22 minute read
Cycling Tours: Six European countries on one bike
Six European countries on one bike tour
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By Jill Grant Jill is an Auckland based journalist and photographer
A15 day Danube Bike & Boat tour rolls through six Eastern European countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria all the way to the stunning fjord-like canyons of the Iron Gates National Park in Romania.
Bikers can experience this jaw-dropping landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck.
The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian Mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range where steep gorges are shrouded in dark forests.
As well as untouched nature, there are historic monuments and impregnable fortresses on the shores that tell of an historic past.
Most famous of all is the Kazan Defile which is a rock carving of the Dacian King Decebalus and is the tallest rock
Above: The Danube Cycle Path between Austria and Hungary is one of the most scenic cycle paths in Europe.
Middle left: Dancers in traditional costume in the Hungarian town of Kalocsa where customs and crafts are well preserved.
Below left: Cyclists on almost traffic free roads near the Danube.
sculpture in Europe. It was the idea of a Romanian businessman and historian which took ten years to complete between 1994 and 2004.
As well as this climax, there are days to explore historic capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.
When away from these impressive capitals, biking is on well researched trails along and near the Danube to sights like the imposing Petrovaradin fortress perched high above the Serbian provincial capital of Vojvodina.
In Croatia a typical biking day is to the medieval town of Ilok along a flat cycle path, then by ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages.
Everything in Ilok revolves around wine and a visit to a local cellar is a must. Culture and crafts thrive and there are folklore shows with traditional music, regional specialities like Baja ‘s fish soup, Vienna’s strudel and Hungary’s paprika infused goulash.
This bike and boat tour goes a long way past the popular river cruising destination of Budapest into less known and less visited territory through varied countryside and different cultures that set each country apart.
The vessel provides a floating hotel for bikers who cycle interesting routes most days, returning to the vessel at a new destination in the afternoon. The tour is mostly self-guided with a tour director who gives a briefing before the ride.
In the evening fabulous three course dinners are served and an onboard musician provides entertainment. A shore excursion programme is also offered onboard to make the most of the cities plus wine tasting and folkloric nights in smaller towns.
Fact file
GRADE: The cycling is graded easy to moderate on almost flat terrain of cycle paths and traffic free country roads. There are a limited number of E bikes available for those who need that gentle push from time to time. If you choose not to cycle or skip a ride some days, you can stay onboard and cruise with the vessel.
STARTS & ENDS: Passau, Germany
WHEN TO GO: Only 3 departures for 2023 in May August and September
COST: Starts from NZ$4,150 Plus bike hire.
CONTACT: For detailed trip notes contact info@walkworld.co.nz
Above right: A comfortable river vessel is a floating hotel on the Danube Bike & Boat tour.
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Storm damage to bridges affects Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track is closed between Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut because of severe opening date at the beginning of October, but this depends on the suitability of the new sites”, says Suvi. damage to three bridges caused by storms this year. This section of the track will be closed until these bridges can be replaced or repaired. There is currently no bridge over the Heaphy River.
“The hydrology report DOC commissioned uncovered issues with the preferred option of rebuilding a new Heaphy Bridge at the same site as the old one”, reports Suvi van Smit, DOC Buller Operations Manager. The report indicated that a . new bridge at this site could soon be threatened due to current erosion patterns and predicted flood levels and flows. Building a longer bridge, which could span the entire river channel, is not an option due to engineering limitations.
“A new site will have to be investigated so this section of the Heaphy Track will not be open for the May 2023 date that had been pencilled into the DOC booking system”, says Suvi
The new preferred option is to construct two bridges - one across the Heaphy River (at a relatively stable section downstream from the previous bridge) and the other across the Lewis River. This will also require a short section of new track to link the two bridges.
“We hope to be able to estimate an “Bridging the Heaphy River is proving to be extremely complicated, but it’s vital that we understand the river’s movements to build a resilient structure that we can all enjoy for many years to come. “Repairs to the Gunner Bridge, also damaged in the February storms, are underway. About $40,000 worth of fittings salvaged from the Heaphy Bridge are being used to fix the Gunner”Says Suvi. All the Heaphy Track huts remain open so return trips can be made from either end. The track between Kohaihai and Heaphy Hut is open and in good condition. Visitors can book the Heaphy Hut/Campsite, Katipo Creek Shelter Campsite and Scotts Beach Campsite. The track between Brown Hut and James Mackay Hut is open and in good condition. Visitors can book Aorere Shelter Campsite, Brown, Perry Saddle, Gouland Downs, Saxon and James Mackay huts and campsites.” A local air service is coordinating helicopter shuttles to operate between the Lewis Shelter and Heaphy Hut starting October 2022. This will enable walkers and bikers to complete the whole track until repairs are completed.
