Te Rangiita River Walk

For a short bush walk with a water view, the walk from State Highway 1 at Te Rangiita fills the bill. Te Rangiita is known by motorists where there is a sharp bend in the road before or after driving over the bridge, some 20kms south of Taupo.

The ten minute flat walk starts on the northern side of the bridge and follows the river as it winds its way to enter Lake Taupo.

Along the way you can get close to the river. The walk ends with views of Lake Taupo and often you will see fisherman on the opposite side of the river.

Below left: The view towards the end of the track. Middle right: The track enters a tree shaded area.

Below right: A clearing in the bush

Nordic Walking enhances and intensifies natural walking

Nordic Walking was first developed to enable X-country skiers to train during the summer months. Subsequently, the activity found its way into the mainstream population as a way to enhance fitness walking.

By using the specificallydesigned Nordic Walking poles, natural walking is intensified by incorporating the use of the upper body.

By June Stevenson

Walking is the primary movement for humans and there are no limitations as to who may enjoy this activity.

Nordic Walking can give multiple health benefits that would often only be achieved by doing a combination of exercises, activities or sports.

These include higher calorie use, improved posture, along with upper body strength and flexibility. In some cases, it is comparable to running.

Nordic Walking engages 90% of the body’s muscles and targets those in the abdominal core, shoulder girdle, chest and arm. It encourages a more anatomically correct walking position, which allows the diaphragm and chest to expand.

Increased range of motion and blood supply throughout the shoulder girdle has been shown to alleviate tension in the upper back areas.

Joint compression through hips and knees is reduced and the poles provide stability for people with problems in those areas.

Benefits of Nordic Walking: Enhances the natural walking movement

Total body walking - both the upper and lower body “walk”

The body exerts more effort than in traditional walking

Postural improvement

Tones/strengthens arms, shoulders, abdominals, buttocks and legs

Releases neck and shoulder tension

Offers stability and low impact junestevenson@NordicKiwi.co.nz www.nordicwalking.NET.nz

Phone: 0274 383 923

Foldable Hiking Sticks

Protein Bars