Our aim is to:
- 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
- become an annual regional tourist attraction.
What people say:
…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. Whatever you choose we welcome you to this event and hope to welcome you back next year and the year after
… says Gary Wilton, Parks Advisor, Hauraki Gulf
Booking is essential and can be done online here.