Makara Bay
Makara Walkway is a Department of Conservation (DOC) managed loop track that begins and ends at Makara Beach a few kilometers west of Wellington.
Makara Walkway is a 6.6 kilometre loop that begins and ends at Makara Beach. A half hour drive from Wellington city, this popular three to four hour walk offers fabulous views and good swimming at beaches sheltered in a southerly. This is one of three tracks in the Meridian West Wind Recreation Area.
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Loop Walkway
Mākara Walkway is a popular half-day trail that soars high above the rocky shorelines of Mākara Beach. You’ll start by weaving your way along the beach, then veer uphill over grassy farmland to clamber up the cliffs with vantage points with spectacular views over the Cook Strait and the South Island beyond
The track starts with a rough track from Makara Beach up past an ancient Ngāti Ira pā site to the Fort Opau gun emplacements, where you can experience views from Kapiti Island all the way to the South Island.
Return along the same trail, or complete the loop around the coast and enjoy the fresh Wellington wind as you explore Mākara Beach and the surrounding area.
The impressive wind turbine farm at the top of the trail is shared with sheep and cattle farmland the area has a long history of human activity.
In pre-European times the area was heavily populated by Maori because of its strategic position and access to plentiful seafood on the coast. There are a number of historic sites in the area, including pa, ngakia (gardens) and urupa (burial grounds).
The area was mined for gold between the 1860s and the early 20th century. During the Second World War two gun emplacements and associated structures were built on the cliffs overlooking Cook Strait.
The HVDC power cables (which link the North and South Islands) come ashore within the wind farm site at Oteranga Bay.
The Walkway then descends along short sections of rough road to Opau Bay. Return to Makara Settlement north along the rocky coastline.
The hills are often shrouded in cloud or fog and the winds can be gale force, so it pays to check the weather before you go.
Sturdy footwear and wind-proof clothing is essential, and you must stay on the tracks at all times. Mobile phone coverage is limited and there’s nowhere to fill a bottle, so take water and food.
How to get there
From Wellington city area, go through Karori township to the end of Karori Road, then turn right and follow Makara Road all the way to the beach. There’s no cycling beyond the gun emplacements or around the coastline, and no dogs are allowed for most of the walk.
This loop walk climbs to vantage points with spectacular views – farmland, a beach and gun emplacements will keep kids interested.
Fact file
Makara Beach is 29.3kms from Wellington. About 29 minutes driving time.
Length: 7 km loop track
Classed as an advanced: Tramping track.
Seasonal restrictions: Part of track closed for lambing season between 1 August and 30 September. Access to the gun emplacements is via Mākara Beach during this time.
Dog access: No dogs allowed
Mangati Loop Walk
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Near the very end of and the finish of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway at Bell Block and to left or the right depending on which way you are travelling By Judy Eva there is a very interesting and pleasant stroll off the coastal walkway and along the Mangati Loop Walk, signposted.
This loop provides a link from the coastal walkway through to the De Haviland Drive industrial area in the suburb of Bell Block. Starting at this point you can do the loop returning back onto the coastal walkway again.
Above: One of the rustic bridges in the park.
Below left: Part of the bush track beside the river..
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It is a pleasant stroll and passes through a parkland like area and over two quaint rustic little bridges. There are a few seats and picnic tables which have seen better days, along the way.
There are access paths leading off both sides of the path that lead to suburban streets. Following the main path it will lead up onto Parklands Road. To the left of and over Parklands Road there is a shopping centre and also a café if you wish to take a break.
Crossing straight across the road (it is a busy one take care) you will see two entrances to the continuation of the Mangati Walk. At this point you can chose which way to do the loop.
I chose the entrance straight across the road next to the house. The other, the main entrance is further along the road to the right where you may wish to start there to do the loop or just walk the main path and turn back again. Both are signposted.
