountant

22 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

Rob Hargrave, police sergeant Spencer Matthews, school principal Chris Bradbeer, change manager Liz Corin, outdoorsman Nigel Corey-Wright, and trail angel Denis Stanton.

Te Araroa Trust executive director Mark Weatherall said the appointment of the Auckland trust was part of a national effort to re-invigorate Te Araroa’s regional trusts across New Zealand.

“We have some incredibly talented and passionate people on the new Auckland trust and I’ve no doubt they will do an outstanding job of advocating for and developing the trail locally.

Many of our appointments have walked the whole trail or sections of it in the past, so they have an intimate understanding of what makes Te Araroa so special.”

Mr Wakefield said he and his fellow Auckland trust members were looking forward to championing the national trail locally.

Final steps were underway to formalise the trust’s legal strucwww.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Te Araroa Trail

ture and they would then be fully operational, he said.

“The trail in Auckland takes in everything from our remote beaches through to our wonderful parks, ancient volcanoes, and even Queen Street as it passes through the country’s largest city.

It crosses New Zealand from east coast to west coast and includes a crossing of the Waitemata harbour – where else in the world do you get such an interesting walk?”

Mr Wakefield said the Auckland regional trust’s focus over the coming year would be on expanding the number of volunteers working to enhance the trail and strengthening links with the many councils, walking groups, iwi and businesses the trail touches.

The trust would also encourage more Aucklanders to explore the trail and was already planning a series of public day walks on local trail sections over the summer, he said.

“Many Aucklanders already walk parts of it today without really knowing it. It’s New Zealand’s national walking trail – now internationally recognised as one of the great trails of the world – and it goes right through Aucklanders’ backyards.”

The full Te Araroa trail stretches 3,000 km, taking in some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, more than 20 towns and cities, and many significant cultural sites such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Whanganui River.

Opposite page above: Te Araroa Auckland Trust Chair Clayton Wakefield on the Maungawhau/ Mt Eden section of the trail.

Above right: The North Shore Coastal Walk in Auckland forms part of New Zealand’s national Te Araroa trail. Photo by

WarkworthWalks W A L K S

W O R T H

D O I N G

Friday-Sunday 13-15 Nov 2020

www.warkworthwalks.co.nz 12 fascinating guided trails through the unique & beautiful surrounds of Mahurangi, Kaipara, Warkworth & Matakana, including otherwise inaccessible areas & local hospitality. Featuring new & updated walks.

Spencer Matthews.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

23

New Zealand Walk

‘Views to

Waipu Cov

O

By Vicky Ross

n a perfect day the Northland’s Waipu Cove Walkway offered views to die for.

It was ‘ Wellington on a Good Day’ material.

Being Sunday the absence of heavy trucks on the Brynderwyns and not ye t h i g h s u m m e r surf season, it was a relaxed one and a half hour drive from Auckland’s North Shore.

Pass through the Waipu ‘CBD’ and on to the beach and parking area. From here head right on the beach to find the signposted start of the track after crossing a shallow tidal stream.

After a grassy climb it is rewarding to veer left and view the wide curve of Waipu Bay’s golden sands with Ruakaka in the far distance. Continue round the track where magnificent views of the distinctive Whangarei Heads are a clear blue silhouette. A memorable sight.

The narrow single file track leads you through elevated grassy hillside, with short groves of coastal bush (the karo in full bloom) and sandy coves strewn with interesting smooth tumbled stones and shell drifts.

The Tasman Sea crashes on the rocks, the surging white water and blue ocean beyond creating

.

Above left: and below: The Tasman sea crashes against the pancake rocks.

24 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walk

die for’ on

ve Walkway

a dramatic palette. The pancake rocks are simply amazing and defy gravity as they precariously balance on promontories or form massive cairn like structures. Did some prehistoric giant tire of aligning them and so just tossed them all a-tumble-jumble?

They are limestone pancake rocks similar to those at Punakaiki on the West Coast. They were formed by sedimentation of shell debris accumulated and compressed over millions of years and then uplifted. This is an amateur and serious geologists paradise. The track ends at an overgrown set of steps which lead to a small rocky lookout. A room with a view for a lunch stop. Through a small patch of bush you can access the coastal road above.

Here you can retrace the walk to the car park enjoying the views from the opposite direction or walk along the road that is busy in the summer months. There are plans to extend the walkway to Langs Beach but as yet is still undeveloped with difficult rock hopping.

To fully enjoy the experience take a snack/lunch, plenty of photos and time to absorb the stunning scenery from high points and sea level. You will not be disappointed Two hours one way for a relatively short distance will seem sheer extravagance and indulgence on a magical day.

Above right: Resting on the pancake rocks.

Below right: Clambering over the rocks. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

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New Zealand Walk WAIPU COASTAL WALKWAY

Waipu Cove to Waterman Drive

WAIPU COVE

PA SITE WAIPU COVE ENTRANCE

Cross the stream to begin or finish your walk

WAIPU COASTAL WALKWAY CO VE

RD

KEY Parking Information Track WATERMAN DR ENTRANCE

R VE CO

WATERMAN DR

FISHING SPOT DING BAY

D

LANGS BEACH

Waipu Cove Walkway

W

aipu Cove is a small settlement at the Southern end of the beautiful Bream Bay a popular beach during the summer months in the Northland region, the town was started when five ship loads of settlers arrived there in the 1850s.

The settlers were all from Scotland and many of the population today are descendants of these early settlers, the highlight of the towns calendar is the annual highlands games which are held in the new year at Waipu.

The Waipu Coastal Walkway is a great attraction in the area and there are two starting points for the walkway, the first is at the southern end of Waipu Cove just past the Waipu Cove campground there is a small stream here that needs crossing and the track starts on the opposite bank and heads up over the hillside.

The other end of the track and the second starting point is at Langs Beach a short drive over the headland, there is a small sign on the roadside indicating

the start of the Waipu Coastal Walkway, either way you will need to return the same way at the tracks end as this walk is not a loop walk.

As the name impies this walkway follows the coastline from Waipu Cove through to Langs Beach, the views out across the ocean are fantastic with Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier Island directly in front of you.

To the North of the Waipu Coastal Walkway the Hen And Chicken Islands can be seen on a fine day as can Taranga Island and the beautiful Mokohinau Islands can be viewed in the far distance.

This fantastic coastal walkway will take around 45 minutes one way.

The track is not maintained and the base is dirt and clay while this is fine in the dry, but when there has been significant rainfall the track will be slippery. There are sections where you can descend down to sea level with great beaches and rock formations to view. The walk is easy to moderate.

.

26 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

Grade: 3 Time: One and a half hours Distance: 2km This is the longer section of the walkway and can be done in either direction. It tends to be flatter and passes through more open pasture alongside the coast.

In places it crosses private land with riparian rights so please stay on the path.

Waterman Drive to Ding Bay

Grade: 2 Time: 45 minutes Distance: 900m​ This is the shorter and more challenging section of the overall walkway requiring some of the rocky outcrops to be traversed.

What to expect This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness and agility. There are stiles, steps, ladders and rocks to climb.

Following wet weather the track becomes very slippery in areas. Part of the walkway is near a steep drop into the sea or onto rocks below. Take care and supervise youngsters.

