November Newsletter 2025 - Waiheke Walking Festival

by | November 26, 2025

With winter in the rear-view mirror, the days stretching out, and the sunshine turning up the heat, what better moment to start dreaming of next year’s Waiheke Walking Festival?

Tickets for the 2026 Walking Festival are on sale from 1st December 2025 and we’d love you to join us.

What’s new?

What’s fresh in our 2026 Walking Festival line-up? Plenty! Gary Wilton from Make Tracks is unveiling a brand-new private land adventure at Woodside Bay (thanks to kind land-owners), Save the Kiwi is treating us to another update on private land, we’re walking on the north side followed by a visit to the enchanting Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Garden, plus a magical dawn walk… and that’s only the start!

📸Philippa Karn

📅 We’ve got not one… not two… but THREE epic, fully guided Te Ara Hura adventures for you to choose from!

3-Day “Best Of” Walk — $375
A greatest-hits tour of Te Ara Hura’s most spectacular sections. All the magic, none of the FOMO.
5-Day Full Loop Adventure — $425
Go the whole way! Conquer the complete island loop with our expert guides and a whole lot of wow moments.
✨ NEW: Stride & Ride — $599
A 3-day guided walk plus 2 days of e-bike cycle hire for you to roam freely on days 4 and 5. Walk it, ride it, love it.

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Spaces will disappear faster than a sunny day in January — book now 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!

“Absolutely loved all the input and attention to details for smooth running”

” It was a superb event and appreciate the generosity and input from all the organisers. It fills my cup!”

“I loved the walks. Anna and the volunteers were amazing. Lots of local information. Loved visiting the private home and eating lunch by the grapevine”

Te Ara Hura – Stride and Ride

What is it and how does it work?

It’s our brand-new hybrid adventure! Three days of the best of Te Ara Hura on foot, plus two days of cruising on an e-bike from our friends at E-RIDE.

And for days 4 and 5? We’ll hand you some sweet suggested routes so you can explore at your own pace. This would suit individuals who would like to do less road-walking.

Who are E-RIDE?

E-RIDE are a family owned business based on Waiheke Island, passionate about sharing our home with visitors. Since 2007, their team has organised cycling events and provided Waiheke e-bike rentals for thousands of riders. Over the years, they’ve become the trusted choice for visitors looking for freedom, fun, and unforgettable island experiences.

What’s more, they have worked hard to evolve their business to take it from a Bronze to Gold Qualmark – a testament to their dedication to high-quality service, environmental responsibility, and sustainable tourism practices🚴‍♂️💚.

https://eridewaiheke.co.nz

BOOK NOW – 3 day ‘Best Of’ Te Ara Hura

BOOK NOW – 5 day Te Ara Hura

BOOK NOW – Stride and Ride (3 day walk and 2 days bike hire)

Getting Festival fit and ready

Sarah Gloyer our valued Ambassador (and owner of TrailTribe) 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:

Te Ara Hura – Get Fit and Ready

Sponsor in the Spotlight:

This year was the 10th anniversary of the Te Ara Hura (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)😍 and supported by Auckland Council. Originally named Walk Waiheke until Ngāti Pāoa aptly named it Te Ara Hura, it means ‘the discovery path’.

Make Tracks is a specialist track building business, based here on Waiheke Island. Led by Gary Wilton and a team of trail lovers – doing what they love the most, making tracks!

If you’re thinking of a new project and looking for good guys…look no further 👀

MAKE TRACKS CONTACT DETAILS

Pro tip from your future, stress-free self: book your Island Direct ferry now! 🚢
Why? Because a booked seat costs exactly the same as a panic-filled scramble at the last minute, but comes with guaranteed certainty instead of sweaty forehead and cliffside cliffhanger vibes. Don’t gamble with your island adventure—reserve your spot and float into the Walking Festival stress-free!

BOOK YOUR ISLAND DIRECT FERRY TICKET HERE

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE💧

Summer Walking Festival pro-tip: hydration is your superpower 🌞🚶‍♂️

Arrive fully watered like a happy houseplant, and don’t forget to bring a big refillable bottle to keep sipping along the way. Your future, less-thirsty self will thank you!

Refill stations can be found:

Matiatia wharf
Onetangi Sports park

📸Judy MacFarlaine

Are you interested in becoming a Friend of the Festival?

Friends of the Festival receive early access to walk bookings (it’s 1st December for the general public), can book NOW 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🤗!

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL NOW!

📸Sarah Gloyer 😍

Patrons event

We just wrapped up an amazing 3-day ‘Best of’ Te Ara Hura Walk—and what better way to celebrate than with a fabulous Patrons Event! 🎉 Thanks so much to everyone who joined us; we hope you had as much fun as we did!

Our much loved Trustee Anna hosted us in the most magical location, thank you.

Thanks also to Island Direct who sponsored the catering 😍. #loveoursponsors