Our aim is to become an annual ‘Bucket List’ event so we can welcome you back time and again and:
- help you make the most of your time on Waiheke
- show you what a great place the island is as a walking destination with excellent public walkways and reserves
- welcome and encourage you to return again and again
- show that walking is an easy way to get/keep fit, a social activity that can be invigorating, relaxing and spiritually uplifting
- aid awareness of the value of conservation in the natural environment
- celebrate the quirkiness of Waiheke
- become an annual regional tourist attraction.
Council and Local Board
If council and previous Waiheke Community Boards had not had the vision, commitment and drive to create the walkway network of over 80km of trails on Waiheke a festival like this would not be possible. This network provides wonderful access to much of the island and through the current Local Board the island can look forward to this network being expanded. Their goal is a ‘Round Island Walk’ and when this is completed the members of the board will have established a lasting legacy for future generations.
What people say:
…Over the years Waiheke has become well known for a number of things … But I believe that increasingly the thing Waiheke is going to become most known for is as a fantastic walking destination… in fact I am incredibly excited about the island’s walking potential, particularly multi-day walks.
…says Marcus Lush, Adventurer, Explorer, TV and Radio presenter
…Waiheke Island is a pretty special place. It has some world-class walks with over 70kms of coastal, bush and village walkways right on Auckland’s doorstep. A perfect destination for everyone from serious trampers to day-trippers. Waiheke’s walkways are just one of the things that make Auckland one of the world’s most liveable (and visitable) cities. The development of this annual walking festival is a fantastic initiative and I encourage you to make the most of the opportunity to discover Waiheke.
…says Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland
…Walking has significant health benefits. It has been shown to delay the onset of diabetes, lift depression and have benefits on the heart and circulation. In addition it is a cheap and fossil fuel free mode of transportation and therefore had the potential to lower levels of air-pollution.
…says Barnett Bond MB, ChB, FRNZCGP
..Walking is such an easy way to keep fit. Festival walks vary from an easy stroll to a two-day tramp. Waiheke has many award-winning vineyards and restaurants and some of these are incorporated in specified walks. History, conservation, leisure and recreation we have it all. You may choose to do only one walk, take in a weekend of walking or stay on Waiheke for the whole nine days.
… says Gary Wilton, Parks Advisor, Hauraki Gulf
Booking is essential and can be done online here.