The entry / exit points at both Waipu Cove and Ding Bay may require you to wade through water. Please be aware of high tide times before you begin your walk.

Dress for rapid changes in the weather. Good footwear is recommended.

Please stay on the track, follow the orange markers and do not trespass onto private property.

How to get to Waipu Cove

Follow SH1 south from Whangarei and take the turn-off to Waipu. Turn left in the Waipu township and follow the road to Waipu Cove. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walks

Seven day walks around Queenstown Kelvin Heights Peninsula Track

Easy | 1 hour one way After a long car or plane journey, a lakeside walk is the perfect way to stretch the legs.

Walking along the shores of Lake Wakatipu along the Kelvin Heights Peninsula, the Kelvin Heighs Peninsula Track offers spectacular views with plenty of photo worthy stops and rope swings.

The walk starts at Kawarau Falls Bridge and ends near the Kelvin Heights Golf Course.

Or you can add another 20 minutes on by around the peninsula and checking out the cool sculptures (just keep an eye on the golf course signs and stop at the designated points if someone is playing a shot!).

If walking from Frankton Beach to Queenstown with www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

beautiful gardens, playgrounds and picnic areas along the way allow one to one and a half hours.

Lake Hayes Track

Easy – Moderate | 2-hour loop Walk, run or bike around Lake Hayes on a gravel path/ boardwalk.

On a still day you will be treated to amazing reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Tip: This is an absolute must-do in autumn when the poplar trees turn gold!

Parking is available at the Lake Hayes Pavilion on SH6, at the Lake Hayes Recreation Reserve, and Bendemeer Bay, on the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road.

Above: Looking down on the CBD of Queenstown. Below right: The bridge at Kawerau Falls with the track to the peninsula on the right

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

27

New Zealand Walks

Queenstown Hill

Seven day walks around Queenstown

Moderate | 2-3 hours A Queenstown must-do, Queenstown Hill is a great ye a r - r o u n d h i k e o f f e r i n g spectacular views at the top.

Tip: Many people turn around at the Basket of Dream sculpture.

Make sure you make the final hike to the summit – the views are worth it!

Starting at Belfast Street above central Queenstown, this hill walk is a great way to get the heart rate going with spectacular views down south towards Kingstown and out past Walter Peak to Mt Nicholas as your reward!

Uphill most of the way, this walk takes you through pine forest then into the cleared hilltop of Queenstown Hill.

The views at the top are 360 degrees of jaw-dropping beauty.

Take some time to rest at The Basket of Dreams sculpture and soak up the beauty of the lake and mountain views before you.

Guaranteed to get the heart pumping, but well worth the effort when you reach the top.

In winter, hike early for the sun rise, and in winter - later in the evening for the sun set!

Ben Lomond Summit

Moderate – Difficult | 6- 8 hours The track begins among Douglas Fir trees on the Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street.

At about 800m altitude you Above left: The walkway from Kawerau bridge in Frankton. Middle left: The start of the Arrowtown River Walk. Below left: A group at the Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown.

28 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walks

leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs.

Climb to the 1,326m Ben Lomond Saddle (Ben Lomond Station) before the track gets steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond’s 1,748m sum-mit.

But after a hard slog, your reward at the top is the most breathtaking 360 degree views across the Queenstown region!

Bob’s Cove Track & Nature Walk

Easy | 1 hour return Known for its beautiful blue waters, Bob’s Cove is a prime spot for a walk, ride or even a dip in the lake. A gentle descent takes you through bush to Bob’s Cove beach, one of Queenstown’s prettiest inlets, and then on to the old lime kiln and jetty. This walk also joins up with the Twelve Mile Delta Track. The access point is approximately 15 minutes from Queenstown on the Glenorchy Road.

Arrowtown River Walk

3.25kms / Easy (Grade 2) Due to this trails proximity to Arrowtown and its ease, it has become one of the busiest sections of the Queenstown Trail, however please do not let this put you off,

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

its simply stunning.

The sparkling waters of the Arrow River - a river of many moods, sometimes tranquil, often rushing over rocks and bluffs, then widening to limpid pools.

There are no shortages of places to stop and take a moment to enjoy your surroundings. There are also plenty of swimming holes too if you happen to be visiting in the heat of summer. Although Autumn is truly unmissable, the whole town lights with red and golden hues that is uniquely Arrowtown.

Starting in Ramshaw Lane, the track follows the true right of the lovely willow-lined river to Tobins Bridge. You can choose your direction, either stay on the same side of the river and continue to the next bridge, from where you can cross and head upstream back to Tobins Bridge and the junction with

Tobins Track. Retrace your tracks back to Arrowtown.

Sawpit Gully

Moderate | 3 hours Start from the carpark near the Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown and stroll along the Arrow River Trail before climbing up to the Eichardt Flat for great views of the Wakatipu Basin. From the signposted turn-off to Sawpit Gully, it’s a steeper uphill climb to the saddle between German Hill and craggy Brow Peak .

Once in Sawpit Gully, wander along parts of a water race and check out the piles of stone gold mining tailings before descending back to Arrowtown.

Above right: Cycling on the trail from Frankton to Queenstown, Below right: The start of the track to the top of the Skyline Gondola.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

29

Overseas Walk

Whitburn to South Shields in the North East of England

pleasures of our occasional visits is to be able tramp the local coastal tracks. I have happy memories uite some years ago my of these tracks enhanced by wife’s family the fact that our visits have m o ve d f r o m not been made in the winter Bolton in Lancashire to when the North Sea can be the small seaside town very bleak. of Whitburn, located In common with much of on the north east coast the NE Whitburn, flourished between Sunderland in the industrial revolution, and South Shields. in this case because of coal One of the special mining, it has no harbour.

On this occasion I tramped north in the company of Ian, my brother in law. A tramp to the south could be is equally rewarding.

Before I start my account here is a bit of history. The friendly people of the area are known as Geordies.

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30 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

Above: The view from beyond Mar sden Bay showing both the Souter Lighthouse and the Marsden Grotto. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Overseas Walk

- A coastal hike There is no agreed explanation for the name but the regional people were staunch supporters of the Hanoverian kings, in particular of George I during the 1715 rebellion.

A practical consequence of this was that the region was granted a monoply for the production of glass. Sands in the local river mouth, the Weir are still a source of glass fragments used in craft jewelry by my sister in law.

Taking the coastal track north from Whitburn the first place of interest is an abandoned army rifle range in the meadows above the low sea cliffs. Next inland to the

Above right: A restored life boat in the River Tyne.

Middle right: The motto of a local volunteer lifeboat.

Below right: Ian with a small, restored rowed lifeboat.

North about a kilometer, there is the unlikely site of a windmill. This was restored in recent times but was in use from the 16th century until the arrival of the steam age.

Nearby is a disused collery that employed many in the past.

Associated with this is the village of Marsden memorable because it has completely vanished!

Associted with the village and collery was “The Marsden Rattler “ a colliery railway that ran from 1879 to 1968. The route is shown as a solid black line on the map but little remains of it today.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

31

Overseas Walk

Whitburn to South Shields - A coastal hike in the North East of England

After about 35 minutes walking we arrived at the Souter Lighthouse, a major facility now in the hands of the National Trust offering facility tours and an excellent shop and cafĂŠ.