The track beside the house will take you down into the bush, a pleasant walk with the stream on your right and houses above on the bank on the left.
This track which follows the stream is unsealed and grass and can
Above right: A view of the main path back to Parklands Avenue. Middle right: A rustic bridge over the stream. Photo FQG Below right: A couple enjoying the
walkway. Photo FQG Below left: A couple entering the underpass to the industrial area.
Mangati Loop Walk
be muddy at times but a very pretty bush area with changing scenery if somewhat a bit untidy.
Keeping to the grass track follow it around ignoring the little bridges on your right that are a shortcut to the other side of the river and the return path, or if you wish to cut your walk short use one of these bridges.
Keeping straight ahead you will have an unpaved grassy track until you arrive at the half point, and a pedestrian tunnel on your left that goes through into the industrial area and under the very busy Devon Road Highway.
Turning right at the tunnel you are on the return path down and onto the main sealed path back to Parklands Road where you will cross the road again and continue back to the coastal walkway.
The complete walk is dog friendly and the main sealed path is used by cyclists, joggers, walkers and mobility scooters. The grade is flat and is about an hour to an hour and a half return. There are toilets down in the carpark at the bottom of Mangati Road where the coastal walkway ends. The loop walk is coloured pink on the map.
The Mangati Walkway is managed by the New Plymouth District Council. Above: The walk is dog friendly.
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Waiheke walks return
Get your Waiheke walk on! The Waiheke Walking Festival returns in November 2022. Pack your sunscreen, water bottles, scroggin, lace up your walking shoes and join the world’s friendliest walking festival between 10th and 20th November.
The Waiheke Walking Festival is hosting 11 days of walking events to suit all abilities and ages from keen hikers tackling the 5-day Te Ara Hura track to child friendly explorers, those who like to wander and refuel along the way and even walks you can bring your four-legged buddy on.
This November’s Walking Festival offers the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family and meet likeminded people who love getting off the sofa and moving, boosting their wellbeing, and who love breath-taking landscapes and rich wildlife.
The exciting 2022 programme offers walking events incorporating mindfulness, photography, conservation, fitness, opportunities to walk on private land, silent discos and many are family friendly. Some walks end up at Waiheke’s vineyards to allow participants to enjoy the local food and wine on offer.
Dubbed the world’s friendliest walking festival, the aim of the event is to cater to all abilities and interests and help form connections to other people and the environment. Friendship, laughter and being in ‘awe’ as you appreciate nature on one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
The Festival is supported by sponsors and patrons, which means many of the walks are offered at no or little cost to participants. Some walks have food, drink and bus costs.
The Festival releases its walk programme on 1st September and the public can book walks from October 3.
Here are a few of the Waiheke Walking Festival 2022 programme highlights: * Ray White Onetangi Progressive
Lunch Walk * The Oyster Inn Coastal Walk with
Bubbles and Lunch * Te Ara Hura 5-Day Adventure * Sarah Gloyer’s Double Headland
Doozey * Make Tracks Eastern End Mystery
Walk * The Mindful Laughter Walk * The Red Wine Ramble * Connells Bay Sculpture Park and the Gin Bar Experience * Fullers360 Dog Friendly Owhanake and Island Bay * Ngāti Pāoa History Walk and many more… For a full Festival programme, booking information, and to sign up to the e-newsletter for updates visit: www.waihekewalkingfestival.org
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Six ancient forests to explore in Auckland
Explore an ancient world in an urban environment by taking a walk through these unique urban forests.
The Auckland urban area was once covered in lush, tall forest. The legacy of this majestic world remains in only a few precious patches around Auckland, many of which are easily accessible and well worth a visit. 1. Pūriri Cathedral Grove, Smiths Bush
Northcote Road, Northcote. Main entrance from Onewa Domain
Kahikatea forests are found in locations with high water tables, such as wet depressions and flat terraces beside major watercourses. These same landforms are perfect for farming and building houses so kahikatea forests have been almost entirely cleared from urban Auckland.
One of the best examples left is Smiths Bush, a green urban oasis of soaring trees and raucous tūī, right beside the northern motorway. Nestled within the kahikatea is a magnificent stand of pūriri. 2. Chatswood Reserve kauri forest
Onetaunga Road, Birkenhead
The network of reserves in the Chatswood-Birkenhead area contains the best example of kauri-podocarp forest in urban Auckland. This is also the only place where you will see hard beech forest. Much of this forest is young (less than 150 years old), but it includes pockets of kauri and hard beech forest that are more than 400 years old. This mature forest represents the pre-human vegetation of urban North Shore.
