Just a quick reminder that tickets for the November 2025 Te Ara Hura walks are selling FAST! With limited spaces still available for the signature 5-day around the island and our NEW 3-day ‘Best of’ sections of the walk, you won’t be disappointed! Book now – they won’t be around for much longer.
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What is the Te Ara Hura?
It’s a network of walking tracks linked by a continuous 100km (approx) route all around the Island.
The idea was the brainchild of Gary Wilton owner of Make Tracks (our much loved Sponsor – www.maketracks.co.nz)😍 and supported by Auckland Council. Originally named Walk Waiheke until Ngāti Pāoa aptly named it Te Ara Hura, it means ‘the discovery path’.
Walkers have been enjoying this amazing set of tracks for the last 10 years, including us, the Waiheke Walking Festival who have been walking the Te Ara Hura since it was created and are without doubt the biggest users of the track along with thousands of people who have walked it with us!
We have agreements with local landowners to cross some stunning private land and we make it possible with local transportation reaching hard to access areas where there is no public transport, so you don’t need to do the hard part – we’ve taken care of that already for you.
It requires a good level of fitness as terrain is hilly, but it’s so rewarding and well worth putting in the effort. Some have told us it’s literally life changing💚
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Keen to find out more about what to expect?
One of our amazing walkers Carol Comer shared a couple of days with us from her diary earlier this year!
“An absolutely fantastic first day on the Te Ara Hura 100 km walking trail around Waiheke Island, 31,367 steps, 21.07 km, incredible experience, stunning scenery, new friends, can’t wait for tomorrow!
Day four of our 100 km hike right around Waiheke on the Te Ara Hura walk was spectacular with amazing birdlife and stunning coastal scenery. We started at Oneroa at sunrise and walked right around the peninsular, Island Bay through to Owhanake Bay, Matiatia, Church Bay, Cable Bay, Park Point, Blackpool and Surfdale. A huge day with 39,238 steps, 26.3 km, yes legs are tiring but the adventure, scenery, local stories, laughter and the amazing homes that locals have shared with us along the way with such a wonderful group of people makes it all worthwhile. A “must do”to add to your bucket list!”.
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Here is what some of our other walkers revealed in our 2024 survey…
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What level of fitness is required to walk the Te Ara Hura?
Sarah Gloyer our valued Ambassador (and owner of Trail Tribe) has the following advice:
“The Te Ara Hura over 5-days is equivalent to walking 5 back to back off-road half marathons on sometimes tricky, technical terrain. Participants should start now to build up their endurance over the next few months as well as do some strengthening and balance work.
For those who live in the city, the sooner you can start practicing on trails the better. For those who live in flat areas, find some hills or stairs to work on strength. Build up weekly volume of walking slowly, as well as duration of longer walk. Start practicing with a day pack. Invest in a hood, socks and footwear. Adopt a rain or shine walking attitude and invest in a good seam sealed jacket and waterproof pants. It’s never bad weather, just the wrong gear”.
We have Sarah’s fitness plan here to help you too:
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Frequently asked questions:
We provide shuttle buses to the areas not serviced by our wonderful local bus. Our shuttle bus stops at 5 locations (Matiatia, Oneroa – near Red Cross, Surfdale shops, Ostend – near Woolworths and Onetangi – 3rd Ave). It helps if you are staying in accommodation near to one of these 5 locations for early morning starts.
2. How do you grade walks?
Each walk has been graded out of ten (ten being the hardest!). The grading reflects the type of terrain and walking surfaces you can expect. It is easy to overestimate fitness levels, particularly if you are not used to track walking and hills. Did we mention the hills on Waiheke?
3. What does the ticket price cover?
A fully guided walk, shuttle buses to the areas of the Island not covered by our local public buses, drinks and platters mentioned in our walk descriptions and more treats along the way.
4. How do I get to Waiheke Island?
We recommend the Island Direct ferry which lets you book a seat (at no extra cost) giving you certainty of your booking, even at the busiest times of the year! They are locally owned with great feedback and positive reviews for their friendly staff, comfortable and clean ferries. We love them just as much too as our cherished Sponsors. www.islanddirect.co.nz⚓
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Looking for help finding suitable accommodation? Locally owned, Stay Waiheke has a vision to match guests with the best luxury, romantic, or beachside bach accommodation that Waiheke Island has to offer.
“We all live, work, and raise our families on Waiheke, and we know well what makes this island so special. We look forward to sharing our local knowledge and assisting our guests with all aspects of their stay”.
Here is a small selection of accommodation designed to fit all budgets and tastes!
1. Onetangi – Boathouse Onetangi https://www.staywaiheke.com/holiday-homes/boathouse-onetangi
2. Oneroa – Moa Whare – https://www.staywaiheke.com/holiday-homes/moa-whare
3. Onetangi – https://www.staywaiheke.com/holiday-homes/the-sands-apartment-9
Did we mention that Stay Waiheke are fabulous Sponsors too?😍
Contact: 09 372 5402/021 563 271 / bookings@staywaiheke.com
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Are you interested in becoming a Friend of the Festival?
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Friends of the Festival receive early access to walk bookings, can book up to 10 walking spots AND get all the GOOD VIBES as supporters of the Festival.
Friends membership is exclusive and limited in numbers. To find out more:
https://www.waihekewalkingfestival.org/walks-events/become-a-friend-of-the-festival/
Price just $150 (incl GST).
Just remember to bring your besties🤗!
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Join Us in Preserving the Waiheke Walking Festival! 🌿🚶♀️
Are you passionate about keeping our beloved Waiheke Walking Festival alive and thriving? Do you want to inspire others to get active and explore the stunning natural beauty of our island? If so, we need your help!
For nearly 15 years, the Waiheke Walking Festival has brought together locals and visitors alike, encouraging them to lace up their walking shoes and take to stunning tracks. This iconic event not only showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Waiheke but also promotes a healthy lifestyle and a huge sense of community. It’s also hugely social. Sooo many people meet here!
If you’d like to find out more:
info@waihekewalkingfestival.org.
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Te Ara Hura – Calendar dates👍
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📅 We are offering two separate, fully guided groups as follows:
3-day walk – 14-16 November 2025 ($375)
5-day walk – 12-16 November 2025 ($425)
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this iconic Te Ara Hura walk! Book your tickets before they’re gone!
Note: Walk grade 9/10 (a very good level of fitness is required) for hilly terrain but hugely rewarding days of walking!
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See you on the island👀
The Waiheke Walking Festival Team
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Thanks to our MUCH LOVED SPONSORS!
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