My brother in law, Ian is a volunteer guide here and has recently been trained and licenced to operate the large diesel engine that drives the fog horn, the horn occupies a dedicated building see photo, and is loud!

The track, though muddy in Above left: Inside the Marsden Grotto Cafe.

places is easy going and not to be compared with a Kiwi tramping track. It is well used by walkers and runners.

In shore of the lighthouse and to the north there are a number of disused, industrial sites including a small steelworks and lime kilns.

The cliffs gradually increase in height until the next point of interest is achieved: the Marsden Grotto. The vertical shaft is that of a lift that takes people down to a cafĂŠ built into caves at the base of the cliff.

There is also a public staircase down to the Marsden Bay Beach, this was the route that I chose, partly to look at the sea birds nesting on the cliff face.

The coastal track then follows the coastline to South Shields and the mouth of the river Tyne. Here there are even some ruins of a Roman Fort.

Our immediate destination was a large workshop on the river bank where my brother in law Ian, also worked as a volunteer in an

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Overseas Walk

Above left: The author photographed near the end of the coastal section of the tramp.

Above right: The Souter Lighthouse and Fog Horn.

Below: The Marsden Grotto photographed from the beach and a photo taken inside

organisation that restores vintage four hours, we had lunch and rendezvoued with our support life-boats.

Our final destination was crewe. Not a tramp as we know the sometime Customs House it, but a tramp full of interesting located further up the river tyne, diversions. now reused as a theatre and VeryFitPro 130c Colour café. Here after Fitness Tracker, and a walk of about

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

33

Mt Favourite Walk

Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove walk full of history

T

By Judy Eva

e W h a n g a n u i A - H e i , Cathedral Cove Domain Reserve is in the southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandal Peninsula.

On the coast of the mainland it runs from the Cook Bluff in the North West to the northern end of Hahei Beach in the South East.

It gets its name from the naturally formed cathedral archway carved out by the sea and wind over thousands of years. It is the Above: The second part of the walk after leaving the main lookout.

Left: The rural part of the path getting near to the cove.

34 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

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Mt Favourite Walk

location for the popular Narnia film series, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. It has another name steeped in lore and history The great Bay of Hei. The headland is the site of an ancient Maori Pa (a fortified village) while the nearby caves served as meeting places and sanctuaries. Each part of the cove is full of meaning and history and its beauty also extends below the waterline. For it’s Maori custodians each nook and cranny had a name and purpose.

A s t a g g e r i n g va r i e t y a n d abundance of marine life live amongst the reefs, sea caves and rock formations and the ancient volcanic coastline also features blowholes.

We started our walk from the Hahei Carpark at the end of Beach Road just opposite the Hahei Village where there is a large signpost with a map of the Cathedral Cove Walk and arrows pointing in the direction to take.

Turning left takes you onto the beautiful white sand and a short stroll to the very start of a breath taking adventure, up the wooden stairs, the beginning of the climb to the top of the cliff.

Because we chose to take in the complete walk instead of starting from the parking area at the top of Grange Road which halves the distance to the cove and from where many other people start their walk, we had a long uphill climb.

There were stairs at the start and other parts of the steep track, tree

Above: The main viewing platform the half way stop.

Below: A viewing platform at the top of the cliff.

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Mt Favourite Walk

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Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove walk full of history The rest of the walk from this

roots that acted as nature steps and areas of bush on either side as we made our way to the top.

We were able to take welcome breaks to stop and admire the fantastic views from various natural lookout points, where there were clearings amongst the foliage and to take drinks from our water bottles. Needless to say we were glad to reach the top.

A short walk along the interesting clifftop edge sprouting different types of coastal foliage and stopping at several more lookouts we came to a large open space where there were seats and a large main lookout platform providing a welcome break to take photos and have a well deserved rest.

Above that lookout is a disused car park where drinks and ice creams were available but only for a few weeks in the summer months during the biggest part of the tourist influx.

That car park is where many start the walk to the cove from the Grange Rd access.

Many other walkers had the same in mind to partake of drinks and ice creams and to take in the fantastic views that stretched from one end of the coast to the other.

Above: Start of the walk across the beach with the cliff to climb at rear of the beach.

36 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

point has a concrete and tar sealed path and is steep and undulating in parts but easy.

There are great views of the farmland and the coast, seats along the way for those who need a well earned rest. This part of the walk takes in the rugged farmland and is open spaces.

Along the way there are tracks on the right down to several beautiful coves, Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay and Mare’s leg Cove, each signposted from the main path. Again a great spot for photos a rest and a different view of the coastline and to dabble tired feet in the cool sea.

As we got near to the Cathedral Cove we could hear the roar of the waves and the thunderous echo as they hit the beach.

A steep descent down the wooden stairs to the beach and we were met with the most beautiful sight of the actual cove and were able to walk through it as the tide was still on its way in.

The beach was packed with families, tourists and swimmers enjoying the lovely day. We were extremely lucky that we had arrived just before the incoming tide started to swirl around the entrance to the cave on both sides.

It is not accessible at high tide.

We spent about an hour on the beach resting on the sand and in the welcome shade of the pohutakawa www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Mt Favourite Walk

trees before we started the journey back to our starting point. By this time we were feeling pretty jaded due to the immense summer heat and drought conditions at the time.

Another rest stop at the main lookout platform before traversing our weary bodies back down the cliff face to the beach and a stop at the Hahei Village for well deserved and welcome ice creams before trudging back to the holiday home where were staying courtesy of a family member.

For the three of us the walk would have been probably one and a half hours both ways due to our age, (not young chickens anymore) adding on the hour spent at the cove, stopping for photos and to admire the great views We did this walk in February

in the heat. At this time of the year I advise starting early in the morning to avoid the large crowds and the afternoon temperature. An added bonus was the fact that we had a cloudless fine sunny day.

You need water bottles and something to eat. Also a good idea to take your own toilet paper. There are a couple of toilets on the beach at the cove both long drops and poorly maintained to such an extent that the one I used was gross. I advise an adult to be present if children using these toilets as it would be easy to fall into one.

You also need sensible shoes for the walking part, although there were people there in sandals.

There are only three ways to get to the cove, the walking track, by boat or kayak. There is a water taxi operating from Hahei Beach to the

cove and back but not on the day we did the walk.

If you wish to take this method of transport back to Hahei there is a phone in a box on the beach at the cove with information concerning their time tables and tide conditions.

There is a delightful village at Hahei Beach with cafes, gift shops, fish and chips, kayak hiring, a general store, boat tours and a dive and snorkel shop plus a petrol station, a shuttle pick up and drop off, water taxi and boat tour.

The Cathedral Cove is a walk certainly worth doing especially from the point where we started as you get to experience the complete wonderful scenery that you don’t experience if you start at the further away points.

No dogs allowed and the only toilets available are those at Cathedral Cove. Enjoy.

.

Above left: The sign in the car park.

Above right: A meaningful sign along the path.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

37

New Zealand Walks

Need 2 Know

Track work making strides in Auckland regional parks

W

ith summer nearing, avid trampers get more of an itch to head out on an adventure.

