Get ready to explore! Exciting new dates and walks for the Walking Festival 2024/2025
|
|
This month …
- New dates – get your calendars ready
- Why the change to our festival timings…
- A very special birthday
- Patrons and volunteer walk
- We’re working on the new programme – any ideas?
- Meet the team
|
|
Drum roll please…
Get ready to lace up your boots and mark your calendars because two exciting events are on the horizon for all walking enthusiasts.
The renowned Te Ara Hura walk will take place from the 12th to the 16th of November 2024. This iconic trail promises breathtaking views and memorable experiences that will have you itching to explore every corner of Waiheke Island.
But that’s not all – the highly anticipated Waiheke Walking Festival is set to take place from the 21st of March to the 6th of April 2025. With a range of thrilling walks planned, this festival is sure to offer something for everyone, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes through stunning landscapes.
Keep your eyes peeled for more information on the diverse array of walks that will be on offer during the festival. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to spend some quality time in nature, the Waiheke Walking Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.
|
|
Happy walkers on the Peter Rees Photography walk 2023 Photo credit: Peter Rees
|
|
You may be wondering why we’ve made changes to the festival?
After the resounding success of last year’s festival, we’ve taken the time to review feedback from walkers, volunteers, landowners and sponsors. Based on this valuable input, we’re making changes that we believe will make the festival even better.
We’re changing the timing of the festival to make the festival more accessible and enjoyable for all involved. This will allow for more time for walkers to plan ahead and allow a whopping six months to book!
We’ll accommodate more weekend walks and provide participants with a better opportunity to join us and appeal to a broader audience.
The new schedule will also ensure that the walking tracks are in more favourable conditions. We’ll be avoiding coming out from damp spring weather so participants can look forward to a more comfortable and pleasant walking experience, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the festival.
All this, is with you in mind, giving everyone the best experience we possibly can.
|
|
Big birthday celebrations are in order!
Did you know, it’s the 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the TE ARA HURA next year? Soooooo exciting.
To mark this momentous occasion, we have an exciting announcement to make – a very special guide will be leading the way on this iconic walk. Can you guess who it might be?
Keep your eyes peeled for more details as we unveil this thrilling news!
|
|
Our amazing 5-day Te Ara Hura walkers embracing the challenge 2023 Photo credit: Celia Harrison
|
|
Patrons and Volunteers walk
If you are keen on finding out about becoming a Waiheke Walking Trust Patron or a Walking Festival Volunteer, please join us for the Sunday Autumn Walking Series 2024! These walks are held on the last Sunday of each month starting at 9am for a 1-2 hour walk.
We will be meeting for our first walk, Easter Sunday, 31 March at 9.00am outside The Island Grocer (110 Ocean View Rd, Oneroa) and walking the northern headland loop. Just show up rain or shine, bring your family (dogs welcome) and your balance as we have a hidden treasure to test your skills!!
Autumn Walk 2: 9am, Sunday 28 April, Rocky Bay Cafe
Autumn Walk 3: 9am, Sunday 25 May, TBA
Look forward to seeing you there.
|
|
We’d LOVE your help
We’re working on the walk programme for 2025 now. If you have any ideas for things you’d like to see or general inspiration we’d love to hear from you.
To submit your walk, simply email info@waihekewalkingfestival.org with the following details: name of walk, location, brief description, difficulty level and any tips or advice for fellow walkers
|
|
And finally, meet the Team who are here to make it all happen!
We are thrilled to introduce our team, who are all set to take the festival to new heights! We are positively bursting with passion, creativity, and a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the magic of Waiheke Island’s iconic tracks.
Leading the charge as our Festival Manager is Kate Michell. Alongside Kate, we are delighted to have five supremely dedicated trustees – David, Judy, Olly, Mandy, and Sarah. Each of them brings unique skills, fresh perspectives, and an unwavering dedication to our cause.
We are eager to inject a sense of fun and community spirit into everything we do
|
|
Happy walking everyone,
Your Festival Team
David, Mandy, Judy, Sarah, Olly and Kate |
|
|
|
Our much loved and valued Festival Sponsors. We couldn’t run the Festival without you! Thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
We are proudly Kauri Dieback free on Waiheke Island, and the Waiheke Walking Festival is committed to keeping it that way. Always brush and disinfect your shoes on arrival at the Kauri Dieback station at the Matiatia ferry terminal.
All walkers will also do the same at the start and end of each walk.
|
|
|
|
