September 2023 News - Waiheke Walking Festival

Thursday 26 October – Sunday 5 November 2023

Bookings open for everyone on

Monday 2nd October at 10am

for the ‘world’s friendliest walking festival’

This month..

How to book walks – over half the walks are free, and many popular walks will be repeated so you don’t miss out!
Details on our new community walk, a morning walk to enjoy and connect with friends, family and neighbours – Monday 23rd October
Last chance to book the Walk and Accommodation package – Get free ferry tickets!
Key Festival dates for booking and planning

We are excited to announce bookings will be open to everyone from 10am this Monday.

Check out the FAQ’s on how to book https://www.waihekewalkingfestival.org/how-to-book/

The stunning forest of Awaawaroa – Te Matuku Walkway Photo credit: Fiona Loxton

Our new Waiheke Community Walk

Join us for this wonderful new Walking Festival kick-off event, a 2km community walk at the Onetangi Sports Park. You’re invited! Monday 23rd October, 9am.

A chance to come together with family, friends and neighbours and celebrate our beautiful island and community. Be welcomed with a whakatau and pōwhiri from our Mana whenua from Ngāti Pāoa, and discover a wonderful walking trail that all the family can enjoy.

To learn more click here.

Last chance to book the 3-day 2-night Walk and Accommodation Package.

Stay at the lovely and relaxed Kiwi House in Oneroa. Enjoy three fun-filled, active days walking on gorgeous Waiheke Island during the Festival.

The package includes 2 nights accommodation with breakfast, picnic-style lunches for 3 days, all transport to and from walk starts/finishes, premium walk fees, ferry pick up and drop off, and a host each day to help you enjoy 3 days of your walking adventure.

Price from $684pp based on shared twin room.

Now this wonderful package includes your ferry tickets!

Walks will range in time and grade, but a moderate level of fitness is required as Waiheke is very hilly. To find all the details click HERE to read and book.

Stunning day 1 of the Walk and Accommodation medley of walks Photo credit: Lorraine Gropper

Last chance to become a Friend of the Festival?

If you become a Friend now, book this weekend to ensure your walking spots!

This year for the first time we are offering a Friends and Patrons only walk. As a Friend you will be guaranteed a spot on this fabulous private land walk, on November 5th, the Wairua Beach to Barn Walk.

The Friends membership fee of $115 helps improve the long-term financial stability of the Festival. As a thank you, we give you 10 walking spots (only 6 for the general public).

For more information and to Become a Friend of the Festival, click HERE.

BIG community supporters and Supporting Partner to the Festival, Go Media are simply amazing!

We loved our September billboard campaign, thank you so much Go Media. Did you see any of our billboards around Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua or Taupo?

On top of their big hearts, Go Media also happen to be big innovators and recently launched NZ’s first roadside 3D billboard, which we hope to see more of and be able to use in the future. Simply awesome!

And, Go Media believe in the power of giving and also support 12 very worthwhile charities through their ‘Good Impressions’ initiative. For more information click here: http://www.gomedia.co.nz/in-the-community/good-impressions

Look out for our GO MEDIA Hooks Bay Magic Walk (Sunday 29 Oct), a fabulous private land walk in our programme and one of our most popular walks from 2022. Be quick, this one will book out quickly.

Waiheke Walking Festival Key Dates:

2nd October 10am: Bookings live and open for everyone

23rd October: Waiheke 2km Community Walk

26th October – 5th November: The Waiheke Walking Festival is on!

To email us CLICK HERE

Happy walking everyone,
Your Festival Team
Vicki, Kate, Anna, Tess, Linda, Mandy, Judy, Sarah, Olly and David