The efforts of Auckland Council rangers, staff, and contractors mean more options will soon be available for those looking to get into nature, taking the annual total of opened tracks to 49km across regional parks.

It will be a welcome relief for trampers and day walkers keen to explore more of the Waitākere Ranges.

Auckland Council’s biosecurity manager kauri dieback Lisa Tolich says things may look slow but plenty has happened since the decision to officially close the tracks was made in May 2018.

“We know more about the pathogen that causes kauri dieback now than we did two years ago.”

Lisa admits that science research can take a long time but the government’s approach to COVID-19 provides a helpful analogy for how the council is dealing with kauri dieback.

“We are taking a precautionary approach. We don’t know everything about the disease and we still have lots to learn, but we know that closing the tracks has helped prevent it from spreading throughout the ngahere (forest).

Think of it as isolating the kauri to stop transmission.”

“A lot of people think we just chuck gravel on but a lot of thought goes into it, where it comes from, even the size given different gradients in a track,” says Stu Leighton, Auckland Council’s Kauri Dieback Senior Ranger.

One of the tracks nearing completion is the Karamatura Loop Track and is a prime example of the complexity of the upgrade project and the challenges rangers and contractors face.

“The track passed beside a beautiful kauri so a boardwalk was needed to protect the root system. But the terrain around that particular tree is very steep, meaning we had to drill three metres down for the foundation piles of the boardwalk.”

In addition to the track work, planned replacement of the toilets at Karamatura and improvements to the carpark have also been able to be carried out at the same time. The Karamatura Loop Track, as well as the neighbouring Karamatura Track and Donald Mclean Track along with the new toilets will be opened later this month, after the completion of a final few jobs.

Below lef t: S tu Leight on, A u c k l a n d Co u n c i l ’s ka u r i dieback senior ranger, with the newly built boardwalk designed to protect the kauri root system.

38 New Zealand, Zealand,issue issuenono272 272 38 Walking Walking New - 2020

Walk New

now before you

By Phillip Donnell Most of us do the bulk of our walking within our local area or region. Occasionally we embark on more distant perambulations within New Zealand or overseas.

Unfortunately, Covid 19 has placed limitations on international walking excursions, and these are likely to continue for some time.

Recently the call has gone out to go and enjoy what our own country has to offer. It is a timely encouragement, because local businesses and enterprises desperately need our support. It is surprising how few of us have fully seen our own country.

We may not know what is out there or we may not appreciate how highly our scenery compares with anywhere else in the world.

Local tramping and walking groups are excellent facilitators of our chosen activity, but don’t www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand Walks

Zealand

walk the world often provide a mechanism to do the best day-walks across the whole of Aotearoa.

That opportunity has now arrived with the formation of a national walking club – national not in the sense of political persuasion, but insofar as it enables you to cover the entire country in two years if you do all ten trips on the schedule each year!

Footsteps Walking Club of Aotearoa/New Zealand is not a commercial venture. It is a club with a national constituency but without a formal membership or annual subscription. It operates like any other walking or hiking club, on a no frills, share-the-cost, not-for-profit, own-risk basis.

Any monies in excess of requirements are donated to charity.

Footsteps has divided the country into 20 bite-size regional Above: Walkers enjoy the spectacular rock formations of Castle Hill, Canterbury www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

segments, and formulated a walking package for each of them.

Each trip is one week in duration, but trips are often consecutive and geographically contiguous, so it is possible to undertake a series of them one after the other.

Walking trips are concentrated in the warmer months, which afford the best chance of favourable weather. Footsteps avoids the frantic end-of-year/Christmas period and the busyness/high prices of the school holidays.

Some trips are timed to coincide with autumn colours or minimal snow.

Assiduous research has identified the absolute best walks in each region, ranging in difficulty (from easy to moderate) and in duration (from a few minutes to a few hours).

The group determines which walks they will undertake on any given day from a range of specified options. Participants can also opt out if they wish. There is a lot of flexibility.

The trips involve walking, not hiking, at a pace that permits everyone to fully appreciate their surroundings.

They can be undertaken by anyone of average fitness or better. Serious backcountry equipment is not required.

Each person brings a day-pack with limited gear and a small amount of food and drink to last just a few hours. No alcohol may be carried on walks, which are also smoke-free.

The size of group is kept small, with a minimum of eight and maximum of ten. Participants make their own way to the city or town which is the starting point.

They then gather, are briefed, and the adventure begins. They travel in a van with an experienced driver/leader and stay in clean,

comfortable accommodation.

Breakfasts are provided, but other meals are self-catering so that participants can enjoy the food and drink of their choice, by dining in or eating out. When the trip is over, participants make their own way home.

Footsteps is a unique venture because it specializes in day walks rather than multi-day treks, and because it extends from North Cape to Stewart Island. They warmly invite your interest and involvement. If you would like further information, contact them by phone or email: 021-172-3244, footstepsanz@ gmail.com.

Walking New Zealand, 2722020 - 2020 39 39 Walking New Zealand, issueissue no no 272-

My Favourite Walk

Rotoroa Island

an unique island sanctuary

R

By Jackie Fan

otoroa, which takes over an hour from central Auckland Ferry TerminalďźŒ is a unique arts, heritage and conservation island to the east of Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Being a unique island sanctuary for endangered New Z ealand native animals, a map and biosecurity checkpoint at the wharf is something you won’t miss when you get off the ferry.

A Sunday morning run will give you fantastic sunrise view that you will never forget in your life.

With birds singing and chirping all day on predator-free bird Above left: The biosecurity checkpoint at the wharf when you arrive.

Above right: Above right: Noisy oyster catchers walking along the shore.

Middle left: Sunrise on Rotoroa.

Below left: Overviews of Hauraki Gulf with Waiheke Island in the background from North Tower.

40 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

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My Favourite Walk

.

sanctuary, you will certainly discover some rare species.

Please remember to bring your red head lights or torch. When it gets dark, take a quiet kiwi-hunting walk to test your luck!

There are many different walks you can do within a few hours.

To me the best one is heading to the North and South Tower, otherwise jogging along the beach if you don’t like climbing.

The breathtaking overviews of Hauraki Gulf with Waiheke Island in the background and the landmark – the Chris Booth Sculpture with yachts passing by at the back are priceless.

You will be able to have plenty of fantastic photos opportunities on top from both North and South Tower. There are two plaques at North Tower giving you clear indication of the surroundings.

As you can imagine, there are numerous beautiful beaches that you can indulge on the island: jogging, swimming or sun-bathing.

The island was off-limits to the public for over a century as New Zealand’s first and longest running alcohol and drug addiction treatment centre.

At the heart of the island, an old community including the www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

jail, chapel, school house and cemetery can still be seen.

While waiting for the ferry, we took our last opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art exhibition Centre, which showcases the history of Rotoroa while a major conservation programme has seen over 350,000 native plants reintroduced,along with a pest eradication strategy.

What a fulfilling and enjoyable trip!

Above top right: the Chris Booth Sculpture with yachts passing by at the back.

Above left: A wandering takahe.

Above: right: Information signs on Rotoroa.