Above left: Gumland scrub at Waikumete Cemetery.
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Six ancient forests to explore in Auckland .
Help protect our kauri Kauri dieback is an incurable disease threatening kauri trees. You can help protect our kauri by three easy steps: Scrub – clean all soil off your footwear and other gear, every time you enter or leave a forest/area with native trees.
Spray – your footwear and gear at every cleaning station. Kauri dieback can be spread by just a pinhead of soil.
Stay – on the designated open tracks. 3. Withiel Thomas Reserve lava forest
Withiel Drive, Epsom
Indigenous lava forest grows on recent lava flows that have yet to develop a proper soil. Nationally, lava forest is uncommon. The few remnants in urban Auckland – most notably at Gribblehirst Park and Maungawhau / Mt Eden – represent the last 0.5 per cent of an indigenous ecosystem type that has been almost totally removed. 4. Waikumete Cemetery gumland scrub
Great North Road, Glen Eden
Gumlands grow where climate, acidic leaf litter, infertile parent rock and time have combined to create a low-nutrient, waterlogged soil substrate that will not support tall forest. Gumland vegetation is characterised by low scrub, sedgeland and fernland. The best example in Auckland is at Waikumete Cemetery.
5. Manuwera native forest remnants
Mature native forest is now very rare in urban Auckland. Some excellent examples of mature tōtara, pūriri, kahikatea-pukatea and kānuka forest are found in a cluster of council reserves in Manurewa. These include the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hillcrest Grove Reserve (73R Hill Road, Hill Park), Orford Park (40R Hill Road, Hill Park), and David Nathan Park (68R Hill Road, Hill Park.
The tōtara, regenerating kānuka and kahikatea-pukatea forest is a successional community, meaning the tōtara and kānuka will be replaced by other (hopefully native) trees slowly over time. 6. Taraire Forest at Kirks Bush
377 Great South Road, Papakura
Mature taraire forest, with other native tree species such as kohekohe, pūriri, tōwai, tawa and rimu, covered large parts of south Auckland in prehuman times. Around 98 per cent of this forest type has been cleared from this area because the land was highly valued for farming and building settlements. This means remnants like those at Kirks Bush are incredibly valuable for their biodiversity, as well as great places to unwind. Above right: Kauri forest in Chatswood Reserve.
A long-term view will protect access to stewardship land By Lauren Schaer, Outdoors Access Commission
It’s easy to take our walking tracks for granted, but not all of them are protected legally in perpetuity.
When the Department of Conservation (DOC) was formed in 1987, it was allocated land to protect. Any of this land that hadn’t yet been given a land classification (such as national park or conservation area) was labelled stewardship land.
Currently, there are over 3,000 parcels of stewardship land covering 9%
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P O Box 1922, Palmerston North - Phone 0800-925-546 Fax 06-358-6864 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz of the country. They include former state forests and Crown land considered to have conservation value.
Stewardship land is protected for now, but it awaits reclassification or disposal. It’s been waiting decades because the process of surveying, analysing, consulting and collaborating can be complex and slow.
You may have heard that last year, to get things moving, DOC sought people’s views on streamlining its process. More recently, it shared its plans for the first of these reclassifications – 504 parcels of West Coast stewardship land. The northern South Island will be next.
Making a submission can seem daunting; most walkers don’t have their say directly. Luckily, there are organisations that represent walkers’ interests. One is, the Outdoor Access Commission, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa (formerly the Walking Access Commission).
It aims to provide the public with free, certain, enduring and practical access to the outdoors.
One of the Commission’s main concerns regarding the West Coast stewardship land reclassification is that river paths are mobile; it is dangerous to take a short-term view of these areas.
As rainfall is very high and often intense on the West Coast, its rivers often jump to a new bed in times of flood events. Public access, whether to a small creek or a vast backcountry area, could be lost forever following any disposal of active or former riverbeds.
The Outdoor Access Commission, made submissions on the above consultations, which are now closed, and will do the same for future cases. Of course, it’s important to have your say too. If you have a public access concern in your area, contact the Commission to get advice from a Regional Field Advisor.
