1. Thank you!
2. SAVE THE DATE!  New Festival dates for your diary📆
3. Friends Membership🎉
4. Farewell to old friends and hello to new🌟
5. Calling new Patrons😍
6. Te Ara Hura 2026🚶‍♂️
7. National Volunteering Week!🚶‍♀️🍾👍📢
8. Waiheke Local Board

Thank you!

📅 Save the Dates – Your Walking Calendar Starts Here!

Clear some space in the diary, and get ready for more adventures on foot. Here are the dates you’ll want to circle, highlight, star and tell your walking buddies about:

🌿 Te Ara Hura Adventure (5-Day)
11–15 November 2026 – Available to book online from 3 Aug 2026

🌿 Te Ara Hura Adventure (3-Day)
12–14 November 2026 – Available to book online from 3 Aug 2026

🚶‍♀️ Waiheke Walking Festival 2027
11-22* March 2027 (*please note, no walks planned for Tues 16th & Weds 17th March) – Available to book online from 2 Oct 2026

A little warning: side effects may include meeting wonderful people, enjoying spectacular views, and developing an irresistible urge to walk Waiheke more often. 🌞🍷

• Early access to Festival bookings – one full week before public release!
• A private cheese and wine evening kindly hosted by one of our supporters.
• An exclusive walk once a year (outside of Festival timings).
• First pick of the most popular walks, an EXCLUSIVE Friends only walk AND the warm glow of helping keep the Festival thriving

• Friends bookings open: Friday 25 September 2026
• Public bookings open: Friday 2 October 2026

Waiheke Walking Trust News!

As one chapter closes, another begins…

We’re saying a fond farewell to four much-loved Trustees — David, Mandy, Olly and Judy. Thank you for your passion, wisdom, countless hours of support, and unwavering commitment to the Trust. You’ve helped shape where we are today, and we know the Trust is stronger because of your involvement. We are incredibly grateful.

Now for some exciting news!

We’re delighted to welcome Carol Comer as our new Chair, along with our new Trustees Wendy Spiller and Glen Murphy. Together with our existing Trustee Anna Brealey, they all share a common vision of showcasing Waiheke as a world-class walking destination – whilst supporting the creation, enhancement and long-term preservation of our walking tracks, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The future is looking so bright.  Watch this space… exciting things are coming! 👀🚶‍♀️

The Te Ara Hura (3 or 5 Days of Discovery)

Some walks are memorable. Some are challenging. A few are genuinely life-changing.

The Te Ara Hura is all three.

For years, walkers have told us that completing the Te Ara Hura was one of the best things they’ve ever done. They’ve made lifelong friends, discovered hidden corners of Waiheke they’d never otherwise see, and earned serious bragging rights along the way.

This November we’re doing things a little differently.

Rather than large groups, we’re creating a more intimate, boutique experience with up to 20 walkers (plus our legendary volunteer support crew, of course). Think less crowd, more camaraderie. Less hustle, more connection. A little bit fancy-schmancy, a little bit exclusive, and a whole lot of fun.

Choose the full 5-Day Te Ara Hura Adventure and conquer nearly 100km of spectacular coastline, native bush, private property access, hidden beaches, vineyards and unforgettable views. Or opt for our 3-Day ‘Best of’, perfect for those wanting to experience the magic of the trail in a shorter timeframe.

Along the way you’ll discover why Te Ara Hura translates to “The Path of Discovery.” Expect the unexpected. Secret spots. Incredible local stories. A few special surprises. Plenty of laughs. And perhaps a celebratory wine or three.

Whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or looking to meet a group of like-minded adventurers, one thing is almost guaranteed:  You’ll finish stronger than when you started, with stories you’ll be telling for years!

Places are strictly limited. The question isn’t whether you can do it.  It’s whether you’ll be one of the lucky few who does😍.

Thank You, Waiheke Local Board

The Waiheke Walking Festival simply wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of the Waiheke Local Board.

They’ve been alongside us since the very beginning, backing the Festival when it was just an idea and continuing to support us as it has grown into the much-loved event it is today. Their encouragement, practical help and belief in the value of walking on Waiheke has made a real difference over the years.

We’re also incredibly grateful for the Local Board’s long-term commitment to developing and improving walking tracks across the island. Every new section of track, upgraded pathway and improved connection helps make Waiheke more accessible and enjoyable for both locals and visitors.

As a Trust, our vision has always been simple: to get more people walking. Whether that’s a resident discovering a new part of their backyard or a visitor exploring the island at a slower pace, walking is one of the best ways to experience the magic of Waiheke. It supports wellbeing, strengthens connections with nature and promotes the kind of sustainable tourism that benefits our whole community.

The ongoing investment in our walking network helps make this possible, and we’re excited to see more people than ever getting out on the tracks and discovering what makes Waiheke so special😍.

To our Local Board members, both past and present, thank you. Your support of the Festival and your commitment to creating a more walkable island has left a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.