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42 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

CONTENTS for previous 15 issues OCTOBER 271 2020

26 Bay of Islands Walking Weekend:

Mana, missionaries and mayhem 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 28 Need2Know: Pop goes my pelvis 3 Contents 30 New Zealand Walk Birdlife and song 4 Walk Talk highlight of Bushy Park 6 New Zealand Walk : Ducks, 31 New Zealand Walk: Bushy Park Gnomes and Dinosaurs: sanctuary a top restoration project Just a normal day in the Whiri32 New Zealand Walk: Curio Bay naki Conservation Park experiences 8 New Zealand Walk: Castle Hill: a walk through huge boulders 34 New Zealand Walk: Ballroom Overhang Track - Fox River West Coast 13 New Zealand Walk: Much loved 36 Need2Know: Baldwin Street steepSpraggs Bush Track reopens est street again 14 New Zealand Walk: The Tinui ANZAC Walkway: a memo- 37 Walking Access Commission: Trust saves public access to beach rable walk 16 News: Te Araroa partners with 38 Northland Experience: Monica cycles the Cook to Kupe Tour for a NZ Walking Access Commission real Norhland experience 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 40 Need2Know: Tactical Unbanism Photo Contest gives cheap solutions for Auckland 20 New Zealand Experience: Our pedestrians and cyclists Routeburn experience: Water, floods and everything else that 43 High Achiever: Pre-schoolers delight at compe- could go wrong tion win 24 Lockdown Activities: Nature is 44 New Zealand Walk: Big plans for good for us walking and cycle paths along 26 New Zealand Walk: An ArchitecAvon River corridor tural Walk 28 My Favourite Walk: Along the 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 New Zealand Walking Tours walkway at Macan- 48 New Zealand Country Breaks drew Bay 30 Cycling Tours: Trip through 52 Walkers on the Tuki Tuki River Trail the tulips MAY-JULY 268 2020 34 New Zealand Walk: Nydia Track - 3 Contents something for everyone 4 Walk Talk 38 New Zealand Walks: Exploring 6 New Zealand Walk: Queen Charlotte the scenery of the Far North Track - Here we come!

42 Te Araroa Trail: Te Araroa North- 10 New Zealand Walk: Walking the land Trust revitalised Track 43 Index of previous 14 issues 11 New Zealand Walk: The Queen 44 Subscription page Charlotte Track - 45 Coming Events: New Zealand why walk it when you can ride?

48 New Zealand Walking Tours 13 Lockdown Activities: Walking and 48 New Zealand Country Breaks biking around Papamoa - Training 51 Event:Manawatu Walking Festival up Mt Wash-ington.

14 Northland Experiences: The Old 52 Wilderness Guides Chooks Tour of Northland SEPTEMBER 270 2020 17 News: A billion-dollar opportunity 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket for walkers 3 Contents 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 4 Walk Talk Photo Contest 6 New Zealand Walk: Palmers Track 20 New Zealand Walks: Bookable huts - Great Barrier Island - a Summer success 12 John Fensham Memoral Sanctu23 Need2Know: Walking on priary - a lowland forest walk vate land 15 New Zealand Walk: Invigorating 24 Auckland Walk: Mt Hobson Walk for winter tramp on the Mania Track panoramic city views 15 Kawerau Accomodation: Firmin 27 Covid-129: Travel faces a reinLodge vention 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 28 New Zealand Walk: Lindsay Scenic Photo Contest Reserve Walk 20 Short walks to get you off 30 My Favoutite Walk: Cardiff Cententhe couch nial Walk through natural bush 23 Lockdown Activities: A morepork and farmland and the Milky Way 34 New Zealand Walk: Beat the heat 24 Northland Experiences: Two do the Donald Drift wheels and Shank’s Pony 37 Australian Walk: Burleigh Heads 28 New Zealand Walks: A week of National Park walks walks on Chatham Islands 40 Auckland Walk: A ramble on Anzac 36 Event: Bay of Islands Walking Day - Point England Walkway Weekend - A real mix - hiking, 44 Books: God’s Cocaine - the addicbiking trains and walks for tion of the Camino non walkers 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 40 Event: Delightful dozen walks at 48 New Zealand Country Breaks Warkworth Weekend 2020 52 Northland Experiences 43 Index of previous 14 issues APRIL 267 2020 44 Subscription page 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 48 New Zealand Walking Tours 3 Contents 48 New Zealand Country Breaks 4 Walk Talk 51 Event: A great view from one of 6 Great Walks: The Back Story of “The the Warkworth’s Walks Routeburn Saga” 52 Wilderness Guides 9 Great Walks: “The Routeburn Saga” 11 New Zealand Walk: Track a memoAUGUST 269 2020 rial to Truby King 2 Pak - A - Roo Walking Jacket 12 New Zealand Walks: Paritutu Rock a 3 Contents challenge in New Plymouth 4 Walk Talk 15 Book: Relentless - how a mother 6 New Zealand Walk: Cook’s Cove and daughter defired the odds Walkway to an historic monu16 New Zealand Walk: Always different ment - The Art Deco Walk 10 Queen Charlotte Track: Test18 Walking New Zealand Monthly ing our limits on the Queen Photo Contest Charlotte 20 New Zealand Walk: Waiheke Island 16 Lockdown Activities: Helping revisited - Retracing past footsteps walkers along the way. Waitangi 26 New Zealand Walk: Te Pare Reserve Regional Park. rich in history 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 30 New Zealand Walk: Tongariro Alpine Photo Contest Crossing one of the best one day 20 Rotorua Walks: Short walks walks in the world around Rotorua 36 New Zealand Walk: Wide country 22 Rotorua Walks: Ten great Rotorua views from Mt William Walk walks and trails 39 New Zealand Walk: Haast Pass/ 23 Rotorua Walks: Tarawera Trail a Tioripatea Highway short walks great nature walk 40 Australian Walk: Unique track is 24 Rotorua Walks: Firmin Lodge

