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Waiheke Walking Festival for 2013

Madam Rouge walk. Views across vineyards with Onetangi Beach on the left.

Waiheke Island (just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland) is holding its forth annual Walking Festival beginning this long weekend. The festival runs from October 26 through November 03. There are walks for all ages and stages of fitness, ones for buggies and even your doggy friends. Booking walks is essential, but there are some places left in the following featured walks. These are walks I think are very special.

Cross-Island Walk and Zip Line Extravaganza

Date and Start Time: Tuesday 29 October, 10.30am

From the beach at Whakanewha walk through the Whakanewha Regional Park and other bush tracks. You can have an optional ride on the Ecozip line adventure for a special price and/or get a delicious lunch bag from Peacock Sky Vineyard. Find out more…

Overlooking Whakanewha Bay
Overlooking Whakanewha Bay
Track through Whakanewha Regional Park
Track through Whakanewha Regional Park
Nikau palm in flower
Sights along the way – Nikau palm in flower. Enjoy walking through the eerie feel of a large Nikau grove.
In some of the streams you can find fresh water mussels.
In some of the streams you can find fresh water mussels.
View from Trig Hill.
View from Trig Hill, near the Ecozip. Overlooks Anzac Bay and Auckland in the distance

Walk ends at Onetangi Beach

Walks for Health 2 – Onetangi Beach Magic

Date and Start Time: Thursday 31 October, 9am

Enjoy a gentle stroll along this beautiful white sandy beach under the guidance of health care professionals and end with a coffee overlooking the beach. This is Waiheke’s longest beach at 2.5 kilometres and every day it is different. It is my favourite beach to walk along.  Find out more…

Overlooking Onetangi Beach
Overlooking Onetangi Beach
West end of Onetangi Beach with the tide out

Walks for Health 1 – Our Esplanade

Date and Start Time: Tuesday 29 October, 9am

Another easy walk is from Surfdale to Blackpool via the Esplanade that has just been upgraded. This walk is also guided by experienced health professionals. Find out more…

The Esplanade before it was upgraded
The Esplanade before it was upgraded
Blackpool Beach with cloud reflections
Blackpool Beach with cloud reflections

Pioneer Country

Date and Start Time: Friday 1 November, 10.30am

Waiheke’s first pioneer settlers made their home here and cleared the land of kauri trees. However some are growing back in this large reserve where tanekaha (celery pine) grow alongside nikau palms and numerous tree ferns. It is a delightful walk for those who are fit. Find out more…

The combination of nikau palms and tree ferns create a sense of mystery and delight in ever changing sunlight and shadows.
The combination of nikau palms and tree ferns create a sense of mystery and delight in ever changing sunlight and shadows.
Tree ferns flourish in the valleys of Te Haahi Reserve
Tree ferns flourish in the valleys of Te Haahi Reserve
Tanekaha leaves that resemble celery tops.
Tanekaha leaves that resemble celery tops.

Doggy Walk 2: Matiatia to Oneroa via Owhanake Bay

Date and Start Time: Saturday 2 November, 10am

Bring your dog on this cliff top walk and enjoy the stunning views across bays and along the coast. Find out more…

Walkway to Owhanake Bay
Walkway to Owhanake Bay
Overlooking Owhanake Bay
Overlooking Owhanake Bay
Owhanake Bay with Stormclouds
Owhanake Bay with storm clouds
Overlooking Double U Bay
Overlooking Double U Bay
Walk ends at Oneroa with the view of Oneroa Bay to enjoy along the way
Walk ends at Oneroa with this view overlooking Oneroa Beach to enjoy along the way.

Find out more about other available walks from the Waiheke Walking Festival website.


See more photos from…
2012 Waiheke Walking Festival
2014 Waiheke Walking Festival