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Road 36 Overseas Walks: Walking through the Deserts and Canyonlands of the USA 39 New Zealand Walk: Te Henui extenpopular tourist attraction sion a rustic and interesting stroll 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 44 Index of previous 14 issues 44 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 Coming Events: Overseas 48 Coming Events: Overseas 52 Directory of Walking Groups 50 Te Araroa walkers urged to take 56 New Zealand Country Breaks The Trail Pledge 60 Great Forest Events 52 Directory of Walking Groups MARCH 266 2020 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 4 Walk Talk 6 New Zealand Walks: Cable Bay’s 59 Green Prescription family farmland walk 60 Manawatu Walking Festival 8 New Zealand Walk: Eastwoodhill - the national arboretum of New DECEMBER 263 2019 3 Contents Zealand 12 New Zealand Walk: Eastwoodhill 4 Walk Talk offers six walks to suit all levels 6 Te AraroaTrail: New walking season and abilities marks start of Te Araroa odyssey 14 New Zealand Walks: Four walks at for many folk Hanmer Springs in one week 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 7 Te AraroaTrail: Walkers take to the Photo Contest Te Araroa Trail for many reasons 20 Overseas Walks: Norfolk Island - a 8 NZ Shared Pathway: Pathway magical slice of paradise between Petone and Wellington 23 New Zealand Walk: Milford to now in planning stage Takapuna Walk 26 New Zealand Walk: Herekawa 10 Overseas Walks: How to spend 48 hours in the Gold Coast Stream and Clifftop Walk 30 Overseas Walks: Experience Aushinterland tralia’s newest walking challenge 12 New Zealand Walk; A day taking - Ranges to River two walks in the Totara Reserve 34 New Zealand Walk: Carter Scenic 14 New Zealand Walks: Five Kerikeri Reserve walk waterfall walks 36 New Zealand Walk: Walk to the stars near Napier 16 NZ Shared Pathway: Another link 38 New Zealand Walk: Otari - Wilton’s opens in city’s coastal path Bush - with 14kms of walking 17 Book: New Zealand’s Native Trees tracks 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 42 Overseas Walks and Tours Photo Contest 44 Index of previous 14 issues 20 Club to celebrate birthday by gift45 Coming Events: New Zealand 48 Coming Events: Overseas ing track to Pukekohe 52 Directory of Walking Groups 22 Overseas Walks: Carnavon National 56 New Zealand Country Breaks Park walks were magical 60 Manawatu Walking Festival 29 NZ Shared Pathway: Cambridge to Hamilton pathway construcFEBRUARY 265 2020 4 Walk Talk tion begins 6 New Zealand Walks: Top picks to 30 Overseas Walks: Rhodo heaven in explore this summer Annapurna 9 Auckland Short Walk: St Johns Bush 36 NZ Adventure: Retirees go for their Walk a short nature walk final tree-top adventure 10 New Zealand Walk: Waikato River Walking Track 39 New Zealand Walk: Oakura Seaside 12 New Zealand Walk: Te Koutu Park - a Beach Walk delightful walk 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 14 New Zealand Walk: A taste of the 44 Index of previous 14 issues Old Coach Road 16 New Zealand Walk: Pakihi Track 45 Coming Events: New Zealand reopened for the summer season 50 Coming Events: Overseas 17 New Zealand Walk: Motukiore 52 Directory of Walking Groups Island Walk for great views 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 59 Green Prescription Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walk: Beach walk 60 Manawatu Walking Festival Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton NOVEMBER 262 2019 22 Need2Know: New digital maps help 3 Contents people explore outdoors 23 Overseas Walk: Feet dangling over 4 Walk Talk 6 My Favourite walk: East, West the Lysefjord 28 New Zealand Walk: Ongaonga - a home’s best village steeped in history 8 Books: Day walks in New Zealand, 30 New Zealand Walk: Banks Track The 50 Best Bird Watching sites - New Zealand’s first private walk8 Readers View: What is in a name? ing track 10 New Zealand Walk: Walking Stars 37 New Zealand Walk: Lake Panorama, in Wellington Henderson and Kiwi Esplanade Walkway 11 Need to Know: New Zealand post38 Need2Know: International Marchage stamps celebrate Te Araroa ing League encourages may Trail walking bring us together 12 Event: Tenth year for popular walk39 Event: Manawatu Walking Festival ing festival now in sixth year 41 Training: Exercise programme tips 14 Event: Great Forest events going 42 Overseas Walks and Tours strong 24 years on next year 44 Index of previous 14 issues 15 My Favourite Walk: 35 years from 3 45 Coming Events: New Zealand day tramps to 3 day walks 48 Coming Events: Overseas 16 Great Forest events 52 Directory of Walking Groups 17 Poem: The saga of Milford Track 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 60 Manawatu Walking Festival Photo Contest JANUARY 264 2020 20 Australian Walks: Walking at Uluru 3 Contents a land rich in indigenous culture 4 Walk Talk 22 New Zealand Walk: Rata Street 6 Te AraroaTrail: Family of seven takes Loop Track on 3,000km trail 23 Need2Know: What have you got 8 My Favourite Walk: Spoilt for choice planned for Get Outdoors Week? in Wellington 29 New Zealand Walks: Mahu Whenua 12 New Zealand Walk: Tarawera - a Trail network delights tourists legacy to up hold and locals 16 Australian Walks: Five Hinterland 30 New Zealand Walk: Te Aro Piko a hikes to take your breath away meandering path 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly 32 New Zealand Walk: Maude Track Photo Contest leads to Mangakotukutuku wa20 New Zealand Walks: Two clubs and terfall two tracks 34 Overseas Walks: Walk castle to 22 Overseas Walks: Walking with Fat castle on Czech’s Greenways Trail Betty on the Coast to Coast 41 Overseas Walk: 10 reasons to hike 27 Overseas Walks: Dolomites - King in Austria of the alps 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 28 Overseas Walks: Walking paths on 44 Index of previous 14 issues Niue Island 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 35 New Zealand Walk: Shine Falls 50 Coming Events: Overseas Hawkes Bay’s highest waterfall 52 Directory of Walking Groups 35 New Zealand Walk: Kamahi Loop 56 New Zealand Country Breaks Track to Falls and Heays Access 59 Green Prescription

60 Walking New Zealand Shop

OCTOBER 261 2019

3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 My Favourite walk: Nugget Point short walk is a classic 9 Subscription page 10 New Zealand Walks: Five great day walks from Christchurch 12 My FavouriteWalk: Emily’s visit to Emily Falls 12 New Zealand Walks Two walks in Peel Forest 14 Overseas Walk: Walk Ireland’s poignant National Famine Way 16 New Zealand Walk: Mt Cargill for magnificent views of Dunedin 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walks: One Tree Hill a jewel in Auckland’s Cornwall Park 26 New Zealand Walks: Walking to the ‘Centre of New Zealand’ 29 Need2Know: Take me to the river 30 Overseas Walks: South Africa’s Bushmen, Bergs, Battlefields and Big Five 36 Event: Toi’s Challenge is a lovely hard run or walk 38 New Zealand Walks: On the trails in the Bay of Islands 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 44 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 50 Coming Events: Overseas 52 Directory of Walking Groups 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 59 Green Prescription 60 Walking New Zealand Shop

SEPTEMBER 260 2019

3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 My Favourite walk: Lush native forest and stunning views a feature of North Egmont walks 12 New Zealand Walk: Tunnel Beach’s sculptured coastline 15 Te Araroa Trail: Numbers walking on trail increasing 16 New Zealand Walk: Atiwhatu Hut walk popular in Tararuas 16 Mt Favourite Walk: Atiwhakatu Hut Walk attracts many types of walkers 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 New Zealand Walks: Legs eleven with Warkworth Walks 2019l 22 New Zealand Walk: Bay of Islands best kept secret 26 New Zealand Great Walk: Humpridge Track to be a NZ Great Walk 28 Need2Know: New track database has over 300 walking trails 28 Overseas Walk: Caloundra Coastal Walk a leisurely scenic walk 31 Overseas Walk: Eight days to Everest Base Camp 39 Quick facts on Trekking Everest Base Camp 40 Need2Know: Consider these 5 things before tackling a winter tramp 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 44 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 50 Coming Events: Overseas 52 Directory of Walking Groups 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 59 Green Prescription 60 Taupo Marathon events

AUGUST 259 2019

3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 My Favourite walk: Kaimai Ranges offer many walking attractions in a diverse forest of caves and birdlife 12 New Zealand Walk: Stewart Island with the lovliest public road in the country 14 Shared Pathway: New bridge links city to Massey and Linton 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 Shared Parthway: Cycling the Karangahake Gorge section of the Hauraki Rail Trail 24 My Favourite Walk: Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve - a sub tropicial rail forest 28 New Zealand Walk: Belmont magazine walk with relics of World War 11 30 New Zealand Walk: Belmont Regional Park a walkers paradise 33 New Zealand Walk: Kapiti Island 34 High Achiever: Perth to Melbourne

in 80 days 36 New Zealand Walk: Three generations in Waiohine Gorge tramp 38 New Zealand Walks: Vineyard walks a feature of Bay of Island Walking Weekend 39 New Zealand Walks Two walks in Peel Forest 40 Need2Know: Top 10 things to pack for a day walk or hike 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 44 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 52 Directory of Walking Groups 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 60 Taupo Marathon events

JULY 258 2019

3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 My Favourite walk: An estuary walk in our Deep South 8 New Zealand Walk: Beveridge to Arataki Path 10 Great New Zealand Trek: Great NZ Trek ends at Bluff after 14 years 12 High Achiever: Four day trek ends with a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award 16 Overseas Walk: Machu Picchu - a treasure to cherish 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 My Favourite Walk: Waitahinga Dam trails revisted 22 My Favourite Walk: Walking the Crossey-Massey Loop, Hunau Regional Park 26 Event: The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend where the walking is wonderful and the welcome is warm!

28 Te Araroa Trail: Over 1000 walkers this season completed the trail 29 Event: Striders events 30 Overseas Walk: Table Mountain - one of the ten wonders of the world 34 Overseas adventure: Rail trails cycling in the Clare Valley 39 my Favourite Walk: Coastal views highlight of new cleared trail 40 My Favourite Walk: Tawatawa Reserve walking tracks 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 52 Directory of Walking Groups 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 59 Green Prescription 60 Taupo Marathon events

JUNE 257 2019

3 Contents 4 Walk Talk 6 Te Araroa Trail: Lessons from walking the Te Araroa Trail 12 Need2know: DOC’s top five wildlife photography tips 14 New Zealand Walk: Wellington City to Sea Walkway 16 Need 2 know: Great Harbour Way to be funded 18 Walking New Zealand Monthly Photo Contest 20 My Favourite Walk: Barrett Domain walkls have bush, wetlands with a rural outlook 24 Northland Experience: Hiking Cape to Cove: Cape Brett to Whangaroa Harbour to mag-nificent kauri 30 Overseas Walk: Walking Cornwall’s South West Coast Path 35 Need2know: Shared path planned across Tararua Ranges 35 Need2know: Funding boost for Hawkes Bay trails 36 Overseas Adventure: Vietnam - for adventure, history and culture 40 Overseas Walks: Ten top spring gardens to visit in Cornwall 42 Overseas Walks and Tours 44 Index of previous 14 issues 45 Coming Events: New Zealand 50 Coming Events: Overseas 52 Directory of Walking Groups 56 New Zealand Country Breaks 59 Green Prescription 60 Pak-A-Roo Jackets

Walking 2020 Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 272 272-- 2020

43 43

Coming Events

NEW ZEALAND

OCTOBER 2020

3 Aoraki Mt Cook Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Mt Cool Village 3 Cole Murray Cape Kidnappers Trail Run, Clifton Beach Hawkes Bay 3 Great Barrier Island Wharf to Wharf,, Great Barrier Island

Please note that because of the Covid-19 lockdown some events advertised in New Zealand may be rescheduled, posponed or cancelled.

4 3 Lakes Trail Run, Kai-Iwi Lakes, Northland 4 Porirua Grand Traverse, Porirua 9-10 The Coastal Run, Timaru 10 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic Trail Run, Abel Tasman National Park 10 Marina 2 Marina, Picton 10 Motu Challenge, Opotiki 10 Taupō Ultramarathon, Taupo

11 Harcourts Cooper & Co Devonport Half Marathon, Devenport, Auckland 11 Pink Ribbon Walk: Queenstown 11 Southland Festival of Running, Invercargill 11 Turning the Tide Fundraising Walk, Muriwai Beach, Auckland 11 Wairarapa Country Marathon, Masterton 16-18 Bay of Islands Walking Weekend, Russell, Northland 17 Pink Star Walk: Christchurch, Christchurch 17 Rotorua Ekiden - Team Marathon Relay, Rotorua 17 Santoft Forest and Beach Half Marathon, Santoff Forrest near Bulls 18 Crater Rim Ultra, Christchurch.

PAUSED 18 Gizzy Trail Run Series: Eastwood Hill Arboretum, Gisborne 18 Homestead Bay Run #3, Queenstown 18 Jennian Homes Bay of Islands Fun Run/Walk, Paihia 18 MTF Silverdale Get Moving Festi-

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44 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

val, Auckland 18 Omokoroa Coastal Challenge, Tauranga 18 Run Auckland: Millwater, Auckland 18 Wild Auckland: North East, Auckland 24 Kaikoura Mountains to the Sea, Kaikoura 24 Ross Goldtown Fun Run and Walk, Ross 24 Twizel Hard Labour Weekend, Ben Ohau Station, Twizel 25 Back Paddock Lake Off Road Challenge, Central Hawkes Bay 25 Cromwell Half Marathon, Cromwell 31 Devil’s Dash, Bottle Lake Forest Christchurch 31 Mission Mt Somers, Staveley, Canterbury 31 Pūtauaki Prince & Princess of the Mountain, Kawerau 31 Kawerau King of the Mountain, Kawerau

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Coming Events

1 City to Surf and Surf to Surf, Tauranga 1 In the Footsteps of the Marines, hareroa Farm, Near Paekakariki 1 The Nelson Half Festival of Running, Nelson 4 Corporate Challenge 5K: Christchurch 6-7 Taranaki Steelformers Around the Mountain, New Plymouth 7 Pohangina Downhill Walk, Pohangina, Manawatiu 7 Feilding Marathon and Roy Lamberton Memorial Half Marathon, Feilding 7 Lochmara Lodge Half Marathon, Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough 7 Pink Star Walk: Wellington 7 The Taniwha on the Waikato River Trails, Whakamaru Mi-Camp, Waikato 7 Woodbury Hill Country Challenge, Orari Gorge Station, Woodbury, South Canterbury 8 Boulder Bay Classic Trail Run, Taylors Mistake Beach, Canterbury

8 Coastal Classic MTB & Trail Run at 20 WAI2K, Tauherenikau Racecourse, Tauherenikau Taieri Mouth, Otago 8 Sri Chinmoy Pegasus Bay Classic, 21 New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Queenstown MaraBottle Lake Forest, Christchurch thon, Queenstown 11-29 Waiheke Walking Festival, Waiheke Island 11 Corporate Challenge 5K: WelFingertip Pulse Oximeter lington The fingertip Pulse/Oximeter can be used 13-15 Warkworth Walks. Walks worth to measure oxygen saturation and heart doing, Warkworth pulse rate through the finger. Monitor respi14 Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake Trail ratory conditions, pre and post exercise, and Run, Lake Rotoiti / St Arnaud, Nel- pre and post operative conditions. son Lakes 14 Eukanuba Tails & Trails, Riverhead Forest, Auckland 14 Pink Star Walk: Auckland 14 Rimutaka Rail Trail Fun Run and Only Walk, Kaitoke, Upper Hutt $89.00 14-22 Get Outdoors Week - throughout plus $7.00 New Zealand P&P 15 Round the Bridges, Hamilton 15 Ashhurst 2 Esplanade, Ashhurst Available now from: Domain, Manawatu Walking New Zealand Shop 15 Wild Auckland: Tāpapakanga, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Auckland Phone 0800-925-546 16 Pohangina Downhill Walk, PohanOrder online: gina, Manawat www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

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Explore the history, culture & natural beauty of the Bay of Islands, on a fun social weekend.

Saturday 7th November 2020 Downhill Walk: 8.00am -12 noon

Take a shuttle bus ride to the top of Ridge Road for an easy walk through 6 kms of farmland and native bush back to the township to County Fayre for a light lunch.

Early bird special: Adults $15.00 Childre $5.00, under 5’s free.

Buses every 45 minutes.

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A “Must Do!” on all walkers lists the website for full details 16, 17, 18 See www.boiwalkingweekend.co.nz OCTOBER Phone 021 122 9307 2020 LIMITED NUMBERS, BOOK NOW! www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

45

Coming Events

NORDIC WALKING

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21 Valley Ultra 57km, 24km &10km, Craigieburn, Southland 21 Northland Waste Kerikeri Half Marathon, Okaihau to Kerikeri 21 The Molesworth Run, Molesworth Cob Cottage, Molesworth 21 Valley Ultra, Castle Hill Village, Canterbury 21 XTERRA Trail Challenge Waihi, Dickey Flat Campsite, Karangahake Gorge 22 Greytown Rail Trail Wai Not? Tauherenikau Racecourse, Tauherenikau 22 Julians Berry Farm and Cafe Toi’s Challenge, Whakatane 22 Rotorua Running Festival, Rotorua 29 Heart and Sole Women’s Only Fun Run/Walk, Tauranga 29 The Moa Experience, Summerhill Farm, Papamoa

DECEMBER 2020

1 Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series, Takapuna Beach, Auckland 5 Hanmer Holiday Homes Alpine Marathon, Lake Tennyson to Hanmer Springs 5 Pauanui Half Marathon, Pauanui, Coromandel 5 The Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt, Lake Te Anau 8 Omaha Half Marathon, Omaha, Auckland 6 The Gazuntite Trail Run/Walk, Atiu Creek, Tapora, Auckland 12 Raglan Karioi Trail, Raglan 12 3 Bridges Marathon, Wanganui

12 Speights West Coaster Trail Run & Walk, Bethells Beach, Auckland 12 Run the Vines Paritua, Hastings 13 Centre Hill to Mossburn Downriver Dash, Mossburn, Southland 13 Canterbury Half Marathon, Pegasus, Canterbury

JANUARY 2021

3 Southern Muster Trail Run, Wanaka 9 Aotearoa Ultra Marathon, Christchurch 16 Good Home Taranaki Off Road Half Marathon, New Plymouth 16 Ian Priest Memorial Hutt River Trail Events, Hutt Valley 16 Waiheke Wharf 2 Wharf Fun Run, Waiheke Island 16 Good Home Taranaki Off Road Half Marathon, Lake Mangamahoe, New Plymouth 16 Wine Run, Burnham, Canterbury 17 Eighth Continent Marathon and Half Marathon, Auckland 17 Women’s Half Marathon, Mangere, Auckland 23 Mount Run, Mt Maunganui 23 Ultra Easy & Big Easy Mountain Runs, Luggate, Otago 24 Harcourts Cooper & Co Run Devonport, Devonport, Auckland 30 Tussock Traverse in Tongariro National Park, The Chateau, Tongariro National Park 31 Vine Run at Pegasus Bay Winery, Wiapara Valley, North Canterbury

FEBRUARY 2021

13 Buller Gorge Marathon, Half Mara-

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STAGE TWO Rawene to Pouto

We are also looking for volunteers!

20th to 28th March 2021

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WALK. BIKE. RIDE. VOLUNTEER

46 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Coming Events

thon and Team Relay, Lower Buller to Westport 13 The Great Lake Relay around Lake Taupō, Taupo 14 Coatesville Half Marathon, Coatsville, Auckland 20 Ruapehu EXPRESS & Old Coach Road Trail Walk/Run, Horopito to Ohakune 21 Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays, Wellington 28 Christchurch Motorway Half Marathon, Christchurch 28 Ports of Auckland Round the Bays,

Kiwi on the Camino

by Vivianne Flintoff 900kms along an ancient pilgrimage trail in Northern Spain

Auckland

MARCH 2021

5-7 7th Annual Manawatu Walking Festival, Palmerston North 6 Foundation Clinic Mauao Half Marathon, Mt Maunganui 20 Te Houtaewa Challenge, Ninety Mile Beach 20 Surf2Firth Bush Marathon, Coromandel 20-28 Trek for life Aotearoa, Stage 2 , Rawene to Pouto 21 Les Mills City2Surf Fun Run, Christchurch

APRIL 2021

10 Great Forest Events, Waitarere Beach, near Levin 11 ASB Christchurch Marathon, Christchurch

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8AM SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER Stunning bush, beach and clifftop trail around Whakatāne and Ōhope.

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

47

NEW ZEALAND WALKING TOURS

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48 NewNew Zealand, issue no issue 272 - 2020 48Walking Walking Zealand, no 272 - 2020

900kms along an ancient pilgrimage trail in Northern Spain Available from independent book sellers or directly from author E-mail : vivianneflintoffbooks@gmail.com Web: http://www.vivianneflintoffbooks.com/

Country Breaks

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WAIRARAPA

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Walking New Zealand, no 2722020 49 49 Walking New Zealand, issue issue no 2722020

MACKENZIE/South Canterbury

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New Zealand, issue no 272 -no 2020 50 Walking 50 Walking New Zealand, issue 272 - 2020

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Walking New Zealand, issue no 272- 2020

51

7th

MARCH

Northland Experience

5, 6, 7, 2021

Inspiring walks for families to trampers

There’s so much to do in the Manawatu * Walk the Sunset Beach Walk starting at Foxton Beach ending with Fish and Chips at Himatangi. * Walk over the new walking bridge near the Esplanade

* Forest & Bird guides will explain the history etc on the Manawatu Gorge Walk ending at a cafe.

* Have family fun walking the Tawa Loop Walk in the Manawatu Gorge. * See magnificent views over the Manawatu from the Ruahine Ranges. * Take a working farm walk in the beautuiful Pohangina area ending with a picnic lunch.

* Walk with a guide around the many interesting murels and sculptures around the city. * Take a walk on a working farm in the Horowhenua. * Take a Night Walk by the Manawatu River. * .... Plus so much more!

Bookings open in November at www.mwf.org.nz

Bookings Essential www.mwf.org.nz 52 Walking New Zealand, issue no 272 - 2020

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz