Walking New Zealand 160

New Zealand’s recreation walking magazine ISSUE No160 - 2011

MAY weather forecast

New Zealand walk: New Zealand walks:

Come to Canterbury for fabulous walks

Rocky Marlborough high The Awatere Tussock Track New Zealand walk:

Overseas walks:

The Emerald Isle -

Headland, sculpture on the Gulf

made for walking Motivation:

Overseas Walk::

On foot in Slovenia’s Julian Alps Event:

Pathway visualisation New Zealand walk;

Arataki Nature Trail NZ $6.90 inc GST

Wellington Round the Bays www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

1

PAK - A - ROO Walking Hiking Jacket Wicking Lining

Only

$91.75 plus 8.50 P&P

1234567890123456789012 To order phone 0800 - walking

1234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012 1234567890123456789012 THE WALKING WALKING NEW ZEALAND Ltd, P O Box 1922, 1234567890123456789012 NEW ZEALAND Palmerston North, 4440 Phone 06-358-6863: 1234567890123456789012 MAIL ORDER SHOP fax 06-358-6864 or freephone 0800-925-546

2

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

Colours: Red, Navy, Olive Sizes XS - S - M - L - XL - XXL Weight approximately 750gms www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

28

CONTENTS Issue No 160 - 2011

4 Walk talk 6 My favourite walk: Headland, sculpture on the Gulf 9 Canterbury walks: Bank Peninsula Track escapes big quake 10 Canterbury walks: Many short walks just north of Christchurch 11 Canterbury walks: Fabulous walks in Rangiora and Oxford foothills 12 Canterbury walks: Kaikoura Wilderness Walk 13 Canterbury walks: Business as usual at Christchurch active travel company 14 New Zealand walk: Rocky Marlborough high - The Awatere Tussock Track 18 Te Araroa Trail: Trail now goes under State Highway 1 18 Books: Natural New Zealand 19 Motivation: Pathway visualisation 20 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: Arataki Nature Trail 26 Overseas walks: On foot in Slovenia’s Julian Alps 30 Overseas walks: The Emerald Isle - made for walking 36 Window on Waitakere: Kokako capers 37 Podiatry: Plantar Fascitis 38 Event: Wellington Round the Bays 41 Health: Ongoing neck and shoulder pains 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for May 44 New Zealand coming events 46 Overseas coming events 51 Overseas walks and tours 52 Aorangi Mountains 52 Long walk: Walking the World 54 New Zealand walk: Warkworth River Walkway 55 Nordic Walking Calendars 59 GPx Need help to get active 60 SBS Christchurch Marathon

6

38

14

WALKING New Zealand Published Monthly PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Frank Goldingham: Phone 06-358-6863 CONTRIBUTORS: Ken Ring, Gary Moller, Kay Lindley, Megan Blatchford Peck, Jill Grant, Rachael Deegan, Christabelle Rathe, Cecile Dransart, Alex and Jenny Davies and Sandra Hunger ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jennifer Bowman 021-546-096 Email:Jennifer@walkingnz-advertising.co.nz COMING EVENTS ADVERTISING: Frank Goldingham 0800-walking (925-546) Email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz SUBSCRIPTIONS:phone 0800-925-546 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: New Zealand Residents; 24 issues $132.50 posted, 12 issues $69.50 posted 6 issues $41.40 posted Overseas: 12 issues: $170.00 NEWSAGENT DISTRIBUTION: Gordon & Gotch (NZ Ltd PHOTOGRAPHS: Some photographs in the magazine are available: 6x4 $3.50 + $1.00 P & H, 5x7 $7.00 + $1.00 P&H, 6x8 $9.00 +$2.00 P&H. WALKING NEW ZEALAND LTD, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Telephone 06-358-6863 - Fax 06-358-6864 E-Mail: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz Website: www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz The information and views expressed by contributors are not necessarily agreed to by the editor or publisher, and while every effort will be made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility will be taken by the editor or publisher for inaccurate information.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

22

30

26 Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 159 -- 2011 2011 Walking

3 3

Manukau Harbour crossing now open

123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121

Walk talk Three ways to boost walking benefits

Cycling and walking paths constructed as part of the NZ Transport Agency’s SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing project were officially opened in February by the Minister of Transport, Hon Steven Joyce.

The links total 3.5 kilometres and connect the communities of Mangere Bridge and Onehunga across the Manukau Harbour.

The local community joined the Minister and Auckland councillor for Manukau, Alf Filipaina in the ribbon cutting ceremony to test out the new routes.

NZTA State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland Tommy Parker said the pedestrian and cycling routes will benefit the Mangere Bridge and Onehunga communities, and are an integral part of the project to construct the duplicate motorway bridge across the harbour.

The day was also a community celebration and included placing a time capsule into the recently completed duplicate motorway bridge. The time capsule will be opened in 2061 and contains memorabilia from the construction of the bridge.

The official opening celebration was the final official milestone of the $230M Manukau Harbour Crossing project which opened seven months ahead of schedule in August 2010. The new duplicate bridge on the Southwestern Motorway is part of the Western Ring Route.

Burn more fat when you walk -- and make bigger cardio gains -- just by following these three simple walking rules from Andrea Metcalf, author of the book “Naked Fitness”.

Here's what andrew Metcalf advises: Challenge yourself with a few hills, regularly change up the terrain that you walk on, and, for really big cardio benefits, mix in a little jogging here and there.

Walking is fabulous (and fabulously easy!) exercise.

And it has the highest compliance rate of any exercise around -probably because it requires little more than a sturdy pair of walking shoes and the great outdoors.

What's more, studies show that people who walk regularly are more likely to lose weight and keep it off for the long term compared with people who don't walk for exercise.

But why not maximize what you get out of a walking programme with Metcalf's simple strategies? Here's the breakdown of how to do them and why: * Walk and run in intervals. Alternate two minutes of moderately paced walking with one minute of fast walking or light jogging.

You'll burn way more calories. * Go for the grade. Walking uphill -- even an incline increase as small as a 10 percent grade -- can help you torch 30 percent more calories. * Change the terrain. Stepping on a variety of surfaces will challenge the muscles of your body in new ways. It also keeps workouts interesting.

Walkers have second big spot prize at Rotorua Marathon Auckland based A Walkers World and The Slovenian Tourist Board are sponsoring a trip for two to Slovenia to walk in The Julian Alps along the Via Alpina. This is on top of a similair value one announced last month to Austria.

The prize to Slovenia is valued at over NZ$8,000 and those eligible will be all walkers who complete the marathon in their chosen category.

The tiny country of Slovenia is a special gem: richly endowed with mountains, lakes plateaus and rivers; wonderfully preserved historical monuments; a wine culture that boasts the oldest producing vine in the world; plus 47 kilometres of sparkling Adriatic coastline.

The Julian Alps are the base for this wonderful walk in the northwest of Slovenia.

Highlights of this walk are: * Breathtaking Lake Bled, a beautiful glacial lake and spectacular setting of 1,000 year old Bled Castle that rises vertically above the lake. * The Vintgar Gorge is carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. Walkers follow a wooden walkway through the gorge then onwards through forest and via the lovely hilltop chapel of St Katarina back to Bled. * Mountain plateaux have plenty of scenic hiking trails such as the Pokjuka Plateau to reach Lake Bohinj, the centrepiece at the heart of the Triglav National Park. * Bohinj is sheer tranquillity set in the shadows of the immense mountains of the Julian Alps, the highest of which is Mt Triglav at 2864m.

For a detailed itinerary visit www.walkersworld.co.nz and click on the banner “I feel Slovenia” on the home page.

4

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Exercising in the great outdoors is better than at the gym Survey finds Brits spend only 17 minutes outside each day, or less than a year across a lifetime A study commissioned by bath and shower brand has discovered Britons spend only a fraction of their time enjoying the outdoors each day, with many admitting to only venturing outside in order to get to and from work.

The survey polled 3,000 people, many of whom blamed gymnasiums for their failure to go outside.

More than four-fifths (82 per cent) of those surveyed said it was because of the prevalence of gymnasiums that they spend so much of their time indoors, with a third saying they would exercise at home if their gymnasium shut.

One in 10 said they would quit exercise altogether if they were no longer able to go to the gym.

The weather, driving, security concerns and lack of gardens were also cited as reasons for not going outside more.

On a positive note, those questioned said they understood the benefits of being outdoors, with feeling refreshed (65 per cent), happier (44 per cent), clear headed (50 per cent), and energised

1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212 1234567890123456789012345678901212

Walk talk Book focuses on British mountains over 2000 feet ‘Granite and Grit: A Walker’s Guide to the Geology of the British Mountains’ is now out in paperback, having previously been published in a more expensive hardback format.

The book unashamedly focusses on mountains over 2000ft, so it’s very definitely aimed at the hillwalker.

Britain’s geology is extraordinarily complex but Ronald Turnbull approaches the story from the walker’s point of view, explaining not just why rocks and strata look the way they do, but also why they feel so different to walk and climb upon.

There is plenty of technical jargon for those who want it; however it is always clarified in layman’s language.

On top of that you’ll find page after page of colour photographs and plenty of wit to keep a potentially difficult subject from becoming too dry.

The book is too big to carry around in your backpack, but it covers the gist of Britain’s unique geological history.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Prizewinners The winners of the this month’s Walking New Zealand promotion are: A588 Pedometer - Mrs Carole George, Waitakere and a six month subscription extension to Walking New Zealand magazine - Eleanor Barwell, Pakuranga.

Correction On page 12 of issue 158 in Colleen Pryde’s article “South Island trip full of challenges” there was reference three times to the word screen. The word should have read scree.

Annual Malvern Hills walk

(40 per cent) highlighted as benefits.

And those surveyed admitted to feeling depressed (44 per cent), claustrophobic (22 per cent), bad tempered (23 per cent), bored (52 per cent) and tired (49 per cent), the longer they spend indoors.

Psychologist Donna Dawson said: “Getting outdoors is essential to our health and wellbeing, both physically and psychologically. The combination of fresh air and beautiful scenery uplifts our mood and makes us feel good.

“The more time spent indoors, the more likely we are to suffer with depression, anxiety and mood swings. It’s extremely worrying that as a nation, it’s not important to us any more.

“Exercising outdoors is actually better for us than exercising at a gym, but even a short walk to the shops or riding our bikes instead of taking the car is a certified way to improve your mood. There’s a reason we called it the ‘Great Outdoors’.”

Staircase completes the walk at Mt Damper The falls at Mt Damper draw plenty of visitors off the main road north of New Plymouth.

New signs and staircases should add to a great walking experience on a track that’s been upgraded over the last couple of years to a family standard walk.

It’s a ‘spur of the moment’ walk for many tourists so the track surface is pretty good.

Your trusty sneakers should get you through this one.

The walk starts from Mount Damper Falls car park, on the Okau Road off State Highway 3, 59 km north of New Plymouth.

The 30 minute walk to Mt Damper Falls is well marked and leads to the lookout platform At 74m high, Mount Damper Falls are one of the highest in the North Island.

From the car park step over the style and walk over the formed track beside the creek. The first ten minutes are over open farmland. Follow the track until you reach the bridge, from where the bush starts. The track descends gradually to the viewing platform.

A warning that the track is clay based and could be quite slippery in adverse weather. When crossing farmland please respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.

Mount Damper Falls.

DOC photo

St Richard's Hospice is holding its 27th Annual Malvern Hills Walk, in England, with three routes available of 2, 5 and 11 miles. The walk is on Saturday 21st May. It’s a fine part of the country so you can bring a picnic and enjoy the stunning views.

There is no registration fee but walkers are asked to raise as much sponsorship money as possible. Sign up by downloading the registration form or call the fundraising department for more information on 01905 763 963.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

5

Headland,

Above: A view of the track and scenery.

Left: One of the sculptures.

Right: Tea tree cafe.

Second from right: An array of the umbrellas.

Far right: Walkers on the Headland Track.

6

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

My favourite walk

sculpture on the Gulf Story and pics by Christabelle Rathe

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

hat a great way to spend a couple of hours, walking around one of the Hauraki Gulf ’s beautifully picturesque spots: Waiheke Island.

Headland is a coastal sculpture walk which happens every two years for three weeks starting on Auckland’s Anniversary Weekend.

A ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, or Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore, is also a lovely trip across the harbour if you don’t have a boat to get to Waiheke.

Landing at Matiatia Wharf the walk meanders along the beach and up the headland.

There are a few points along the walk where a donation is gladly received by the volunteers.

Pack your camera for some shots of your favourite sculpture and the scenery around the Headland Walk. Stunning views of the city and surrounds make great shots.

The sculptures change every time and are for sale with a booklet explaining the history of the artist and sculpture is a worthwhile five dollar investment. Some of the sculptures are made on site - a challenge in itself.

The two and a half kilometre Headland

W

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

7 7

My favourite walk

Headland, sculpture on the Gulf Above right: $38,000 for this card sculpture.

Above left: Umbrellas were provided for comfort and could be purchased for $150.00 each.

Left: The ferry leaving the wharf at Matiatia Bay for Auckland.

“Older & Bolder”

by Judith Doyle Published by New Holland Publishers.

Send cheque for $30 (this includes P&P) to: Judith Doyle, #3, 14 Oriental Terrace, Oriental Bay, Wellington.

8 2011 8 Walking WalkingNew NewZealand, Zealand,issue issueno no159 160-- 2011

Above: Oneroa - Village by the sea.

Walk includes well defined steps and a narrow track at times which is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, and a moderate fitness level is necessary. Sturdy shoes are advisable.

There are many grassy patches to sit and reflect the scenery and enjoy a packed sandwich and a cold drink or there are refreshments available at the Tea Tree Cafe. The cafe provides a welcome half way stop for a coffee and bite to eat.

Babies in front packs to grandparents enjoy the Headland Walk. What a great family walk for all.

A shuttle bus meets you at the end of the walk to transport you either back to the ferry or to Oneroa for a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or a walk around the town and down to the beach for a swim and picnic.

There are cars and vans to rent close to the wharf if you want to explore the island more, visit some of the wineries or beaches it is all there.

There are also buses to take you around the island if you don’t want to drive and just take in the scenery.

Whatever you do it is a most enjoyable way to spend time and recharge your batteries for life on the mainland again. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Come to Canterbury

■

Taking in the views on the Banks Peninsula Track.

Banks Peninsula Track escapes big quake anks Peninsula Track, fortunately, did not sustain any damage to either ac commodation or tracks and at the time this magazine went to press, with a few weeks of our season yet to go, we would like walkers to know that we have spaces and have already had comments to the effect that we provide a wonderful break away from the stress of life since the earthquake. Akaroa is a charming town and is a perfect place to relax either before or after walking.

What Christchurch.walkers are saying: “Awesome day yesterday! Really lovely to get out of Christchurch post quake. A very peaceful undisturbed sleep. A magical place”.

Kirsty and John Christchurch/UK, March 8.

“What a great way to escape the shaky city and what a great asset on our doorstep," Ruth, Sue and Linda Christchurch, March 12.

For details on walks and availability go to www.bankstrack.co.nz.

B

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

9

Come to Canterbury

Looking for Walking NZ magazine?

Below are a few of the stores that stock Walking New Zealand Magazine. If it is not there, ask the assistant as the store may have sold out and may be able to get the latest copy for you.

Northland Paper Plus Kaitaia, Kamo Book Shop, Countdown Whgarei , Kensington Stationer Postshop, Corner Cardz ‘N’ Magz, Paper Plus Whangarei, Russell Bookshop, Take Note Paihia, Dargaville Postshop & Lotto, New World Kaikohe,Whitcoulls Wei Auckland North Whitcoulls Gallaria, Magascene, Haywards Paper Power, Sweet Lotto Centre, Paper Plus Takapuna, Milford Paper Power, Malcolm’s Take Note, Whitcoulls Browns Bay, Paper Plus Browns Bay, Browns Bay Paper Power, Chivalry Foodmarket, Whitcoulls Glf, Paper Plus Glenfield, Birkenhead Stationers, Chelsea Paper Power, Gulf Harbour Marina Superette, Whitcoulls Wpa, Manly Paper Plus & Toyworld, New World Orewa, Paper Plus Orewa, Take Note Wellsford, Paper Plus Warkworth, Hibiscus Dairy, Take Note Warkworth,New World Birkenhead, New World Warkworth, Whitcoulls WAB, Pak N Save Albany, Take Note Helensville, Whitcoulls Albany, Mangawhai Books & Gifts Auckland West Magazine City Henderson, Lincoln North Post Shop, Countdown Henderson, Sylvan Superette, Paper Plus Kelston, Gull Whenupai, Paper Plus Westgate, Pondorosa Superette, Whitcoulls Henderson, Greenbay Bookshop Auckland Central Whitcoulls Cor, Borders Books Music Cafe, Whitcoulls Dta Shop 9, 1 Stop Shop, Shopping Plus, Dymocks Newmarket, Midtown Superette, Whitcoulls KRd, Britomart Magazine Shop, Mag Nation Queen St, Victoria St Lotto & Newsagency, Countdown Lynfield, Lynfield Postshop & Stationers, Pak N Save Mt Albert, Khyber Pass Newsagency, Paper Plus Onehunga, Mainly Mags, Paper Plus Meadowbank, Cardz Magz N Lotto, Paper Power & Post Shop Greenw, Whitcoulls Royal Oak, Paper Plus Royal Oak, Rawhiti Bookshop, Mt Eden Post & Stationery, Eden Foods Mt Eden, The Book Nook, Paper Plus Eastridge, Borders Sylvia Park, New World Panmure, Mag Nation Sylvia Park, Take Note St Heliers, Pt Chevalier Lotto-Plus, Chev Mini-Mart, Ponsonby Paper Plus, Ponsonby Superette, Mag Nation Ponsonby, The Magazine Marketing Co Ltd, Richmond Rd Superette, Lucky Land Lotto Shop, Dorchester Superette, Sita Ram Dairy, GAS Ostend Motors Auckland South Paper Power Papatoetoe, Schofield Stationers, Paper Plus Pukekohe, Paper Plus Howick, Readaway Bookshop, Whitcoulls Pak, Paper Plus Highland Park, Papakura Paper Power, Keri Hill Superette, Manurewa Paper Power, Whitcoulls Mnk, Paper Plus Pakuranga, Pak N Save Pukekohe, Whitcoulls Pap, New World Botany Town Centre, Mangere Bridge Stationers, Paper Plus Papakura Postshop, Deed Office Products Depot, Paper Plus Waiuku Hamilton Paper Plus Horsham Downs, New World Hillcrest, Pennys Bookstore, Whitcoulls Cph, Pricecutter Melville, Bader St Lotto Ctre, Accent Magazines, Take Note Dinsdale, Glenview Dairy, Whitcoulls TRP, Bennetts Wku, New World Te Rapa, Paper Plus Hamilton, Countdown Hamilton, New World Glenview, New World Rototuna Waikato Wrights Book Shop, Paper Plus Morrinsville, Te Aroha Lotto & Stationery, Paper Plus Matamata, Take Note Frasers, New World Matamata, Paper Plus Tokoroa / Grahams, Paper Plus Te Awamutu, Muz’s Bin Inn, Oparau Road House, Paper Plus Hamilton Airport, Take Note Te Kuiti, Kihikihi Dairy, Raglan Book & Gift Ctr, Pharos Postshop & Lotto Thames Coromandel Paper Plus Thames,Carsons Books & Stationery, Pak N Save Thames, Coromandel Stationers, Paper Plus Katikati, Ngatea Stationery & Post Shop, Take Note Whangamata, Mums Corner Store, Whitianga Take Note, Take Note Paeroa, Waihi Toyworld & Take Note, New World Waihi Tauranga Mag Addiction, Paper Plus Frasercove, Cherrywood Lotto and Bookshop, Omokoroa Pharmacy, New World Brookfield, Mags Cards & Lotto, Brookfield Stationers, Avenue12 Books & Gifts, Greerton Lotto, Whitcoulls Tey, Books A Plenty, Paper Plus Bethlehem, Paper Plus Tauranga, Chadwick Stationery & Gifts, Downtown Foodmarket, Paper Plus Mt Maunganui, Mt Maunganui Post Shop, Paper Power TRichs, Whitcoulls Mtm, Paper Plus Papamoa, Whitcoulls Ppm, Welcome Bay Stationery & Books Bay of Plenty Paper Plus Te Puke, Whitcoulls Whk, Paper Plus Whakatane, New World Whakatane, River Road Dairy Rotorua Central Grocery, Ngongotaha Book & Post Shop, Mcleods Booksellers Ltd, Paper Plus Rotorua Taupo Rainbow Point Store, Prices Bookshop, Hilltop Foodmarket, Kinloch Store, Praters Superette, Paetiki Books & Stationery, Paper Plus Taupo, Larraine’s, Naylors Bookshop New Plymouth Park Dairy, Fitzroy Lotto & Magz, Whitcoulls Npl, Bell Block Lotto & Bookcentre, Benny’s Books, Pak N Save New Plymouth, Mainly Mags & Cards Taranaki Inglewood Book Centre, Stratford Paper Plus, Pereras Paper Power, McCallums Paper Plus, Loveridge Lotto, Pastimes Wanganui Paper Plus Taumarunui, Mobil Bowyer Motors, Aramoho Mags & Lotto, Post Office Bookshop, Magzone, Paper Plus Wanganui Palmerston North Organic Living Health Food, Whitcoulls Ben, New World Aokautere, Terrace End Books & Toys, New World Palmerston North, Pioneer Highway Post Shop, Plaza Lotto, Hokowhitu Post Shop, Pak N Save Palmerston North, Bennetts MSU Campus Bookstore, Whitcoulls Plaza, Paper Plus Palmerston North Manawatu Paper Plus Feilding, Turners Gfts & Luggage, BP Northend, Pahiatua Take Note, Ashhurst Dairy 2007, Haymans Paper Plus, Take Note Feilding, Take Note Taihape, Paper Plus Levin, Levin Lucky Lotto, Take Note Foxton, Foxton Bookshop & Pharmacy Gisborne Blue Dairy 2005, Village Superette, Muirs Bookshop & Cafe, Paper Plus Gisborne, Ballance St Bookshop, BP 2 Go Foster & Tyler Napier Take Note Napier, BP Carlyle St, Paper Plus Taradale, Ahuriri Corner Store Hawkes Bay Roundabout Dairy, Paper Plus Hastings, New World Hastings, Take Note Hastings, Take Note Havelock North, Paper Plus Waipukurau, Paper Plus Dannevirke Wairarapa Kuripuni Bookshop, Hedleys Booksellers, Copper Kettle Lotto & Superette, Paper Plus Masterton, Take Note Carterton, Martinborough 4 Square Hutt Valley Park Ave Books & Cards, New World Lower Hutt, Paper Plus Lower Hutt, Waterloo Bookshop & Stationers, Paper Plus Upper Hutt, Chatsworth Stationers, Whitcoulls Uph, Pak N Save Upper Hutt, New World Naenae, N P Dairy, Take Note Petone, Pak N Save Petone Wellington Whitcoulls Laq, Freemans Bookshop, Paper Plus Lambton Square, Freemans Lotto & Newsagency, City Cards & Mags, Magnetix, Magnetix Cust Order, Paper Plus Johnsonville, Whitcoulls Jon, New World Khandallah, Standen Foodmaket, The Hospital Shop, Whitcoulls Wdt, Seatoun Bookshop, New World Miramar, Pak N Save Kilbirnie, Paper Plus Kilbirnie Porirua - Kapiti Waikanae Book & Post Shop, Paper Plus Coastlands, Kapiti Mags, Whitcoulls Ctl, Take Note Tawa, Paper Plus North City, New World Porirua, Whitcoulls Ncp, New World Whitby, Whitby Post & Bookshop Nelson Moirs Paper Plus, Page & Blackmore Bsellers Ltd, Wakefield 4 Square, Take Note Takaka, Pak N Save Richmond, Paper Plus Richmond, Paper Plus Motueka, Take Note Motueka West Coast Glacier Motors, Fox Glacier General Store Marlborough The Magazine Shop Blenheim, Blenheim Bookworld, Paper Plus Blenheim, Take Note Picton, Take Note Kaikoura Canterbury Paper Plus Kaiapoi, New World Kaiapoi, Paper Plus Conways, Curly’s Last Post, Akaroa Auto Centre, Selwyn Dist Public Libraries Christchurch City Express Cathedral, Whitcoulls Cas, New World South City, Fresh Choice Barrington, Paper Plus Barringtons, Woolston Book Stationery & Hab, Christchurch Hospital, Whitcoulls Shy, New World Fendalton, Whitcoulls Bdl, Pak N Save Northlands, Paper Plus Northlands, Whitcoulls Nor, Paper Plus Merivale, Fresh Choice Merivale, BP Papanui, Hagley Night N Day F/Store, Whitcoulls Ric, Borders ChCh, Paper Plus Hornby, Sumner Village Bookshop, Leslies Bookshop, New World Halswell, Challenge S/Station, Piccaddily Bookshop, R&R Bookshop South Canterbury Paper Plus Ashburton, First & Last Dairy, Take Note Northtown, Geraldine Lotto & Bookshop Dunedin Whitcoulls Mer, Paper Plus Dunedin, Regent Night N Day Foodstore, New World Gardens, Mornington Lotto & Post, Roslyn Book & Toy Centre, Brighton Store, BP Mosgiel, Paper Plus Dunedin Airport Otago Millers Flat 4 Square, Budges Ctrl Phrmcy/Bookshop, Books & Things, Gallery Giftworld, Paper Plus Ryders, New World Balclutha, Milton Night N Day Foodstore Queenstown Queenstown Paper Plus, Paper Plus Wanaka, New World Wanaka Invercargill New World Elles Rd, Dee Night ‘N Day, Windsor Health, Herbert St Store, Robin Hood Milkbar, Whitcoulls Esk Southland Paper Plus Gore, Prices Discount, Ship To Shore 4 Square

10

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

Many short walks just north of Christchurch ack the picnic basket, gather up your family and friends and head to the great outdoors of the Waimakariri district. Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch is an idyllic countryside destination that offers lots of choices for short walks from sandy beaches, to a lake with golden sand beaches, wetlands, river side tracks, to the foothill tracks through native bush.

Take your pick from the following short walk suggestions, suitable for all ages…

P

The Kaiapoi i-SITE is your ultimate source of itinerary advice and trusted local knowledge.

They offer a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and transport throughout Waimakariri district, as well as Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand. They are at Raven Quay (temporary location), Kaiapoi phone 03 327 3134, email info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Come to Canterbury

Fabulous walks in Rangiora and Oxford foothills olk in and around Christchurch can still go for a relaxing walk in the foothill for ests near Oxford and Rangiora Many tracks and facilities near Christchurch managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) have suffered damage and are closed after the earthquake on 22 February. 2011.

“While aftershocks still continue, rock fall is a serious issue at a number of places,” said Sarah Mankelow, conservation awareness officer.

‘These sites will need to be inspected and assessed before we allow the public back in.

There are closed signs at all entry points for these sites and we ask you respect these.”

As at the time of going to press this was the latest track information: * Banks Peninsula Reserves (Hay Reserve, Ellangowan Reserve, Montgomery Park): open from 14 March * Mt Herbert Walkway: closed pending a geotechnical survey * Sign of the Packhorse Hut: open from14 March (this includes track sections from Kaituna to Packhorse Hut and Gebbies Pass to Sign of the Packhorse Hut). * Sign of the Packhorse Hut to Mount Herbert: closed pending a geotechnical survey. * Lyttelton Reserves (Major Hornbrook, Chalmers, Crater Rim): closed due to rock hazards. It is very important that the public to not enter the reserve at any point. * Godley Head: Godley Head Road is

F

! ve urs i s o lu a T c r Ex ata Tu o t

closed. The Coastal Walkway, mountain bike tracks, tunnel track, military tracks and car park are all closed. * Quail Island: open from 14 March. * Ripapa Island: closed – repairs to fort required * Otukaikino Reserve: closed – repairs to boardwalk required. * Railtrail: open. * Adderley Head: open “The good news is, after a quick look it seems that our historic buildings, such as the Sign of the Packhorse Hut and Fort Jarvois on Ripapa Island have survived this latest quake,” said Ms Mankelow.

“Sign of the Packhorse Hut lost its chimney and suffered some cracks in the September 4 quake, but it seems to have held it all

Jamie Evans and William Webb at Packhorse Hut. Photo Sarah Mankelow

together so far.”

This historic nine-bunk stone hut was built as part of a planned series of rest houses by Harry Ell for a proposed summit route from Christchurch to Akaroa. Only four houses were ever built, all from locally quarried volcanic stone.

“So we are keeping some of Christchurch’s historic stone buildings – all is not lost,” said Ms Mankelow.

“Those in and around Christchurch can still go for a relaxing walk in the fabulous foothill forests near Oxford and Rangiora – there’s short walks and long day tramps – something for everyone – just watch out for wasps!”

Check out the DOC website for the latest updates on track closures – www.doc.govt.nz.

You will experience soaring landscapes, snow-capped mountain ranges and wide open tussock-covered tundras located in the stunning South Island. .

The Mesopotamia High Country Walk is for those who like to explore by day and enjoy comfortable accommodation with great local cuisine by night.

Call 0800 377 378 for a FREE DVD and information pack Freephone: 0800 377 378 Level 1, 226 Antigua Street, Christchurch Email: info@tuataratours.co.nz

www.tuataratours.co.nz www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

11

Come to Canterbury

Kaikoura Wilderness Walks

What an achievement!

Heading off towards Surveyor's Peak.

By Cecile Dransart aikoura Wilderness Walks traverses untouched wilderness in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains on New Zealand's highest privately owned land rising to 2438m (8000ft).

Enjoy a 2 day/1 night or 3 day/2 night allinclusive guided walk through native beech and ancient Totara forests, pristine mountains, sparkling streams and dramatic alpine landscapes.

Enjoy the amazing bird life - Rifleman,

K

Warbler, Tomtit, Kea, Falcon, NZ Robin, Fantail, Kereru, Kingfisher and larger animals such as Chamois, Red Deer and wild Arapawa sheep. The diverse array of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna make this a nature lover's paradise and a photographer's dream.

Accommodation is provided at the purpose-built, eco-friendly Shearwater Lodge, designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.

Set in a spectacular alpine valley at 1000m (3280 ft), the lodge has six, en suite guest

rooms, accommodating up to 12 on a twin/ share basis. Great Kiwi hospitality, combined with delicious New Zealand cuisine, offers guests the ultimate retreat in which to rest, relax and rejuvenate.

Day packs, wet weather gear and walking sticks are for loan. Overnight bags are transported to and from Shearwater Lodge.

Scenic transfers to and from the walk ex Kaikoura.

Fly in/out helicopter option ex Kaikoura (poa).Private lodge hire and tailored options available.

Carry only a day pack and we will take care of the rest.

This is a Qualmark Endorsed Activity with a Qualmark Enviro-Gold Award in recognition of sustainable practices and on-going commitment to the environment.

Check out our website: www.kaikoura wilderness.co.nz. Enquires: Freephone 0800 945 337 or 03 319 6966.

Below left:Time for some R & R Surveyor's Peak.

Below centre: Crossing Beverley Stream.

Below right: An amazing effort.

12 12Walking WalkingNew NewZealand, Zealand,issue issuenono160 160- 2011 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Come to Canterbury

Business as usual at Christchurch active travel company dventure South is a Christchurch based active travel company that has been in business there for 18 years.

With several trips departing and returning to its Christchurch headquarters over the past month, its business as usual for the staff of twenty. Or, at least that is what they are trying to achieve.

“We actually got a trip underway on Tuesday afternoon after the quake struck, “said Geoff Gabites Managing Director of Adventure South.

“That was a prelude to a number of trips “Fortunately, our staff and their families and that returned over the next few days. homes were all safe and well, and our depot and offices came through this tragedy withCANTERBURY out any major issues. This environment allowed us to get back to normal much faster.

“Currently we are fielding enquiries from concerned clients who want to know if we are open for business. Our message is very clear and strong. Our trips are continuing to run and no-one has a reason to cancel.

Ensuring our business continues as normal allows some 20 staff to thrive in their professional lives as much as they can.

There is nothing better at the moment than having a role that requires you to focus on the tasks ahead - and that’s about spreading the word that we are open for business and need to increase visitor numbers now.”

Adventure South, like most travel businesses believe that in the wider community,

A

CANTERBURY

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

the tourism dollar spreads further than anything else. They buy food and fuel, use a wide variety of accommodation, take trips with other local operators and generally spread the impact of the holiday dollar as far and wide as possible.

“Life is about normal and we all want that back as fast as we can.” continues Gabites.

Adventure South operates cycle and walking tours around NZ and was established in 1992.

Adventure South generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in to the Canterbury economy each year by providing more than 750 active travel tours in the region.

CANTERBURY

Banks Peninsula Track Self guided two or four day walks * Delightful and well equipped accommodation * Great value tramping - the Kiwi favourite * There is now a full pack cartage option for groups Make this your first multi-day tramp

www.bankstrack.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

13

Rocky

Cregan Hut is our base for two nights.

14

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Tussock-covered hills above the Awatere Valley and Cloudy Bay.

Marlborough high The Awatere Tussock Track A

By Alex and Jenny Davies

traveller on the road or rail south of Blenheim sees a very different vista from what lies up the Awatere Valley beyond the fields of grapes.

Even the land around the homestead at Glen Orkney on a terrace above the Medway River does not prepare us for the tumbling bluffs and screes at the back of the farm high on the Inland Kaikoura Range.

Our friends with whom we have shared many adventures did this farm walk last year and their enthusiasm led us here.

After a night in the cottage that was the home of the first settlers one hundred years ago, and a look at the woolshed built at the same time, we set off, well briefed by the current “guardians”, Simon and Lyn da. They do a lot more here than farm Merino sheep and Angus cattle; they care for the flora and fauna by fencing off several rugged reserves with remnant forest, they control invading pest plants and animals and they watch eagerly as many plants special to

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Marlborough begin to thrive again. They also graciously share all this with visitors like ourselves.

Our route takes us over stiles into some of these enclosures, where many of the plants are labeled. From the top of a saddle we can start to see the summit of the range where we will walk tomorrow. There is also a glimpse of the sea down the valley to Cloudy Bay. Its

hot and although the stream that we reach is small, the pools are big enough for a very refreshing bath.

For the next two nights we are staying at Cregan Hut. It is thoughtfully built in a sheltered Eollow from Mucalypt and macrocarpa timber milled on the farm. It features roughsawn cladding and doors, and a verandah looking out over the valley to the Black Birch

A 2 or 3 day unguided walk through Marlborough’s stunning high country

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

15

New Zealand walks

Rocky Marlborough high The Awatere Tussock Track

Above: Jenny at Billy Goat Saddle between Twin Peaks and Mt Malvern, looking east to Blue Mountain. Below left: Merino sheep leading us through the tussock. Photo Ed Minot Below right: Helichrysum Like many plants here, Yellow Coral Daisy (Helichrysum parvifolium) is found only in this region. Photo Midge Minot

16

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

Range. The lighting, the fridge, and the hot water run on solar power.

The combined experience of a hot shower, a view of wispy white clouds over the peaks where the shadows are lengthening, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the wineries down the valley, make this a wondrous place. Some sheep gather around at dusk with prolonged greetings. During the night there is a display of stars never seen by town dwellers. The sheep leave us quietly early in the morning.

As the sun starts to reach us, a nor-wester begins to pick up. By the time we are up on Twin Peaks, the highest part of our walk at 1200 m, it’s getting quite warm. Scrambling along sheep tracks and up steep ridges helps heat us up also. Now we can see south along the range to Tapuae-o-Uenuku. It’s the highest peak in the South Island outside the Southern Alps, but gratifyingly seems not much higher than we are.

Few plants can cope with the climate at Billy Goat Saddle. Speargrasses wedge themselves into the screes and a few flowers brave the hot summer sun. We hear a bleat and see a herd of goats above a bluff on the skyline.

Then a whoosh as a bird sweeps across our heads. The hut book tells of lots of attacks from falcons but this bird flaps a bit and there are orange flashings under the wings. Simon was in two minds when we reported this sighting — onKe when kea were plentiful, his sheep suffered.

The track below Mt Malvern (1426 m) gives us some fun crossing screes and gripping a rope handily placed along steep pinches. Our poles have been useful for most of the walk and especially so here. This is the home of the Marlborough Rock Daisy, clinging to unlikely cracks in sheer faces out of the way of stock.

Beyond a basin with peacefully grazing cattle, we arrive at a musterer’s hut. The wind is really hot now but a cup of tea tastes good.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Te Araroa Trail

Later, Simon tells us his thermometer reached 37 degrees, higher than he had seen before.

Now it’s all downhill to a stream where there’s a bit of shade under some old broadleaf trees. The valley gets winding and narrow under the Big Cregan Bluffs and soon we are back at the hut to wash the sweat away.

Our last day begins fine again. An old musterer’s hut by a stream stems from early days at Glen Orkney and contains memorablia from a century of human endeavour in these hills. Then we scramble up the stream bordered by a variety of interesting plants conserved in another fenced reserve. The track leads up to a saddle, then follows gentle contours on the way back.

Clouds descend on the tops and soon its raining lightly. Simon and Lynda are all smiles— summer rain in these hills is good news. The dogs, each of which has been introduced in a photo book at the cottage, give us a great welcome back. More hot showers and we are prepared, if not really ready, to head back to town.

A note in the hut book by the friends who enticed us here and who have walked in many places should be the last word. “Day 2 is close to the perfect one-day walk” Website: www.tussocktrack.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Above: The old hut has stories of the pioneering days at Glen Orkney.

Subscribe or renew your subscription to “Walking New Zealand” today and you can save up to 20% off cover price. ❍ 2 years (24 issues) $132.50 You SAVE 20% off cover price ❍ 1 year (12 issues) $69.50 You SAVE 15% off cover price ❍ 6 months (6 issues) $41.40 ❍ Payment enclosed ❍ Visa ❍ Mastercard

Subscribe today - just freephone 0800-925-546 (0800 walking)

and have your credit card details handy

Name on card ............................................................................

Card No ................................................................................

Exp Date

................

Amount $ ........................

............................................................................................................................................

Name .............................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................

Town/City Postcode ...........................................................................................................................................

Email address Phone

NO POSTAGE NEEDED Just place in an envelope and post to: Freepost 78863, Walking New Zealand Ltd, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North, 4440 or fax 06-358-6864 Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

17

Te Araroa Trail

Trail now goes under State Highway 1 t’s a fact of modern life that highways four by NZTA at first because of a pinchpoint at lanes or more wide transect countryside the Meremere Power Station Outlet which and pose an absolute barwould force walkers against rier to trails – unless you go the Armco barrier – a no no under. on a highway because of disThe famous Appalachian traction to oncoming drivers.

Trail faces that problem again Last year Te Araroa Trust and again, and Te Araroa and Te Araroa Waikato Trust faces it too as the trail comes gained agreement from Gendown from the Hunua esis Energy and Tainui CorRanges, and seeks to enter poration, the leasee and Mercer township. An impassowner respectively of the able 4-lane SHI stands astride outlet, and engineered a stair the trail route. that crossed the outlet at a So we’ve gone under. safe distance from the highWe’ve agreed a route with the way – the stair cost $13,000.

New Zealand Transport This stair recently received Agency that sidles alongside its engineering signoff, and the Mangatawhiri Highway the latest section, from bridge abutment from the Whangamarino Redoubt (A) eastern side of SH1 to the to Dragway Road (B) is now west, then follows that west- Above: Whangamarinoopen and walkable, and about ern side into Mercer. to be improved further by Dragway Road section, part A second highway project of the Mercer-Dragway going under the main trunk just south of Mercer also Road track. rail line rather than using the ducks under the highway, and is now complete Oram Road crossing. except for signage.

The opportunity to take Te Araroa under The 5 km route – see map – was refused rather than across the main trunk line arose

I

Above: Andrew Smith cuts back vegetation under SH1’s Mangatawhiri Bridge. Photo Noel Sandford

when KiwiRail planned a new bridge across the Whangamarino River.

KiwiRail’s engineers added Te Araroa into the design, taking the hiking route across the base of the southern rail bridge abutment – a big improvement on the present route, which crosses the line at Oram Road.

The bridge is currently being built by Downer Construction.

The route from Mercer through to Dragway Road cost $55,000 all up. We thank our funders Perry Foundation, Trust Waikato, SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust and WEL Energy Trust.

Books

Natural New Zealand - The landscapes, animals and plants of Aotearoa atural New Zealand by Shaun Barnett has been published as a com prehensively revised version of Shaun’s earlier book by the same name, this new title offers a fantastic introduction to, and a pictorial record of, New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Natural New Zealand is a celebration of this country’s remarkable natural heritage. Crowded into the small islands of this isolated country is a wonderfully diverse range of landscapes — mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, fiords, lakes, rivers and thousands of kilometres of rugged coastline.

These landscapes are home to a fascinating array of plants and animals that, through millions of years of isolation, have evolved in unique ways, resulting in rarities such as the flightless kiwi, the takahe and the tuatara, as well as the magnificent rainforest for which New Zealand is so renowned.

In this new and comprehensively revised edition of Natural New Zealand, renowned writer and photographer Shaun Barnett has taken the original concept and greatly expanded it, using a series of short essays on the most important themes of New Zealand’s natural history to give more substance to his stunning sequence of photographs.

Natural NewZealand is a perfect and accessible momento for anyone who has been touched by this country’s extraordinary ecology.

N

18 18

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Motivation

Motivation

Pathway visualisation hen you form a picture in your mind ‘Walk’ to the first ‘roadblock’ – and underof who you would like to become, stand what it represents. and keep hold of that picture for a Tell yourself that you are “now choosing period of time, you become that person. This to eliminate this roadblock”. See is what psychologist and philosothe roadblock fading away or expher, William James, discovered ploding, whatever works for you. and described as one of ‘Life’s Step into the place on the path laws’. previously occupied by the ‘roadSo, how can we create a mental block’ and affirm the “New Empicture for our future selves being powering belief, action or change” healthy, fit and toned, when there you are choosing to have. is a huge gap between that picture Walk through the remainder of and our current circumstances? your ‘roadblocks’ and replace them

By Megan The answer is Visualisation! with new empowering beliefs.

BlatchfordVisualisation is the practice of See yourself reaching the “New Peck forming mind pictures and viewYou”, looking fantastic and feeling ing them until they imprint on your mind. It’s so excited by what you have achieved. Suglike a structured form of daydreaming. gestions: What do you look like? How do you Visualisation is a simple technique that feel? What number are you seeing on the delivers powerful results, but few people com- scales? mit to using this mind tool correctly.

OR if you find this hard to do, locate a But, what you sow is what you reap. ‘Sow’ picture of a person or image that is representathe seeds of your goal (for example, to be tive of you want to achieve. If there is a big healthy toned and fit), ‘fertilise’ the seeds by gap to close from you are now, don’t make visualising (see yourself eating and exercising this too unrealistic, you can change and uplike a person who is that way), and you will date the picture as your make progress. Put make the shift to feeling, acting, believing and your finger over their face, and focus on this becoming that person. for a minute.

With daily practice your visualisations will Pathway Visualisation

W

This is a visualisation exercise, however if you are unable to visualise you can describe in words what you are visualising.

Schedule 5-10 minutes of uninterrupted time and get comfortable, either seated or lying down.

Close your eyes and relax for one minute, take some slow easy breaths.

See yourself standing at a cross road with two diverging paths leading ahead.

One path is just a few short steps away from the “OLD YOU” (as you were before you made any changes). ‘See’ this person … (Focus briefly on what you want to change about yourself).

On the other path ‘see’ the “NEW YOU” (the person you want to become), in the distance.

Look along the path of the New You. See the “roadblocks” along the way (no more than five), that are currently preventing you from walking down this path. These are your obstacles barriers, and limiting beliefs. For example, low motivation to exercise, tempted by chocolate or wine, don’t commit, out of routine etc. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

“build your belief ” and “super charge your motivation”, the two qualities that will align you with success.

I recommend working with about 3-5 Roadblocks.

Rescue Strategy In the heat of the moment when you could easily make a bad choice …

STOP! … Take one minute to complete this exercise.

See yourself looking at both paths. One path leads to the “Old You” and one path leads to the “New You”.

With the choice that you are about to make TELL YOURSELF WITH SELF TALK that this will determine if you are moving toward the “New You” or the “Old You”.

This is your moment of power and choice.

Would you like a PEDOMETER that’s easy to use?

A588

The new A588 is the one for you.

Features: * Stylish modern design * Large easy to view display * Easy to use control buttons * Input own step length and weight * Displays steps and kilometres * Displays calories burnt * Clock * Stop watch * Easy to change battery * Measures 50mm x 50mm x 22mm

MODEL A588

Only

$15.95

plus $4.50 P& P

Walking New Zealand Shop

Order today from the P O Box 1922 - Palmerston North Phone 0800-walking(925-546) Email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz or on the secure website www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

19

Your favourite walk could win a free subscription

Digital Photo Contest month

We are looking for readers’ favourite walks. Many of us go out regularly walking on a route which we class as our favourite, for a number of reasons. Perhaps because for it’s scenery, it’s safe, it’s challenging, it’s flat, it’s hilly, it’s varied, or for whatever reason.

We would like you to tell us in your own words what is you favourite walk and why. Email us a story from say 250 up to 1200 words including a photo or photos.

We will now give you a FREE subscription (six months or more, depending on the article), or extension to Walking New Zealand magazine for walks published.

You can also post an article to Walking New Zealand, Freepost 78863, P O Box 1922, Palmerston North, or fax 06-358-6864 If sending a photo by email please make sure photo is in high resolution one. (ie taken with a 4.0 mega pixel camera in high resolution mode.

Our email address is:

walkingnz@xtra.co.nz.

Please put: My Favourite Walk in the subject line.

The Pedometer Card…

Above: “A group of us did the Sign of the Packhorse in Canterbury on New Year's Eve. It was a fantastic end to the year”. Dale Truman is in photo. Photo by Ania Peszynski, Wellington.

Left: Doug Hueston and Margo Irvine walking on Mesopotamia Station, Te Kahui Kaupeka National Park. Photo

by Lyn Meredith, Morrinsville.

Walking, jogging, running.

Carry it in a pocket, wallet or wear it around your neck.

The Pedometer Card is a full function pedometer the size of a money card, it’s so small you can carry it with you to measure your exercise level anywhere at anytime. The Pedometer Card counts steps, distance and calories. It has personal weight and step

… don’t step out without it.

The Pedometer Card is just

$29.95 (plus $4.50 p&p)

Freephone 0800-WALKING (0800-925-546) Fax 06 358 6864 - Freepost 78863, PO Box 1922 Palmerston North Distributing pedometers since 1998

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

20

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Contest

hly winners These are the winners of this month’s photos in our Digital Photo Contest. Because there was just so many photos submitted covering different angles we have decided to publish five instead of the usual three photos this monthy Congratulations to the following who each receive a six month subscription, or six month subscription extension to Walking New Zealand magazine. Entrants whose photo is chosen for a cover receive a 12 month subscription.

Above: “Exploring Mikkelson Harbour an old whaling station in Antartica. Those are whale bones in the foreground”. Photo

by Helen Wilson, Waikino.

Above: “I took this photo of my husband Steve when we walked the Tongario Alpine Crossing. The weather was perfect. We started 6am and felt as if we had the mountain to ourselves”. Photo by Sue Matthews, Papamoa.

Cover - “Christmas Day on Rocky Mountain!

With family not joining us until Boxing Day my wife Helen and I decided to climb Rocky Mountain near Lake Wanaka on Christmas morning and enjoy a gourmet picnic at the top! This photo was taken on the way up Rocky Mountain with Glendhu Bay and Roy ’s Peak in the background”. Photo

by Richard Howarth, Wellington.

We are looking for the best digital photos each month depicting walking.

Now the time to get your digital camera out or look through your digital images and enter the

Walking New Zealand Digital Photo Contest The image could be a scenic scene, a walk on the beach with the dog, a bush walk, a street walk or anything walking that takes your fancy.

The rules are simply: there must be a person or persons walking in the picture either front, side or back on, and can be in the distance. We require an emailed image in high resolution mode, in jpeg format as an attachment, and NOT embedded in Word or in the email, etc. Photos must be emailed and not sent by post.

In the subject line type “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” and the email must include the NAME, ADDRESS and phone number of the person who took the photo and a small caption.

In this contest only ONE emailed photo accepted per month. Entry in the contest automatically allows us to print the image. The person who has their photo published will receive a six month subscription or a renewal to Walking New Zealand magazine of six months. If a picture is chosen for the cover page the person will receive a 12 month subscription or renewal.

Above: Cape Kidnappers Nature Reserve - Walking down from the Plateau Colony. Photo by Sandrine Smith, Hamilton. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Email your entries to: walkingnz@xtra.co.nz with subject line: “Walking New Zealand Photo Contest” Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

21

Arataki Nature Trai

22 22

Walking Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

email: cnltours@hot.co.nz

l

he Arataki Nature Trail is a network of trails that begin across the road from the Arataki Visitor Centre and is a good introduction to the native plants and wildlife of Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges.

It is worth before or after the Arataki Nature Trail walk to go along the boardwalk that goes around the Arataki Visitor Centre for magnificent views out to the Manukau Harbour and deep into the Waitakere Ranges.

On some days you may hear the sound of the scenic train coming from under the trees far below.

A tunnel under Scenic Drive provides a safe and accessible route to the entrance of the trail and is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 5pm during September to April and 10am to 4pm from May to August.

The track is really a network of three metalled loop walks all clearly sign posted and a great introduction to the flora and fauna of the Waitakere Ranges.

T

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

The first looped track is the Plant Identification Trail which is a short and level track with a wide gravel surface and excellent introduction to the native plants of the Waitakere Ranges. Here the plants and trees are clearly marked with information â– signs. This track is suitable for most families with young children and with buggies.

The upper and lower loops contain graded descents and ascents.

Follow the arrows for the larger loop and you will see a cross section of Waitakere bush with some explanatory notes.

Top left: A view looking out to the Manukau Harbour from the boardwalk that winds out from the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Insert: A New Zealand Pigeon.

Bottom far left: The Arataki Visitor Centre.

Bottom second from left:The entrance from the Arataki Visitor Centre.

Bottom second from right: A group walking down the lower loop.

Bottom right: The metalled track here is wide.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 1602011 23 Walking New Zealand, issue no 158 2011 Walking Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 159 --- 2011 2011 23 23

Arataki Nature Trail Above: A manificent view of the trees looking north wards from one of the viewpoints. Below: A walk through a shaded area of palms.

24

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

New Zealand walks

This includes a few of the giant kauri trees on the sides of the track.

The lower loop has steep sections with steps to the top of a small hill, Kauri Knoll, where there is a wooden platform surrounded by at least a dozen of medium size kauri trees.

Here is a great example of remnant Kauri forest. One Kauri tree is 600 years old.

It is quite possible you may see a New Zealand Pigeon high up in the trees.

Allow one hour 15 minutes to walk the 1.6km of tracks.

Above: The track up to Kauri Knoll.

Below: One of the Kauri trees at Kauri Knoll.

How to get to Arataki Visitor Centre The Arataki Visitor Centre is at 300 Scenic Drive, 6km from Titirangi. From Auckland City, take State Highway 16 (north western motorway) and head west. Take Exit 2 onto Great North Road and follow signs to Titirangi. Drive through Titirangi Village and at the roundabout, take Scenic Drive. Continue 6km and the visitor centre is on the left. The distance from Auckland CBD is about 25 km.

The closest toilets are available behind the Education Centre. Additional toilets are available underneath the Visitor Centre.

There is drinking water available at the Visitor Centre.

The start of the track is accessed near the Education Centre via tunnel which runs underneath Scenic Drive. There are the three loops all clearly signposted. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

25 25

Overseas walks

On foot in Slovenia’s Julian Alps he tiny country of Slovenia is a special gem: richly endowed with mountains, lakes plateaus and rivers; wonderfully preserved historical monuments; a wine culture that boasts the oldest producing vine in the world; plus 47 kilometres of sparkling Adriatic coastline.

It’s just 2,000 square kilometres wedged between Croatia in the south and Austria in the north and a short coastal border with Italy at Trieste.

The whole country can be traversed by car in just three hours so you can walk the mountains in the morning and bike a seaside promenade in the afternoon.

In just over an hour from arriving at the capital city of Ljubljana you can begin a walking holiday at breathtaking Lake Bled, a beautiful glacial lake and spectacular setting of 1,000 year old Bled Castle that rises vertically above the lake.

The lure of the castle takes you up the zig zag cobbled lane to the castle courtyard for the most unforgettable views of mountains

T

Right: A shrine is a spot to stop and relax on the alps.

Below: From this spot the sign points to the countries of Italy, Austria, Hungray and Croatia.

and the picturesque island in the middle of the lake with it’s tiny church.

Bled has long been a centre of wellness and healing and is the gateway to the Triglav National Park which covers practically the entire Julian Alps, one of Slovenia’s most popular trekking areas.

Mountain plateaux have plenty of scenic hiking trails such as the Pokjuka

By Jill Plateau where you walk on unGrant dulating terrain across mountain meadows and past old farmJill is an Auckland houses to reach Lake Bohinj, the based centrepiece at the heart of the journalist and photographer Triglav National Park.

Bohinj is sheer tranquility set in the shadows of the immense mountains of the Julian Alps, the highest of which is Mt Triglav at 2864m.

From Bohinj a cable car ascends over 1500m to a vantage point to view the lake below and Mt Triglav.

A two-day climbing excursion will get you to the top of Mt Triglav for those who want a challenging hike.

The Vintgar Gorge is the starting point for another stunning

walk in the area. The 1.6km gorge is carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River.

Walkers follow a wooden walkway through the gorge then onwards through forest and

26

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

s .

Would you like a PEDOMETER that’s easy to use?

A588

Then the new A588 is the one for you.

Features: * Stylish modern design * Easy to use control buttons * Displays steps and kilometres * Clock * Stop watch

* * * * *

Large easy to view display Input own step length and weight Displays calories burnt Easy to change battery Measures 50mm x 50mm x 22mm

Walking New Zealand Shop

Order today from the P O Box 1922 - Palmerston North Phone 0800-walking(925-546) Email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz or on our secure website www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

MODEL A588

Only

$15.95

plus $4.50 P& P Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

27

Overseas walks

On foot in Slovenia via the lovely hilltop chapel of St Katarina back to Bled.

The region of Maribor lies at the eastern end of the Julian Alps. It is in the town of Maribor that the oldest producing grape vine in the world at over 400 years, exists winding its gnarled trellis of branches around the equally antiquated, medieval Old Vine House. This is an icon of the town’s wine culture which is age old and a proud tradition.

An extensive underground cellar exists beneath the entire city square and further.

The Vinag Wine Cellar covers 2,000 sq m and has 2.5 km of tunnels crammed with wooden barrels, concrete cisterns, bottles and the valuable wine archives. It has the capacity to store seven million litres of wine and is one of the largest classical wine cellars in Europe.

Aged bottles of wine pre 1945 have been preserved by re-corking every 12 years as well as many vintages after this time. After viewing this dusty collection you can enjoy a glass of Slovenia’s award winning white wines at the tasting room.

The wine roads of Maribor are a ‘must do’ and walking the trails of the vine-clad hills can be punctuated at great wine shops and farms Top left and middle left: Hiking in the world famous Julian Alps.

Below: Treking poles are helpful when hiking in the Julian Alps.

CORNWALL * DEVON * MONTANA * POLAND * THE DOLOMITES * IRELAND * COSTA RICA

Explore the world’s most scenic landscapes with

Leisure walking & cycling holidays FRANCE * The Cathar Way dates back to the Middle Ages tracing the footsteps of the ancient Cathars on a violent crusade to smuggle the Holy Grail from Montsegur.

7 & 13 days in Languedoc from $1299 share twin incl breakfast & dinner daily * Provence epitomises rural France with its pretty villages, fields of lavender, rows of neat vines, ancient forts and spectacular abbeys. 7 day walk from $1059 share twin

EASTERN EUROPE Explorations on foot with plenty of time for sightseeing. * Vienna To Prague * Salzburg To Prague * Budapest To Krakow

CROATIA Weeklong multi adventures cruises in the beautiful islands, hiking and biking from $1860 all incl Just call our experienced consultants to discuss your holidays or request further information on your chosen region

47th ROTORUA MARATHON 2011 A Walker's World together with the Slovenia Tourist Board is a proud sponsor of the Rotorua Marathon with a major prize of a walk for two in Slovenia's Julian Alps. See our website for details

“A Walkers World” and CYCLING EUROPE www.cycling-europe.com Ph 09 486-7473/1 email walkworld@xtra.co.nz Websites: www.walkersworld.co.nz, www.cycling-europe.com * PROVENCE * GREECE * TURKEY * BELIZE * THE ROCKIES *

28

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

BLUE MTS AUSTRALIA * CHILE & EASTER IS * SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS * NOVA SCOTIA

* SOUTHERN ALPS * SWISS ALPS * ITALIAN LAKES *

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Overseas walks

a’s Julian Alps

Above: The island in the middle of Lake Bled.

where you can sit and enjoy a glass of vino while admiring the pretty countryside.

In winter Maribor is a popular ski resort, being the largest in Slovenia.

It becomes a network of walking and biking trails in the summertime through primeval forest, green pastures to lakes and waterfalls. A cable car operates from the town to transport walkers up to the alpine village of Pohorje, a lovely getaway and so quick and easy to reach.

From the mountains to the coast takes just over two hours by road.

Although it’s only a 47 km stretch of coastline the locals say it’s more than Germany, Austria and Hungary have!

A flat shoreline walkway and cycle path connect the more modern up-market Portoroz with the delightful medieval coastal towns of Piran, Izola and Kuper.

These towns have some surprising features: Piran has protected monument status with its charming medieval streets, squares and salt making tradition; and Koper has the Venetian Paetorian Palace set in a beautiful town square The main international airport is in the capital city of Ljubljana, situated in the centre of the country so within easy reach of all Slovenia.

Most of Ljubljana’s pre war monuments are still in tact and it has a wealth of museums and buildings, most notably the castle that overlooks the city, the cathedral of St Nicholas, the Baroque Old Town and more recently Art

Nouveau mansions.

It’s mostly a pedestrian zone so easy to get to know. It’s a university town so there are lots of young people, lively bars and cafes along the banks of the river that runs through it.

Slovenia is the epitomy of “small is beautiful”. There is no mass tourism, the countryside is clean and green, and the wealth of history and tradition rivals any European country..

Fact file When to go: May to September.

How to go: An independent 8 day walk in the Bled region of the Julian Alps passes through the most well known Slovene alpine towns and villages such including Bohinj and the Kranjska Gorge is approx NZ$1250 per person share twin.

Grade: Easy valley floor and forest covered hillside walks.

For more information contact “A Walker’s World” Phone 09 4867473/ 1 walkersworld @xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Mobile 027-603-0321 Phone: 06-307-7857

Email: mtipoki@wise.net.nz Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

29

A long stream of walkers walking up Croagh Patrick at Westport, Mayo. Photo

by Chris Hill

The Emera The Errigal Mountains taken from Poison Glen in Donegal. Photo by Geray Sweeney

made for

hen it comes to beautiful landscape and stunning scenery Ireland not only talks the talk, it completely and utterly walks the walk …

A walk amid the unbelievably picturesque landscapes of Ireland is something everybody should try sometime. The scenery will inspire you and the Irish will charm you to bits with their ‘talent for eloquence’ (gift of the gab).

In Ireland the welcome is like no other and as likely as not there’ll be a surprise or two before your journey’s end.

W

30

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

ald Isle walking

Although celebrated for its lush landscape – the 40 shades of green are obvious everywhere in the countryside – the island of Ireland is much more than a tapestry of emerald fields.

Gentle mountains, deep valleys cut with meandering rivers, rugged ridges, wild bogland, watery lakelands and majestic cliff tops offer breathtaking vistas, views and panoramas with every turn. And, steeped in Celtic history, the wildly varied Irish landscapes and seascapes have a magical or spiritual quality and a mythic www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

An aerial view of the Aran Islands taken above Inis Meain, Galway. Photo by Chris Hill Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 - -2011 2011 Walking

31 31

Overseas walks

The Emerald Isle made for resonance.

Big walking advantages “The Irish landscape was made for walking on,” says Loretto Coyle, a blue badge mountain guide (the highest standard possible) based in Newcastle, County Down. She provides individual and group walking, as well as hiking and cycling tours in the Mourne Mountains, the Causeway Coast and Glens and Strangford Lough – all in Northern Ireland.

Coyle’s company, Outdoor Ireland North, has played host to many international visitors.

The most recent a group of Canadian walkerartists who picked the rugged Mourne Mountains for their Irish sojourn.

“They were absolutely amazed at what we have here,” says Coyle. “They got it straight away. They understood Ireland’s big advantages - variety, compactness and relatively easy access.

“If you go to somewhere like the Rockies – and I’ve been there and to the Andes and the Himalayas and many other high mountains around the world - you have to travel vast distances between the walks.

“But in a circuit of the Mournes, for instance, you are able to get into the wilderness at several points and get straight back out again to meet and enjoy the local people. Then you can leave the heathland, the heather, the granite and the sheer ruggedness and go two hours up the road to the Glens of Antrim for an utterly different landscape, geological structure and feel.

“On top of that you have superb coastal views from almost anywhere high along these two places anyway, and the beach or headland walks are always there if you want them.

“But walking in Ireland is also about compactness and manageability. People with an

ordinary level of fitness can get up to the top and over two or three mountains in a day’s hike. They can feel like they’ve had a really good day’s outing and taken in a whole range of inspiring scenery.”

Unspoilt wilderness A walking break amid the inspirational Irish scenery has become very popular for visitors of all descriptions. Of course, the main attraction is the vast array of unspoilt walking routes and trails, some over gentle ground, others over challenging terrain.

Ireland has 14 peaks in excess of 3,000ft and a large number over 2,500ft offering moderate to challenging climbs all with magnificent views.

Wherever you roam in the mild Irish climate it rarely gets too hot or too cold, so walking is possible all year round. Even in the winter snowfalls of 2010 – the heaviest in 25 years

Carrick a Rede rope bridge at Ballintoy, Antrim. Photo by Chris Hill

32

Walking Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

walking

Looking towards the mountains from Brandon, Kerry. Photo by Eoghan Kavanagh www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue nono 1608Walking New Zealand, issue 160 2011 - 2011 33 33

Overseas walks

The Emerald Isle made for walking - there was something of a rush to the high ground to experience the crystal clear air and the rare snow-clad spectacles.

For the skilled walker, Northern Ireland provides the long-distance trek of the 1,000km Ulster Way. A real test of stamina. Elsewhere in the north there are numerous walking packages – day, week, detox, boot camps – offering a myriad of walking experiences along long and short coastal trails, peaceful mountain routes, parkland, city, nature and forest tracks.

In the south, there are excellent waymarked trails of all kinds for those who want to walk for recreation or health. The first of these

trails, the Wicklow Way, opened in 1982. Since then Ireland has added a large network (some 4,000 kilometres worth) of routes, ranging in distance from 25km to over 200km.

There are also over 150 ‘looped walks’, designed so that users do not have to retrace their steps. These walks are predominantly located off-road and can take anything from an hour to a half or a full day to complete.

The latest addition to Irish walking facilities is a new European-style ‘greenway’ – a trail suited to all non-motorised traffic, from roller-bladers, through walkers to cyclists. The first 18km section of a planned eventual 42km

Above: All that remains of a castle from earlier years.

route called the Great Western Greenway opened in County Mayo in the West of Ireland in 2010.

Walking in the wild West An absolute walkers’ paradise, the West of Ireland stretches over five counties, from County Donegal in the north, down through Sligo (Yeats country), Mayo, Galway and Clare.

Walking in the wild West guarantees several things: fresh air, magnificent views and, one of the most vital parts of an Irish holiday, the chance to meet the friendly locals and fellow walkers of all nationalities along the way.

When this happens, walks turn into experiences, especially when someone who has a passion for the place you’re visiting guides your way.

Step forward Gerry Greensmyth of Croagh Patrick Walking Holidays, a centre-based operator (the first in Ireland to offer this) located in Westport, County Mayo, smack in the middle of the pristine wild West, which boasts

Hiking up the Mourne Mountains in Down. Photo by Brian Morrison

34

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Overseas walks

Looking out towards Achill Island in Keel, Mayo. Photo by Duby Tal

WALKING IRELAND 21 August to 08 September 2011 From $9,970pp

Fully Escorted from New Zealand

Return economy class flights Singapore Airlines

* 4 nights Dublin * 3 nights Galway * 2 nights Ennis * 4 nights Killarney * 1 night Kilkenny * 1 night Dublin * Breakfast and Dinner daily plus 2 lunches in Ireland * All walks are guided * All tips for national and local guides A leisurely ramble through southern Ireland, experiencing its stunning scenery and local craic. Highlights will include the Wicklow Mountains, Inishmor the largest of the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Bunratty Castle, Teddy O’sullivan’s Pub, Kilkenny Castle. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Contact us today for further details

www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz phone: 0800 853 276 email: cnltours@hot.co.nz Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

35

Overseas walks

The Emerald Isle made for walking some of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe.

Greensmyth’s walks take in Mayo and Galway, including the 2,500ft Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s ‘holy mountain’ - overlooking the majestic Clew Bay; Famine roads in the unspoilt wilds of Connemara; the Nephin Mountain Range, where traditional methods of turf cutting are still in evidence; and Achill, the largest island off the Irish coast, population 2,700.

Greensmyth is the classic Irish host. He brilliantly looks after his guests by making sure the food and accommodation is tip-top (it’s his family-run B&B), tailoring walks to meet the tastes and varying standards of his groups, drawing people into the ‘craic’ on the walks, giving the back stories not in the guide books and helping walkers to find the best restaurants, pubs and music on their ‘off ’ days.

But in the Irish way he does all this naturally and effortlessly, always thinking ahead, anticipating needs and putting the guests first.

“Everybody is gobsmacked when they get here,” says Greensmyth. “They absolutely love the views, the history and the folklore.

“I show them a few secret beaches, preFamine settlement ruins, holy wells and an-

cient pilgrim and smugglers’ paths. It all speaks the West of Ireland, walking is a social affair.” for itself.”

Croagh Patrick Croagh Patrick, under which Greensmyth’s house sits, is one of Europe’s best known places of pilgrimage and a destination for all kinds of curious walkers. St Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit more than 1,500 years ago. On the last Sunday of July thousands upon thousands commemorate him and make acts of atonement by climbing the mountain en masse; many do this in their bare feet.

But on any other given day throughout the year dozens will ascend part or all of ‘The Reek’ as it is known locally. Even then some insist on the bare feet and proceed gingerly.

Others will be ‘fast’ walkers, and some - the very fit - even jog up and down just for the sport.

Greensmyth has completed this walk more times than he can count and plans to have his ashes scattered over Croagh Patrick when his last walk is over. He doesn’t agree with the fast approach on this mountain at least: “The way to do it is to walk slow and easy, so you Above: A couple walking along one of can chat with the people,” he says. “This is Dublin’s cobblestone areas.

Window on Waitakere

Kokako capers From Kay Lindley ix Kokako were released to the Cascade Kauri Park be tween September and November last year, and with the help of many dedicated volunteers, data was collected on the birds’ movement patterns once they were released. In the majority of cases, the birds remained close to the release location for a period of several days, sometimes moving up the valley sides, as in the case of bird #63.

This bird ventured further away from the release area on subsequent days, but generally returned afterwards. Other birds left

S

36

the area rapidly and were not detected again for several weeks until they suddenly re-appeared.

For instance, #45 disappeared for a further six weeks until she miraculously turned up to visit the speakers one morning. The speakers set up in the forest may have influenced the eventual dispersal rates of the birds; hopefully, these return visits will help prevent the kokako from heading to Piha Beach!

Radical movements over short periods of time were characteristic for many of the birds, no doubt a natural reaction to being kidnapped. Two of the birds (#35 and #47) did meet and form a pair to the southeast of the dam, which was great news for everyone!

Ark in the Park observers first noticed that the signals were con-

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

sistently coming from the same place and then heard regular song coming from the area, which is a good sign that the territory is established.

Although some birds have established a large home range area in which they can generally be found, the other birds are still roaming the Waitakeres. As the summer progressed, it is hoped they will become more settled once they have found each other and formed pairs.

The enthusiasm, hard work and dedication of the volunteers was immense. From the perspective of one of them “I have never tracked or monitored anything before, so the experience of Kokako monitoring has been one of excitement and amazement.

It has been something I have

always longed to do and with such a special bird makes it all the more amazing. The driving force for me to keep going is the knowledge that we are doing something that has never been done before and the wonderment of what you will find each time you go out.

Where are the birds today? Can you see a pattern in their movements? The excitement of having a couple of birds pair up! Will they start breeding? If so, when and will it be obvious? Has the latest female to be released paired up with the second male in the Ark? Only time will tell.”

To see or hear birds released in the Waitakere Ranges, why not register for one of the Walking Waitakere Wednesday Walks. For a registration/brochure contact: Kay Lindley, phone: 09 837 8820, mobile: 027 274 2280, email: kay @ h e a l t h we s t . c o. n z , www.healthwest.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Podiatry

Plantar Fasciitis We welcome Rachel Deegan our new contributor on the subject of podiatry. Rachael studied Podiatry at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Western Australia.

Since graduating she has also worked in London and Melbourne, treating both public and private patients. Rachel now owns and operates ‘Perform Podiatry’ in Remuera, Auckland.

She believes in empowering others to obtain and maintain optimal foot health. ave you even woken up and not been able to walk without a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot?

If so then you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue which runs from the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneal bone) and runs underneath the arch of the foot and inserts at the base of all of the toes.

This structure can be described as an elastic band of tissue, which flexes and extends as the foot moves through its gait cycle, with it being fully extended when the foot is in complete contact with the ground, and fully flexed when the foot is relaxed and not weight bearing.

Over time, and with increased stress on the plantar fascia; be that through weight gain, increased activity, excessive pronation or through poor footwear, this structure can become overused, and inflammation results.

This is a very common condition, affecting approximately 10% of the population at some point throughout their lives. It can vary greatly in severity, from mildly irritating, through to significantly debilitating.

The symptoms of this condition are typically pain on the bottom of the foot, which is worse on getting up out of bed, or from a seated position. This pain often resides after the foot has ‘warmed up’ but can reappear with in-

H

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

creased or strenuous activity.

If not treated at this stage, the condition can worsen to become painful with every step. Plantar fasciitis typically affects one foot at a time, but can occur in both on occasion. With plantar fasciitis, a heel spur, which is a spur of bone which has grown in the area due to long term pull from the planatar fascia upon the calcaneal bone, may be present. Heel spurs do not change the severity or the treatment of the condition, and surgery is not advisable, so x-rays to determine if one is present are often not required.

Things which can exacerbate this condition include weight gain, pregnancy, and sudden increase in activity and wearing of poor and unsupportive footwear, which can include shoes which are too old.

Walking and hiking shoes need to be replaced generally after about 1000km.

Treatment of this condition depends upon its severity, and on the underlying causes. The first line treatment of plantar fasciitis includes a stretching programme for the calf and plantar muscles of the foot.

The calf muscle is important as it determines how much the plantar fascia has to work when walking, so if it remains loose and relaxed, the plantar fasciia does not have to work and strain nearly as much.

Further treatment includes wearing appropriately supportive footwear, or replacing old footwear. A good shoe should have a

firm heel counter, cushioning sole, heel pitch of approximately 2 cm and it should hold the foot into the shoe with either laces or a strap.

Massage, ice and antiinflammatories have all been shown to help with this condition, as does rest, or a reduction in strenuous activity. Weight loss, if that is a factor, will also help. Serial strapping, which is where the foot is strapped with sports tape to reduce the amount of pronation that the foot can do, and repeated over several weeks, can work in some cases.

Night splints, which holds the calf and plantar fascia in a stretched position over night can also work, but can interrupt sleep, so is often poorly tolerated.

Orthoses are very effective in treating persistent plantar fasciitis, as they reduce the level of pronation in the foot, and therefore reduce the amount of stress going through the plantar fascia.

Other treatments can include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, which is where a machine sends shockwaves through the area, which promotes new blood flow, which encourages healing.

In even more resistant cases, cortisone injections are used, and as a last option, where all con-

servative treatment has failed, surgery is available.

Even with all of the treatments being followed, plantar fasciitis can still take a long time to resolve, up to two years in some cases.

Plantar fasciitis is a very common foot complaint, but the severity, duration and appropriate treatment can vary from person to person. If symptoms persist it is always a good idea to see a podiatrist to guide you through what to do next.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

37

Well

Above: Around Oriental Bay the crowds came and came.

Below left. Encouragement from someone in one of the apartments. Second from left: Help keeping the walkers cool!

38

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

lington Round the Bays ver 11,00 entrants took to the streets for this year’s AMI Round the Bays in Wellington, the biggest number

O

ever.

The day started with the running of the New Balance Half Marathon event that followed part of the same course.

Event Director, Craig Ireson, says he was amazed by the number of registrations for the 2011 event.

He said it seemed like everyone he talked to beforehand was either taking part or knew someone who was taking part, for a variety of reasons, whether fitness, family or friendship.

Above: Walkers line up at the middle drink stop.

Below left and right: Walkers around the Evans Bay section.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking WalkingNew NewZealand, Zealand,issue issueno no160 160--2011 2011

39 39

Wellington Round the Bays Above and below: The scenery was interesting around the whole 7km course.

34 40

WalkingNew New Zealand, issue no- 160 Walking Zealand, issue no 160 2011- 2011

Although the event is a magnet for elite Wellington athletes most people took part for the enjoyment of walking, talking and smiling their way around some of the most beautiful inner city scenery in the world.

The fun didn’t end at the run. At the finish line festival at Kilbirnie Park participants relaxed and picniced with their family or friends, enjoyed the free children’s entertainment from Capital E! or listened to the hip hop sounds of local hero King Kapisi.

The event was in aid of a good cause as money raised by Heart Racers went towards helping the Heart Foundation stomp out heart disease.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Health

Ongoing neck and shoulder pains

by Gary Moller “I have been getting ongoing aches in my neck and shoulders for a while now.

My husband massages the knots out when it gets really bad which helps for a day or two. It is very bad if I try to run but now I am getting the sore neck and shoulders with my daily walking. I am guessing its caused by incorrect posture and it certainly seems worse since I’ve had the kids.

Prior to kids I always had very good ab/ core muscles so maybe I need to work on these? I’m not sure. I am considering going to see a personal trainer but I wondered if you might have some ideas ?”

Nicki ______________________________________ Gary: houlder and neck pain while walking is very common and I have written about this in an earlier issue.

Massage is the most effective therapy and will give enormous relief. However; it must be repeated once every week until there is no residual discomfort and then for a number of weeks after to ensure the muscle spasm does not return.

In Nicki’s case, massage and exercise are not the complete solution. Exercise, on its own, may make matters worse. There is a connection between having children and the onset of muscle pain (Diffuse muscle pain is often referred to as “fibromyalgia” or polymyalgia” and treated with potential harmful dr ugs such as Prednisone and Amitryptilene).

When we refer to Nicki’s Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), we can see a nutrient pattern that indicates she is very low in many essential nutrients. This is common in women after having children because children are nutrient vacuum cleaners during gestation and breast feeding, leaving the mother in a chronically depleted state.

S

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Dip Ph Ed PG Dip Rehab PG Dip Sport Med (Otago) FCE Certified

Nicki’s HTMA pattern of elevated calcium, low magnesium, sodium and potassium is indicative of tired adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid.

The low manganese and high chromium are indicators of increasing insulin resistance and consequent difficulties with maintaining lean muscle as well as regulating blood sugar levels.

Even tiny amounts of mercury (as is the case for Nicki) can have unpleasant inflammatory effects, especially when there is a deficiency of protective nutrients such as selenium.

As a matter of interest, I have not been able to make a connection between mercury amalgum fillings and mercury levels in the HTMA. There is, on the other hand, a definite connection between mercury levels in the HTMA and habitual consumption of canned tuna.

The low sodium and potassium pattern in this HTMA is common in about 80% of the hundreds of people I have tested. The illconsidered “No Salt” campaign for cardiovas-

cular health is at the heart of this problem (More about this in an article later on).

All of these relative deficiencies and excesses, on their own and in combination, will set Nicki up for weak, sore muscles, cramping, fatigue and a depressing tendency to put on weight around the hip and waist, regardless of whatever she does in the way of diet and exercise.

So, Nicki needs to reduce her calcium intake for at least 12 weeks, increase her intake of magnesium, salt (Himalayan Salt is best), manganese and selenium. She needs to eat high potassium foods daily, such as tomatoes and raisins. She may need additional B vitamins which are necessary for utilising minerals such as magnesium. If she is eating large predatory fish such as tuna, she may benefit from taking these out of her diet.

With these dietary changes in place, with some modest dietary supplements, Nicki will respond quickly to a mix of massage and exercise. Neck and shoulder discomfort while walking and running will be a thing of the past.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

41

CONTENTS for previous 14 issues APRIL 2011 159 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: New track opens at Mangawhai Heads 10 New Zealand walks: Walking festival ready for greater numbers 12 Overseas walks: Walking tour feature historic USA sites 13 High achiever: John’s remarkable recovery to now having climbed the Mount 14 New Zealand walk: Kauri Glen Reserve 16 New Zealand walks: RainbowMountain-CraterLake walks 18 Te Araroa Trail: Clearwater residents helped mark new South Island trail 20 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: Craters of the Moon - a geothermal walk 25 Motivation: Believe and win 26 New Zealand walks: New walkway links two parks 28 Event: Manawatu Super Seven grows in strength 30 Overseas walks: Hiking and cruising around coastal Italy 40 Book: Walks in nature Melbourne 40 Reader’s views: Says advise not “best practice” 41 Health: How to walk away from fluid retention 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for April 44 New Zealand coming events 48 Overseas coming events 50 Overseas walks and tours 51 Overseas walks and tours 52 Long walk: Walking the World 54 Window on Waitakere: Waitakere Reservoir is outward bound 55 Event: Huntly half ready to roll 55 Nordic Walking Calendars 59 Pak-A-Roo Walking Jackets 60 Wellington Marathon MARCH 2011 158 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: New vineyard to yineyard track on island 8 New Zealand walks: South Island trip full of challenges 12 Rotorua events 14 Overseas walks: Top nature parks on the Gold Coast 15 New land gateway to Hakatere Conservation Park 16 New Zealand walk: Okere Falls: An oasis off the highway 20 Motivation: Shift to a better life 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: The Pakuranga Rotary Walkway 24 The Chathams Islands - a place like no other 26 New Zealand walks: Kawau Island Historic Reserve 30 Overseas walks: Guatemala land of the Mayans 38 New Zealand walk: Taieri Gorge Rail Trail 40 Book: Over 400 walks in new book 40 Quake-damaged track reopens 41 Health: Why I can exerecise like I do now 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for February 44 New Zealand coming events 48 Overseas coming events 50 Overseas walks and tours 51 Overseas walks and tours 52 Walking for adventure, fun and exercise 52 Long walk: Walking the World 54 Window on Waitakere: Breeding Kaka 54 Walking to raise awareness of Scouts 49 Overseas walks and tours 55 Nordic Walking Calendars 59 Pak-A-Roo Walking Jackets 60 The Great New Zealand Trek FEBRUARY 2011 157 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: Gibbston River Trail now open 11 Rotorua events 12 New Zealand walks: Crosshills a walkers little paradise 15 Event: Leading IT executives take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing 16 Motivation: Resolutions revisited 16 Te Araroa Trail: Te Araroa Trail featured in Warkworth walks 18 Event: Walking into the light

42

20 Event: Cathay Pacific Half Marathon & 11km Fun Run Walk 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: Foulwind maybe, but a splendid walk 25 Books: New Zealand - Eye on the Landscape 25 Window on Waitakere: Waitakere Wednesday Walks 2011 26 New Zealand walks: Great views from new Crosbies Hut 29 High achiever: A clever way to get active!

30 Overseas walks: Walking in Champagne 36 Overseas walks: Mt Gambier Blue Lake walk 38 Overseas walks: Mt Gambier lake walks 40 Health: How to walk and eat you way to a great body 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for February 44 New Zealand coming events 47 Overseas coming events 49 Overseas walks and tours 50 New Zealand walks: Skippers Canyon steeped in history 50 Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking intensify your aerobic training 52 Ten-day Walking Festival in Rotorua 54 Nordic Walking: Walking and Nordic Walking - train the right way 56 Great Country Breaks 59 Xterra Rotorua Festival 60 The Great New Zealand Trek JANUARY 2011 156 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: Papaitonga Scenic Reserve 8 New Zealand walks: Experience Ahuriri 11 Motivation: Embrace the new 12 New Zealand walks: Ambling to The Anchorage 16 Books: Dreamers of the Day history of Auckland’s Regional Parks 16 Books:The New Zealand Adventure Guide 15 Motivation: The festive season bulge 17 Te Araroa Trail: 18 New Zealand walks: Unveiling the mystery 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: Summerhill Farm - a BOP secret 26 New Zealand walks: North Shore Coastal Walk 30 Overseas walks: Glaciers, fjords, waterfalls and railways 35 Event: Rotary Sunset Coast Walk at Waiuku 36 Overseas walks: Working and trekking in Nepal - Trekking the Ghandruk - Ghorepani Circuit 38 High achiever: From family “fat” kid to working on her six pack 38 Readers views: Now free of diseases side effects 39 Health: Easing sore shoulders while walking 40 Event: Kaweka Challenge - an iconic event 41 Window on Waitakere: The year of the robin 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for January 44 New Zealand coming events 47 Overseas coming events 48 Overseas walks and tours 49 Overseas walks and tours 50 Nordic Walking: Events 50 Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking intensify your aerobic training 52 There’s a walking group near you 56 Great Country Breaks 59 The Great New Zealand Trek 60 Xterra Rotorua Festival DECEMBER 2010 155 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walks: Lake Wanaka’s new tracks ready for summer 8 New Zealand walks: Lake Wanaka’s walking tracks 11 Hi achievers: Raewyn and Geraldine love five year challenges 12 New Zealand walks: Sea, Sky & Bush walk 14 High achiever: Susan’s a half marathon stunner 15 Motivation: The festive season bulge 16 New Zealand walk: Waiheke Island summer works of art 18 New Zealand walk: A weekend

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

of hiking in Opotiki 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walk: Wairere Falls Track 26 Overseas walks: Five days on the Pacific Crest Trail 32 Overseas walks: Walking in an ancient land - Ethiopia 38 Books: Wild New Zealand from the Road 38 Health: Is walking a pain in the butt?

40 Event: Moro Marathon events 41 Window on Waitakere: Class action 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for December 44 New Zealand coming events 46 Overseas coming events 49 Overseas walks and tours 50 Nordic Walking: Events 50 Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking some good reasons to walk the talk 52 There’s a walking group near you 56 Great Country Breaks 59 The Great New Zealand Trek 60 Green Prescription: Need help to get active?

NOVEMBER 2010 154 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: Akatrack Luxury in the wilderness 8 My favourite walk: Weymounth Walkway 10 News: Earthquake damages DOC walking tracks 12 New Zealand walk: Walking loop track great for walkers and bird watchers 13 Motivation: Simplify your life 14 New Zealand walk: The Kaikoura Coast Track 19 High achiever: Walked to top of world’s steepest street 20 Te Araroa Trail: Signage completes 12km northern section 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 New Zealand walks: Discover the Lindis region 24 Overseas walks: Stepping out in Central Australia 30 Overseas walk: Doing the Cinque Terra independently 36 Books: Inspiring Gippsland Walks 36 Books: Best Short Nature Walks 37 Health: Role of Vitamin C in fighting cancer 38 New Zealand walks: Walk the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest 42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for November 44 New Zealand coming events 46 Overseas coming events 49 Nordic Walking: Events 50 Window on Waitakere: Kokako release 50 New product: Don’t put your back out - pull the handle out!

51 Overseas walks and tours 52 There’s a walking group near you 56 Great Country Breaks 59 Walking New Zealkand Shop 60 Need help to get active?

OCTOBER 2010 153 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: The Abel Tasman Coast Walk 9 New Zealand event: Te Awamutu group celebrates 20 years 9 Readers views: 10 New Zealand walks: Warkworth Walks 2010 - walks worth doing 12 High achiever: I bought great new shoes 13 Motivation: The danger zone 14 Event: A winter wonderland 16 New Zealand walk: From Huntly to Mercer 18 New Zealand walk: K2K - from country to coast 25 Event: Historic tunnel takes trekkers back in time 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 Overseas walk: Railway Reserves Heritage Trail 26 Event: Pegasus group celebrates 30 years 27 Event: Mid distance event welcome in Onehunga Half Marathon 28 Te Araroa Trail: Funds help Southland trail extension 30 Overseas walks: Italy’s Apaune Alps 36 Health: From sweet toothed lump to sword fighter

38 Event: Manawatu Striders events 40 Window on Waitakere: AUTC hut popular with groups 36 Podiatry: Forefoot pain - what’s that?

42 Index over previous 14 issues 43 Weather forecast for October 44 New Zealand coming events 47 Overseas coming events 49 Nordic Walking: Events 50 Event: Coastal challenge 51 Overseas walks and tours 52 There’s a walking group near you 56 Great Country Breaks 59 100th marathon for Hutt Valley woman 60 Need help to get active?

SEPTEMBER 2010 152 4 Walk talk 6 NZ walk: Iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge opens 8 NZ event: The other side of Matakana 9 Kiwi programme benefits 10 Guidelines for outdoor access published 12 High achiever: Healthy feels good!

13 Motivation: Life changing habits 14 NZ Walk: Bridal Veil Falls 16 NZ Walk: Howath Memorial Wetlands 18 Overseas walks: Gold Coast Federation walk 21 Digital Photo Contest winners 22 NZ walk: Enchantment on the Kaituna Walkway 27 NZwalk: Chelsea Park Heritage walk 28 Overseas walk: Tipperary - here we come!

32 Books: Field Guide to Wild New Zealand, Sydney Free & Dirt Cheap 33 Health: Big toe pain a sign 34 Event: Record field and fast racing in Christchurch 35 Event: Harbour Capital Marathon celebtrates 25 years 36 Window on Waitakere: A day in the life of B94055 36 Podiatry: Tarsal Tunnel syndrome 38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for September 40 NZ coming events 42 Overseas coming events 44 Nordic Walking: What Nordic Walking and walking does for your body 44 Nordic Walking: Events 46 NZ Walking Shop 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 55 DOC cleans up the Navy in the Bay 56 Off Road Half Marathon - Taupo AUGUST 2010 151 4 Walk talk 6 NZ walk: Onepoto Domain 8 New Zealand walk: Tupare Garden walks 9 Kiwi programme benefits 10 NZ walk: Pauanui Hill - a walk for all seasons 11 Digital Photo Contest winners 12 Event: Fifteen times for Taupo Half Marathon icon 13 Motivation: Success supporters 14 Event: An Autumn Muster walking with the shepherd 18 Event: Seniors three day walking adventure 22 NZ walk: Hiking in the Tararuas 28 Overseas walks: Walking in northern Crete 31 High achievers: How Green Prescription helped these two women 32 Readers views: Walking the Camino de Santiago trial 32 Health: Achilles tendon pain - or is it?

34 NZ walk: Manawatu Estuary:walks in an unique area 36 Window on Waitakere: Worth their weight in gold 36 Podiatry: Wobbling down the hills or stairs 38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for August 40 New Zealand coming events 42 Overseas coming events 44 Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking as a tool after hip replacement 44 Nordic Walking: Events 46 Event: Record numbers in Curves to Curves 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 55 K-Swiss Rotorua Ekiden 56 Mizuno Half Marathon - Taupo

JULY 2010 150 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: Mount Maunganui Base Walk 11 Digital Photo Contest winners 12 New Zealand walk: Why was Mission Station in such a remote spot?

13 Motivation: Winning decisions 14 Event: Challenge yourself in New Zealand’s fastest growing marathon 14 Working for you while you walk 16 NZ walk: A glimpse of paradise?

20 New Zealand walk: Improved track opens on Paritutu Rock 20 Overseas walks: Sunken garden a top short walk 22 Walking group celebrates 10 years 23 Event: Great NZ Trek stage 5 ends in a surprize 26 Overseas walks: Walking the new Danube Pathway 31 High achiever: Wake-up call for once active 36 year old 32 Walking groups encouraged to enter event 32 Health: Is hair dye making you sick?

34 Altitude training for the lads at DOC Taranaki 35 Long walk: Walking the World 36 Window on Waitakere: What is P. T. A.?

36 Event: New timing system for Moro 25th event 37 Podiatry: Cramp hurts - why?

38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for July 40 New Zealand coming events 42 Overseas coming events 44 Event: Record entries at new venue 46 Nordic Walking: What is Nordic Walking?

46 Nordic Walking: Events 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 55 K-Swiss Rotorua Ekiden 56 Mizuno Half Marathon - Taupo JUNE 2010 149 4 Walk talk 6 NZ walk: A hiking week away in Central North Island 9 Event: Taupo adds new event to walking portfolio 10 Books: Drawing the Waitakere Coast - Wild about London Parks 11 Digital Photo Contest winners 12 High achiever: Rose finds inspiration with Green Prescription 13 Motivation: High vibe Winter 14 New Zealand walk: Hamurana Springs Reserve walk 17 New Zealand walk: Walking up the Wilkin 21 New Zealand walk: Pohangina Wetlands walk 24 New Zealand walk: Tuff Crater 26 Overseas walks: Holy Year for Spain’s pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago 30 New Zealand walk: Bledisloe Park to Old West Road walk 31 Podiatry: When to treat Bunions 32 Health: Good nutrition key to healthy lifestyle 34 Window on Waitakere: Expansion of Ark in the Park 34 Long walk: Walking the World 36 Event: Martinborough Round the Vines 38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for June 40 New Zealand coming events 42 Overseas coming events 45 Nordic Walking: Walk away back pain the Nordic way 46 Nordic Walking: Events 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 56 Harbour Capital Marathon MAY 2010 148 4 Walk talk 6 New Zealand walk: Te Waihou Walkway and Spring 9 Te Araroa Trail: New Mt Richmond Forest Park on Te Araroa Trail 10 High achiever: How Green Prescription helped Joanne Paul 11 Digital Photo contest winners 12 Te Araroa Trail: Sir Stephen Tindall backs the trail 13 Motivation: Get accountable with numbers 14 New Zealand walk: Hooked on the Hooker 16 High achiever: Aiming to reach 100 marathons 17 New Zealand walk: Wilkies Pools Loop Track 18 New Zealand walk: Easy and challenging walks in Otari-

Wilton’s Bush 22 Little Barrier - Island of hope and glory 26 Overseas walks: On foot in Slovenia’s Julian Alps 31 Sealink announces Barrier breakaway fares 32 Books: Great Kiwi outdoor camping guide 32 Health: Downsides of antiinflammatory drugs 34 Window on Waitakere: Curiouser and curiouser 34 Long walk: Walking the World 36 Important to register you PLB 36 Walk2Work day a success 38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for May 40 New Zealand coming events 46 Nordic Walking: Events 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 55 SBS Christchurch Marathon 56 Pak - A - Roo APRIL 2010 147 4 Walk talk 6 Coromandel walking festival 8 NZ walk: Westmere Walkway 10 High achiever: Merita Orgias just loves to walk 11 Digital Photo contest winners 12 New Zealand walk: Hillsborough Bay circuit 13 Motivation: Get competitive 14 NZ walk: A right royal walk 17 NZ walk: Taieri Gorge Rail Walk 18 New Zealand walk: Waihi Beach to Houmunga Bay 20 Reader’s views: Best way to see a place is on foot 21 Window on Waitakere: Roving robins 22 New Zealand walk: Fantastic ferns of Peel Forest 23 New Rotorua walking trail 24 New Striders course popular 26 Books: Which native fern?, Which native tree?

Majestic New Zealand 27 Famous wall illuminated 28 Overseas walk: One Track For All 31 Explore Lake Tekapo High Country on snow shoes 32 Health: How to get fit for a challenging multi-day walk 34 Event: New walking festival has walks for everyone 35 Long walk: Walking the World 36 Te Araroa Trail: Cool, clear, water now at 90 Mile Beach 36 Podiatry: Painful toes - shoes?

38 Index over previous 14 issues 39 Weather forecast for April 40 New Zealand coming events 46 Nordic Walking: Events 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 55 Huntly Half Marathon 56 SBS Christchurch Marathon MARCH 2010 146 4 Walk talk 6 NZ walk: Waikato River walk 8 New Zealand walk: Tama Lakes Walk - something for everyone 11 Digital Photo contest winners 12 Te Araroa Trail: Prime Minister open Pirongia 13 Motivation: Just do it!

14 New Zealand walk: The Hidden Treasures Trail - a 40km journey to remember through Rodney 16 NZ walk: Seeing in the new year at Sign of the Packhorse 18 News: Governor General opens Hilliary Trail 20 Road through Molesworth open till Easter 21 Window on Waitakere: Hihi happenings 22 New Zealand walks: The Catlins: an area of walks of great contrast and natural beauty 27 New Zealand walk: Waipohatu Track receives a make-over 28 Overseas walks: Hiking along the World Heritage Hinterland trails 32 Event: Event for walkers in Cape Brett Challenge 32 Health: How to reduce fluid retention 34 Event: Walking in the Rotorua Marathon 35 Long walk: Walking the World 36 Event: New walking festival set for launch 36 Podiatry: Spots can kill you Melanoma it’s not what you think 39 Weather forecast for March 40 New Zealand coming events 46 Nordic Walking: Events 47 Overseas walks and tours 48 There’s a walking group near you 52 Great Country Breaks 56 Shoe Clinic Harbour Capital Marathon www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

MAY WEATHER FORECAST May1 to May 31 2011 Daily Summary 1st-4th May Cold southwesterlies, followed by a ridge.

7th May A depression tracks gradually across the North Island, while southerlies prevail over the South Island.

9th May Change to easterlies, chance of heavy rainfall in parts of Coromandel Peninsular.

12th May Over the next four weeks westerlies bring near average temperatures. The pattern is of mostly anticyclonic westerlies with high pressures in the Tasman Sea and to the north of NZ. These produce more cloud with above average night time temperatures in western regions.

The South Island’s east coast should have less cloud and above average daytime temperatures. linen & MoreSunshine hours may be above average in Gisborne, Wairarapa, Wellington, North Canterbury and Southland, and below average in Northland, King Country and the West Coast.

In other regions they may be near average. Mean temperatures may be above average in most western regions as well as Nelson, the Kaikoura coast and inland areas of Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

However they may be below average in Northland, inland areas of Bay of Plenty, Tongariro and east coast regions of the North Island. This drier than usual weather may be now in its fifth month in the Bay of Plenty, with less than half the average.

Westerlies bring less than 75% of average rainfall to much of Northland, Auckland and Coromandel, as well as Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, the Kaikoura coast and North Canterbury. Southland might also be 25% down on expected rainfall amounts.

For most regions, much rainfall may come from a complex depression passing over central New Zealand in the last week of May. This should bring, for that period, above average rain amounts to South Taranaki, Tongariro, Marlborough, Nelson and the Southern Alps, as well as South Canterbury and Otago.

Some flooding is likely in Taranaki, Waikato, Upper Hutt, Wellington and across the top of the South Island.

The national average temperature, whilst still below average, should be higher than for the same period last year.

Daytime temperatures may be above average in the North Canterbury, whilst night time temperatures may be well above average in the Waikato.

12th-22nd May A depression brings southerlies to the North Island, while a ridge of high pressure predominates over the South Island. The 15th brings disturbed westerlies, interrupted by anticyclonic weather on 18th, 19th, and 23rd.

16th May Hydrolakes may be down to low levels.

23rd-31st May A slow-moving depression becomes centered over central NZ, bringing unsettled weather, with northerly quarter winds over the North Island and southerlies over the South Island.

26th-28th May There may be a chance of high rainfall at Mt Egmont.

Cold southerlies may bring snow to inland areas of Canterbury and the Mackenzie Basin. High winds, heavy rain and snow may lash the country from Northland to Otago.

Heavy falls may cause surface flooding in parts of the Waikato and Rotorua.

30th: May Southwesterlies prevail over the whole of New Zealand.

24-hr error to all forecasts. Skewing may occur around 3rd(new moon), 15th (perigee), 17th(full moon) and 27th(apogee). www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

According to

Ken Ring The Moon controls the weather. Each moon phase has a changing effect. The atmostphere has a tide that is forever changing and the weather is what results. Shaded areas depict rain or showers.

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

11th

12th

13th

14th

15th

16th

17th

18th

21st

22nd

23rd

24th

27th

28th

29th

30th

19th

25th

20th

26th

Ken Ring author of . . .

Predict Weather 2011 at a bookstore near you

Available from Paper Plus and Whitcoulls throughout New Zealand Website: www.predictweather.com Email: enquiries@predictweather.com

31st Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

43

Coming events

NEW ZEALAND EVENTS APRIL 2011 Lions Club Dunedin South

Taieri Gorge Rail Walk A unique opportunity Spectacular Scenery

SUNDAY 1st MAY 2011 Walk approximately 8km, and up to 2 hours; includes three tunnels five bridges /viaducts.

Leave by train from Dunedin Railway Station 9am.

Walk from Flat Stream to Deep Stream.

Return to Dunedin by train arriving at Station at 3.00pm.

Buffet Car operating Essential: moderate fitness; substantial footwear; all weather clothing; a good torch; water and snacks

FARE only $59.00 PER PERSON Recommended as not suitable for children but if children do attend they must be closely supervised by an accompanying adult

TICKETS available at Taieri Gorge Railway, Dunedin Railway Station Any enquiries to 03-477-4449 e-mail: reserve@taieri.co.nz Project proceeds towards equipment for Youthline Otago

2 15th Brooks Great Forest Marathon, Half Marathon 10km & 5km, Waitarere Beach, Levin 2 Southern Lakes Half Marathon & 10km, Cardrona, Wanaka 3 Environment Southland Wai Tri, Invercargill 4 Pakuranga 5km Fun Run, Pakuranga 5 Lifestyle Sports Waterfront 5km Fun Run/Walk, Wellington 5 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 8 Xterra Rotorua Festival Half Marathon & 11km, Totorua 9 Oxfam Trailwalker 2011, 100km, Taupo 9 The Bedrock 50, 50km, Coopers Creek, Oxford 9 Xterra Rotorua Festival, Half Marathon & 11km, Rotorua 10 Arrowsmith Thee Run, Marathon, Lake Heron, Ashburton 10 Moonshine Half Marathon & 10km, Trentham 11 Pakuranga 5km Fun Run, Pakuranga 12 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 16 Alpine Lodge Loop the Lake, 25km, Nelson Lakes 17 Orewa Beach Half Marathon, 10.5km & 5km, Orewa Beach 17 SpecSavers Hastings Half Marathon & 10km, Hastings 17 Porirua City Scenic Fun Run & Walk, 11km, 8km & 1km, Porirua 17 Run Auckland Series, 10km & 5km, Auckland 18 Pakuranga 5km Fun Run, Pakuranga 19 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 25 Ruamahanga Ramblers Walking & Running Group Anzac Day event, Dalefield 26 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 27 Walking Waitakere Wednesday Walks - Arataki Nature Trail, Arataki, Auckland 30 Lion Foundation Rotorua Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Rotorua

MAY 2111 1 Nelson Shoe Clinic Half Marathon, Nelson 3 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 7 Hanmer Springs Four Square Half Marathon & 10km, Hanmer Springs 8 Pencarrow Half Marathon, Eastbourne 8 Run Auckland Series, 10km & 5km, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 10 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 14 Saint Claire Yineyard Half Marathon, Saint Claire Vineyard, Marlborough 15 Feilding/Bumnnythorpe to Palmerston North, Half Marathon & 12km, Manawatu 15 SBS Gore Half Marathon, Gore 17 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 20-22 2nd Winchcombe Cotswolds Walking Festival, Cotswolds, England 21 Riverrun Trail 14.1km, Lake Wanaka 24 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland 25 Walking Waitakere Wednesday Walks - Mokoroa Falls, Auckland 31 O’Hagans 5km Series, Auckland

JUNE 2111 5 SBS Marathon Christchurch 5 Auroa Handicap Marathon, Upper Hutt 12 Manawatu Striders Winter Series, 5km, Palmerston North 19 Armstrong Motor Group Marathon & Half Marathon, Wellington 19 Run Auckland Series, 10km & 5km, Western Springs, Auckland 29 Walking Waitakere Wednesday Walks - Jubilee Track, Cornwallis Beach, Auckland

JULY 2011 2 Tough Guy & Gal Challenge, Auckland 3 Manawatu Striders Winter Series, 10km, Palmerston North 16 Furneaux Lodge Captain Cook’s Landing, 25km, Picton 16 Tough Guy & Gal Challenge, Palmerston North 24 Manawatu Striders Winter Series, 15km, Palmerston North

AUGUST 2011 6 Tough Guy & Gal Challenge, Rotorua 13 Tough Guy & Gal Challenge, Rotorua 14 Manawatu Striders Half Marathon & 10km, Palmerston North

44

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

W E L L I N G T O N M A R AT H O N Marathon – Half Marathon – 10k – Kids’ Magic Mile

www.wellingtonmarathon.co.nz www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

www.wmc.org.nz

19 June 2011

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

45

Coming events 14 Woodbourne Half Marathon & 10km, Blenheim 21 Petone Workingmen’s Club 5 Bridges, Petone 28 Southland Regional Walk - Borland Lodge, Invercargill

Rotorua Marathon

+

30 APRIL 2011

½10k MARATHON

5k

FUN RUN

FUN RUN

T

EN M E G

A

ER UND

AN M EW

N

5000 - 6000 runners & walkers www.eventpromotions.co.nz ph 07 348 3301 46

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 3 Shoe Clinic Hawkes Bay Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Havelock North 11 Moro Marathon, Dunedin 17 Abel Tasman Coastal Classic, 36km, Nelson Bays 17 Kaikoura Surburban Half Marathon, 10km & 2km, Kaikoura 17 The Lydiard Legend Marathon & Arthur’s Half Marathon, New Lynn 25 Tauranga City to Surf, 12km Fun Run/Walk, Tauranga

OCTOBER 2011 9 Wairarapa Country Half Marathon & 10km, Masterton 15 Great Barrier Island Wharf to Wharf, 42.2km, Great Barrier Island 29- 6 November Waiheke Island Walking Festival, Waiheke Island 30 Adidas Auckland Marathon & Half Marathon, Auckland

NOVEMBER 2011 5 57th Feilding Marathon, Feilding 6 10th Morrinsville College PTA Half Marathon, Morrinsville 13 Napier Pak ’n Save Half Marathon & 10km, Napier 13 Ascot Park Hotel Southland Marathon, Invercargill 25 Walking Waitakere Wednesday Walks - Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere, Auckland 26 Mahana Half Marathon, Woollaston Estate Winery, Nelson

FEBRUARY 2012 4-12 NZ Masters Games, Dunedin

OVERSEAS EVENTS APRIL 2011 1-3 Mulranny Spring Walking Festival, Mulranny, co Mayo, Ireland 2 Hervis Prague Half Marathon, Prague 2 Newcastle Herald Hill 2 Harbour Challenge, Half Marathon & 10km, Newcastle, NSW, Australia 2-3 IML Two Day Walk, Canberra, ACT, Australia 3 Newcastle Herald Hill2Harbour Challenge, Newcastle, NSW, Australia 3 Berlin Half Marathon, Berlin, Germany 7 North pole Marathon, North Pole 8 Dead Sea Ultra Marathon, Jordan 8 Tel Aviv Marathon, Tel Aviv, Israel 8-9 IML Two Day Walk, Gilboa, Israel 9 Run the Rock, 10km & 5km, Woodend, Vic, Australia 10 Connemara International Marathon & Half Marathon, Maam Cross, Connemara, co Galway, Ireland 10 Marathon de Paris, Paris, France 10 Milano City Marathon, Milan, Italy 10 Southern Charity Challenge, 60km, Half Marathon, 35km & 60km, Australia 10 Zurich Marathon, Zurich, Switzerland 15-17 Wicklow Outdoors Festival, Throughout, co Wicklow, Ireland 17 London Marathon, London, England 17 Antwerp Marathon, Antwerp, Belgium 17 Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon, Nagano, Japan 17 Madrid Marathon, Madrid, Spain 17 Vienna City Marathon, Vienna Austria 17 Nice International Marathon, Nice, France 17 Cracovia Marathon, Cracovia, Poland 17th – 30th – Great South Expedition, Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia 18 115th BAA Boston Marathon, Boston, USA 23 Cooley Legends Half Marathon, Carlingford, co Louth, Irealand 23-24 North Leitrim Glens Hillwalking Festival, Manorhamilton, co Leitrim, Ireland 23-30 Hill Walking in the Donegal Highlands, Gleann Cholm Cille, co Donnegal, Ireland 24 33rd International Marathon de Madrid, Madrid, Spain 24 The Easter Marathon, Bronz, New York, USA 29 - 2 May Ballyhoura International Walking Festival, Counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary, Ireland 29-2 May Slieve Blooms Walking Festival, Slieve Bloom Mountains, www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

yet? f l a H y l e Hunt h t e n o ud Have yo

U 10K X 2 d n a ly Half h it's t n u H y Energ r walkers wit g course. d i l o S The ent fo lengin , and scenic l v a e h t c a e d r is a g ery an rating mines . n e c s g t e changin walkways, op is unique even e h Lakesid l form part of t l paths a

lk a W / n u nR u F m k 0 & 2XU 1

1 1 0 2 y a 22nd M

20

11

Enter online at: www.huntlyhalf.co.nz

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

47

Coming events co Offaly and Co Lagis, Ireland 29-2 May Achill Walks Festival, Achill Island, co Mayo, Ireland 30 Wild Endurance 100km & 50km Team Challenge, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia 30 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville, KY, USA Boots’n Bogs Walking Festival, Co Tyrone and Monaghan, Ireland South Sligo Spring Walking Festival, Co Yeats, Ireland

MAY 2011 1 Geelong Half Marathon, Geelong, Vic, Australia 1 Puffing Billy Great Train Race, 13.2km, Belgrave, Vic, Australia 1 Bay Run’11 Half Marathon, Glengarriff & Bantry, co Cork, Ireland 1 The Great Limerick Run, Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Limerick City, Ireland 1 Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, Hamilton Island, Qld, Australia 1 40 Vancouver Marathon, Vancouver, Canada 1 Big Sur International Marathon, Carmel.

CA, USA 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati, OH, USA 1 Diablo Marathon, Clayton, CA, USA 1 Eugene Marathon, Eugene, OR, USA 1 London Life Forest City Road Races Marathon, London, England 1 Gettysburg North-Soutrh Marathon, Gettsburg, PA, USA 1 Long Island Marathon, East Meadow, NY, USA 1Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Oklahoma City, OK, USA 2 Gold Rush Trail Marathon, Qld, Australia 2 Belfast City Marathon, Belfast Ireland 7-8 IWL Two Day Walk, 6km, 12km, 24km & 42km, Blankenberge, Belgium 8 Mothers Day Classic Walk/Run for Breast Cancer, throughout Australia 8 Sheffield Half Marathon, Sheffield, England 9-16 Bibbulmun & Beyond Walking Tour, Stirling Ranges, WA, Australia 14 Great Ocean Road, 6.5km & 14km, Geelong, Vic, Australia 15 Great Ocean Road Marathon, Half Marathon & 45km, Geelong, Vic, Australia 14-15 IWL Waendel Weekend, 15km, 25km & 42km, Wellingborough, England 13-15 IML Two Day Walk, Dalian, China 15 San Francisco Bay to Breakers, San Franscio, CA, USA 21 The Great Wall Marathon, Half Marathon 10km & 5km, Beijing, China 21 Warwick Pentath Run, Half Marathon, &

48

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

5km, South East Queenland, Qld, Australia 22 Warwick Pentath Run, 10km, South East Queenland, Qld, Australia 21-22 Noosa Winter Festival Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Noosa, Qld, Australia 21-22 IML Two Day Walk, Bern-Belp, Switzerland 22 30th 3 Waters Marathon, & Half Marathon, Bunberry, Australia 22 Clare Burren Marathon, Ballyvaughan, co Clare, Ireland 22 SMC Road Race Series, Smithfield, NSW, Australia 22 Bunbury 3 Waters Marathon, Bunbury, WA, Australia 22 Copenhagen Marathon, Copenhagen, Denmark 22 Edinburgh Marathon, Edinburgh, Scotland 22-29 Donegal Walkers Events, Donegal Castle, co Donegal, Ireland 29 Sri Chinmoy Marathon, Melbourne, Vic, Australia Volkwagon Prague Marathon, Prague, Chez Republic Leenane Walking Festival, Co Galway, Ireland

Ireland 2-3 Run Gold Coast Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia 10 New Balance Geraldton Marathon, Bluff Point, WA, Australia 16 Killarney Maxi Marathon, Killarney, co Kerry, Ireland 17 Lawler Partners Winery Maraton, Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia 19-22 IWL Four Day Walk, Nijmegan, Netherlands 23 Round Island Relay, Vanuata 30 Vanuata Half Marathon & 10km, Vanuata 30 Australian Outback Marathon, Yulara, NT, Australia 30 Bush Capital Bush Marathon Festival, Bush Walks, 5km, 10km, 16km &25km,Campbell, ACT, Australia 31 7th Ipswitch Park to Park Half Marathon,m 10km & 5km, Ipswitch, Qld, Australia 31 Westlink Cities Marathon, Sydney, NSW, Australia 31 San Francisco Marathon, San Francisco, CA, USA

JUNE 2011

6 Siberian International Marathon, Siberia, Russia 7 Townsville Running Festival, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, Townsville, Qld, Australia 7 Brisbane Marathon Festival, South Bank Parklands, Qld, Australia 9 Drumley Walk (Indigenous) Gold Coast, Qld, Australia 12-14 IWL Three Day Walks, 10km 21km & 42km, Vaasa, Finland 14 Adelaide Marathon Festival, Adelaide, SA, Australia 20 Helsinki City Marathon, Helsinki, Finland 21 Alice Springs Marathon & Half Marathon, Alice Springs, NT, Australia 27-28 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, 25km & 35km, Verdal, Norway 27-29 Achill Summer Walks Festival, Achill, co Mayo, Ireland 28 Mudgee Running Festival, Mudgee, NSW, Australia 28 Victoria Falls Marathon, Zimbabwe 28 Galway City Marathon Galway, Ireland 28 Quebec City Marathon, Quebec, Canada 28 Maraton Int’l de la Cuidda de Mexico, Mexico 28 Shepparton Marathon Events, Shepparton, Vic, Australia 28 31st de Castella Run, 5km, 10km & 15km, Kew Boulevard, Vic, Australia Sperrins Walking Festival, Co Tyrone, Ireland

3-6 Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival, co Tipperary, Ireland 5 44th Traralgon Marathon, Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon, Traralgon, Vic, Australia 2-5 IWL Four Day Walk, Chantonnay, France 5 BMA Mackay Marina Run, Half Marathon & 8km, Mackay, Qld, Australia 6 Bord Gais Energy Cork City Marathon, Cork City, Ireland 6 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, 10km, Dublin City, Ireland 10-12 Focus Four Peaks Challenge, Countrywide, Ireland 11-12 Macleay River Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km & 5km, NSW, Australia 18 Porcupine Gorge Challenge Hughenden, North West Queensland, Australia 18-19 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km & 40km, Diekirch, Luxembourg 19 Perth Marathon, Perth WA, Australia 25 The Big Five Marathon, South Africa 25 Midnight Sun Marathon & Half Marathon, Norway 26 Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5km, Vancouver, Canada 25-26 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, 30km, 40km & 45km, Viborg, Denmark 30 -3 July IWL Four Day Walk, Castlebar, Ireland 31 Westlink M7 Cities Marathon, Half Marathon & 2.195km, Sydney, NSW, Australia Laois Walks Festival, Laois, Ireland Mournes International Walking Festival, Mourne Mountains, Ireland

JULY 2011 2 Achill Half Marathon, Achill Island, co Mayo,

AUGUST 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 3 Dingle Marathon, Dingle, co Kerry, Ireland 3 Fjord Norway Half Marathon, Norway 3 Ruska Marathon, Finland 4 The Ross Marathon, Tas, Australia 4 Great Scottish Run Half Marathon, Scotland 9 Petra Marathon, Petra

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Coming events 10-11 IWL Two Day Walk, 24km & 17km, Arenzano, Italy 11 Bristol Half Marathon, Bristol, England 11 Moscow Int’l Peace Marathon, Moscow, Russia 12th – 19th - 8 day Highlights of the Bibbulmun Track, Western Australia 15-29 Simpson Desert Multi Marathon, Simpson Deset, Australia 16-18 IWL Three Day Walk, 10km, 20km & 42km, Seefeld, Austria 17 Stockholm Half Marathon, Stockholm, Sweden 18 Blackmores Sydney Marathon, Sydney, NSW, Australia 18 Hans Christian Andersen Marathon, Denmark 23-25 Burren Peaks Walking Festival, Ballyvaughan, co Clare, Ireland 24 Round Rarotonga Road Race, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 24-25 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km 30km, 42km, & 50km, Brno, Czech Republic 25 Cape Town Marathon, Cape Town, South Africa 25 Lake Tahoe Marathon, CA, USA 25 Berlin Marathon, Berlin, Germany 25 Turin Half Marathon, Turin, Italy

OCTOBER 2011 1-2 IWL Two Day Walk, 25km & 42km, Fulda, Germany 2 Budapest Marathon, Budapest 2 Cologne Marathon & Half Marathon, Coologne, Germany 2 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, Loch Ness, Scotland 2 Brussels Marathon & Half Marathon, Brussels, Belgium 7-9 Carlow Autumn Walking Festival, Carlow, Ireland 7-9 Nire Valley Walking Festival, Nire Valley, co Waterford, Ireland 8 Fitzroy Falls Fire Trail Marathon, Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia 9 Chicago Marathon, Chicago, USA 9 Portland Marathon, Portland, OR, USA 9 Eindhoven Marathon, Eindhoven, Netherlands 9 St George Melbourne Marathon, Melbourne, Vic, Australia 9 Bucharest International Marathon & Half Marathon, Bucharest, Romania 16 Toowooma Road Runners Marathon, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia 15-16 IML Two Day Walk, Barcelona, Spain 16 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon & Half Marathon, Toronto, Canada 16 Amsterdam Marathon, Amsterdam, Netherlands 22-23 IML Two Day Walk, Arlington, USA 22 The Polar Circle Marathon, Arctic 23 Brooks Rottnest Marathon, Rottnest Island, WA, Australia 23 Venice Marathon, Venice, Italy 23 Niagara Falls International Marathon, Niagara Falls, Canada 28-31 Footfalls Wicklow Walking Festival, Glendalough, co Wicklow, Ireland 29-30 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, Won-Ju, Korea 30 Port of Portlands 3-Bay Marathon, Portland, Vic, Australia 30 Lausanne Marathon, Lausanne, Switzerwww.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

17th Annual Woodville Lions Club

Manawatu Gorge Track & Tunnel Walk A Sunday in April/May 2011 See COMING EVENTS page on Walking New Zealand website after March 31 to find exact date of event. Website: www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Start times: 9.00am, 9.45am, 10.30am at Ashhurst Domain SH3, Ashhurst Approximately 8kms 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours walking time

Funds raised go to Cancer Care and local charities

Essential: • Moderate fitness • Sturdy footwear (preferably boots) • Wet weather clothing and a strong TORCH.

$25.00 (No gate sales). Minimium age 10 years

Strickly limited tickets (This popular event has sold out every year)

User pays BBQ and drinks available

Tickets available from I-Sites at: Woodville (Tararua) 06-376-0217, 0800-827-278, email info@tararua.com Palmerston North 06-350-1922, 0800-626-292, Email palmerstonnorth@i-site.org Phone bookings accepted, cheque, credit card and Visa debit

For further information: Clive Boyden phone 06-376-4554 or Ron Mabey 027-449-8764

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine.

Feilding to Palmerston North Fun Run and Walk Sunday 15th May 2011 Palmerston North 21km from Feilding 13km from Bunnythorpe Free bus from Hokowhitu to the starts

Heaps of Spot Prizes For further information: PhoneAlister 06-353-7175 Email: info@manawatustriders.org.nz www.manawatustriders.org.nz

Entry details to come Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

49

Coming events www.nordicwalking.net.nz Nordic walking groups Sat 8am: Cornwall Park, June 0274 383 923 Sat 9am: AK City or Takapuna. Sheila 027 456 2233 or Margaretha 021 141 3801 Sat 9am: St. Vincent’s MetLifeCare, Sarah 021 272 4619 Sun 8am: Long Bay, Kay (09) 473 4489 Sun 8.30am: Wattle Downs, Jenny Wills (09) 267 5416 Wed 6pm: Cornwall Park, June 0274 383 923 Thu 6am: Ak YMCA, June 0274 383 923 Thu 9am: Pakuranga, Deirdre (09) 271 3324 Thu 6pm: Pt. Chevalier Beach, June 0274 383 923 Hamilton, Sandrine 021 418 695 Hawkes Bay, Greg 021 250 6006 0800 NORDIC (667 342)

NOWANZ.CO.NZ Nordic Walking events 16-Mar Whangarei, Kensington, Taster, Barbara Faust 09-4320386 17-Mar Hamilton Lake Domain, Taster, M Thomson 027-2471885 18-Mar Invercargill, Nordic Walking Leader Course, 021-2998840 19-Mar Invercargill, Taster, Matthias 022-4320386 20-Mar Balclutha, Taster, Matthias 022-4320386 20-Mar AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Pk, St, Ewa Bancer 027-2472082 23-Mar AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Tas, E Bancer 027-2472082 23-Mar Ruakaka, Surf Club, Taster, Anja Huesken 09-4328616 30-Mar AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, new, Ewa 027-2472082 18-Mar CHC-North New Bright, Start, Penny 021-2567082 25-Mar CHC-Shirley Burwood Pk, Shirley, Tast,Penny 021-2567082 2 AKL-Riverhead Rugby grounds, Taster,M Palmer 09-4122654 3 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Taster, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 4 AKL-Riverhead Rugby grounds, Taster, Palmer 09-4122654 4 Owera/Silverdale, i-Site Centre, Taster,Matthias 022-4320386 4 Whangarei, i-Site Centre, Taster, Beatrice Harrap 09-4385630 5 Waipu, Museum Carpark, Taster, Barbara Faust 09-4320386 6 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Taster, Ewa 027-2472082 6 Ruakaka, Surf Club, Taster, Anja Hueskens 09-4328616 6 Thames Information Center, Taster, J Schultheis 021-2333862 6 Whangarei, Kensington, TASTER, Barbara 09-4320386 9 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Taster, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 9 CHC-North New Brighton Broad Park, Start, Penny 021-2567 082 9 CHC-North New Brighton Broad Park, Tast, Penny 021-2567 082 9 CHC-Shirley Burwood Park, Taster, Penny Yeoman 021-2567 082 9 Motueka Goodman Park, Taster, M Alexander 021-2459955 9 Tutukaka Coast Ngunguru Sports Complex, Robyn 09-4344060 10 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Starter, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 11 AKL-Ranui Ranui Domain, Taster, Marilyn Palmer 09-4122654 13 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, new, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 13 AKL-Parnell Domain, Starter, Chrissie Wright 021-2101709 15 AKL-Parnell Domain, NEW Course, C Wright 021-2101709 15 Motueka Goodman Park, Start M Alexander 021-2459955 16 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Start, Ewa Bancer 027-2472082 17 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, new, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 20 AKL-Parnell Domain, Starter, Chrissie Wright 021-2101709 30 AKL-Greenlane Cornwall Park, Taster, Ewa Bancer 09-6344197 3-May AKL-Parnell Domain, NEW Course, C Wright 021-2101709 www.nordicwalkingnz.co.nz for further information and updates Nordic Walking Groups and Fitness Walks by day Mon AKL-Takapuna, Mary-Anne Abplanalp 021-121 5562 Mon AKL-Parnell, Chrissie 021-210 1709 Mon Whangarei, i-Site, Barbara Faust 09-4320386 Mon AKL-Orewa, Matthias Heffner 022-4320386 Mon Napier Park Island, Tamatea, Marya Hopman 06-357058 Mon Hastings Pakowhai Reserve, Pakowhai Rd, 06-8782475 Tue Ruakaka, Surf Club, Anja 09-4328616 Tue AKL-Kohimarama, Mary-Anne Abplanalp 021-121 5562 Tue Havelock North River Rd Walkway, River Rd, 06-8782475 Wed Whangarei, Kensington Park, Barbara Faust 09-4320386 Thu Napier Ocean Spa Marine Parade, Marya Hopman 06-357058 Fri Hastings Pakowhai Reserve, Pakowhai Rd, 06-8782475 Sat AKL-Takapuna, Mary-Anne Abplanalp 021-121 5562 Sat Warkworth Lucy Moore Park, Lisa Outwin 021-611239

land 30 BMW Frankfurt Marathon, Frankfurt, Germany 31 Adidas Dublin Marathon, Dublin, Ireland

NOVEMBER 2011 4-6 IWL Three Day Walk, 20km, 30km, 50km Higashimatsu-yama, Japan 6 ING New York City Marathon, New York, USA 11-13 Upperchurch Walking Festival Weekend, Thurles, co Tipperary, Ireland 12 Marathon Cool Down, Phoenix, co Offaly, Ireland 13 Athens Classic Marathon, Athens Greece 13 Turin Marathon, Turin, Italy 12-13 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, Taipei, Taiwan 20 Big Sur Marathon on Monterey Bay, Montery, CA, USA 20 Yokohama Women’s Marathon, Yokohama, Japan 20 Standard Charters Bankok Marathon, Bankok, Thailand 26 Kinnity Castle Half Marathon, Kinnity, co Offaly, Ireland 27 Lake Kawaguchi Marathon, Lake Kawaguchi, Japan 27 Great Ethiopian Airlines Run 10km, Ethiopia 30 Antarctic Ice Marathon & 100km, Antarctic

24 Mt Kosciusko Marathon, Charlotte Pass Village, NSW, Australia 26 Fields of Athenry 10km Run, Athenry, Galway, Ireland 26-27 Walk Killarney, Killarney, co Kerry, Ireland

JANUARY 2012 7 Xiamen International Marathon, Xiamen, China 14 Houston Marathon, Houston, USA 15 Standard Charters Mumbai Marathon, Mumbai, India 29 Osaka Women’s Marathon, Osaka, Japan 29 Miami Marathon, Miami, FL, USA

FEBRUARY 2012 19 Austin Marathon, Austin, TX, USA 26 Tokyo Marathon, Tokyo, Japan 27 Sahara Marathon, Sahara, Algeria

MARCH 2012 4 Sao Paulo International Half Marathon, Sao Paula, Brazil 5 The Antarctica Marathon & Half Marathon,

DECEMBER 2011 3 Jingle Bells Run, Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland 4 Las Vegas Marathon, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 10 Killarney Santa Run, Killarney, co Kerry, Ireland 10 Waterford Half Marathon, Waterford City, Ireland 10 Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon, Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland 11 Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu, Hawaii

Nordic contacts Contact details for three groups in New Zealand promoting Nordic Walking: Nordic Walking New Zealand (NoWaNZ) Waipu Northland, Phone 0800-669-269 Email contact@NordicWalkingNZ.co.nz Web www.nordicwalkingNZ.co.nz International Nordic Walking Assn (INWA) June Stevenson Phone 09-416-3917 0274-383-923 Email june.stevenson@xtra.co.nz Web www.nordicwalking.net.nz

Walking and Nordic Walking are “Poles” apart We offer courses in: Otago, Christchurch, Hawkes Bay, Hamilton,Auckland and Northland

✔ Upper body workout while

walking ✔ Burn 40% more calories ✔ Less impact on joints ✔ Release tension in neck and shoulders ✔ Improve posture and breathing ✔ Fun to do, easy to learn, for all ages Classes in Greater Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Whakatane, Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth, Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch

For information: 0800-669-269, www.NordicWalkingNZ.co.nz 50

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Overseas and NZ walking tours SOUTH AMERICAN SOJOURN Experience 4 countries in one amazing 27 day trip Walking, Culture, Wildlife and Ancient Civilizations Departs NZ 5th September 2011, Priced from $10,980 per person ex Auckland

Call 0800 804 737 for more information and a free itinerary Email: sil@southernexposuretours.co.nz Web: www.southernexposuretours.co.nz

Antarctica 16 Jerusalem Marathon, Half Marathon & 10km, Jerusalem, Israel 23-24 IML Two Day Walk, Gilboa, Israel 25 Lisbon Half Marathon, Lisbon, Spain 31-1 April IML Two Day Walk, Canberra, ACT, Australia

ENJOY THE ‘BUZZ’ OF WALKING AN OVERSEAS MARATHON

APRIL 2012

Contact: CAROLE MILLS MNZITT

18-19 IML Vancouver Two Day Walk, Vancouver, USA

Qualified Travel Agent – Leisure and Business Travel – Groups – Marathon Travel

Phone: 09 296-2253 - Fax: 09 296-2372 - P.O. Box 272-1179 Papakura - Email: carolem@travelmanagers.co.nz

MAY 2012 5-6 IWL Two Day Walk, 6km, 12km, 24km & 42km, Blankenberge, Belgium 11-13 IML Two Day Walk, Yatsushire, China 12-13 IWL Waendel Weekend, 15km, 25km & 42km, Wellingborough, England 17-20 IWL Four Day Walk, Chantonnay, France 19-20 IML Two Day Walk, Bern-Belp, Switzerland 21-22 IML Two Day Walk, Dalian, China

JUNE 2012 2-3 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km & 40km, Diekirch, Luxembourg 23-24 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, 30km, 40km & 45km, Viborg, Denmark 28-1 July IWL Four Day Walk, Castlebar, Ireland

JULY 2012 17-20 IWL Four Day Walk, Nijmegan, Netherlands

AUGUST 2012 10-12 IWL Three Day Walks, 10km 21km & 42km, Vaasa, Finland 25-26 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, 25km & 35km, Verdal, Norway

SEPTEMBER 2012 8-9 IWL Two Day Walk, 24km & 17km, Arenzano, Italy 14-16 IWL Three Day Walk, 10km, 20km & 42km, Seefeld, Austria 22-23 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km 30km, 42km, & 50km, Brno, Czech Republic

OCTOBER 2012 6-7 IWL Two Day Walk, 25km & 42km, Fulda, Germany 20-21 IML Two Day Walk, Barcelona, Spain 20-21 IML Two Day Walk, Arlington, USA 27-28 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, Won-Ju, Korea

NOVEMBER 2012 4-6 IWL Three Day Walk, 20km, 30km, 50km Higashimatsu-yama, Japan 10-11 IWL Two Day Walk, 20km, Taipei, Taiwan 14 The Solar Eclipse Marathon, www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Due to increasing popularity and demand, both London and New York are sold out for 2011.

Don’t be disappointed – contact Carole today to reserve your guaranteed entry package for 2012 An Officially Appointed Agent with Guaranteed Entries for: Virgin London Marathon – Marathon de Paris - New York City Marathon - The Great Wall Marathon – Half Marathon – 10K – 5K Plus others Wherever you wish to travel, there is bound to be a marathon TAANZ Bonded Agent www.marathons.co.nz IATA Accredited Agent

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine.

Greek Islands & Turkey

NEPAL Parishanta Travel Surendra Pant Specialists in Pilgrimage tours and treks to Mt Kallash, Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan

Ph/Fax: +977-1-425 1092 surendra@parishantatravel.com www.parishantatravel.com

Roads Less Travelled (NZ) Ltd Small group holidays for active over 50’s

0800 044 997 info@roadslesstravelled.co.nz

Recommended by members of the Midweek Trampers Club, Tauranga!

Ph: Jan 07 548 0587 Jos 027 280 0135 BOOKS

“Older & Bolder”

by Judith Doyle Published by New Holland Publishers.

Send cheque for $30 (this includes P&P) to: Judith Doyle, #3, 14 Oriental Terrace, Oriental Bay, Wellington.

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

51

Long walk

Aorangi Mountains As the wire woves did creak and did rattle.

By Sandra Hunger To a team of mates I dedicate this ode Who must, sometimes, have struggled with the tramper’s code, For they hauled and they carried — helping all the time Finding foot holds, hand holds, and safe places to climb.

They pointed out nasties and the cutty grass, While following markers, showing which way to pass.

Then there’s climbing over great fallen beeches And sliding down slopes on the seat of your breeches, Playing pass the stick and the back pack too We’ll find a way to push ourselves through.

That sister of mine saying “We’ll shuttle the pack” But we were too far away down the track.

She kindly swapped - with ALICE to carry So they wouldn’t have me starting to tarry.

From that moment on, with one functioning wing, Things started to go with more of a swing.

Buff never said “No. Naff off.” To me Whenever I struggled with a hand hold to see.

She pointed out each rock or tree root, Where I could safely place hand or boot.

Arriving at huts. Oh what a delight!

We had the place to ourselves — every night.

We discovered the beds, and the way to the loo, Then set about gathering fresh water too.

Trisha was quickly getting on with the meal (and we’ll do the dishes — a pretty good deal) While cooking in a billy and pot You should have seen the food we got.

Each one a scrummy gourmet delight Served up faithfully — every night.

And when you’ve cleaned up all on your plate Then you could have some choc-o-late.

The bunks were wire wove, and we soon learned They rattled and clanged when anyone turned.

With only three low ones Clare offered to climb.

We let her have the top one - every time.

Once we had all been down to the out house And strung up the food, safe from rodent or mouse We’d be in our bunks that had quite a sag And toss and turn in the sleeping bag.

With hot and cold, some of us battled,

52

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

Once blisters were pricked and soothed in teatree Then someone might read out an ode - or three So finally — we’d all try to sleep As through the skylight the moon beams peep The kiwi’s screech is heard in the night And Moreporks call in the fading light.

Next day Clare says “My thighs are quite sore.

That’s never happened to me before.

It must be following that sister of mine Down the hellishly steep Washpool decline”.

And though she copped a stick on the lip She never once let her patience slip, While encouraging and prompting from behind.

Even a boot on the nose didn’t change her mind.

Even if she wanted to give me a shove, She restrained herself with sisterly love.

Buff in her splendid naked best Set off on her ‘save the bar of soap’ quest As she vainly struggled down the stream bed A very merry chase the floating soap led Until, at last, she grabbed it in her hand And could safely return to the patch of sand.

For there was that day, a glorious sight Of naked skin with patches of white As we all bathed in the Pararaki stream Emerging as a nice clean, well refreshed, team.

Around about one, and I’m starting to wilt.

Let’s look for a place without too much tilt.

We’d take off our packs and have a small rest, Be presented with fresh wraps — simply the best, Finish off with dried fruit, nuts or a bar, And hope that the next hut is not ultra far.

When you come to the sign it’s like — almost a dream Then it’s off with the. gear and into the stream.

So days of isolation soon come to an end Civilisation is just round the bend.

The DOC offices we spoke to sure didn’t say What sort of challenges we would face on the way.

Now we can state, with a great deal of pride, The obstacles we surmounted — all in our stride!

When we stayed in the huts in the Aorangi Ranges Which seldom are seem, or visited by strangers So my friends - I can’t thank you enough For your help and encouragement when things got tough.

So bring on the next one’, now is the cry It better be good - with new things to try.

Walkin Soccoro New Mexico to El Paso Texas 203 miles, 22,404 total world walk miles.

Much nicer days (50F to 75F), and nights (32F to 50F) now that I am lower in elevation and further south along the Rio Grande river valley.

Straight narrow local road with a slight downhill slope as I head to El Paso Texas.

Passed through the Bosque Apache Wilderness Preserve where I saw a lot of Sandhill Cranes, geese, ducks, and other migratory birds that either pass through on their migration or spend the winter. With the river dammed and all the new farm fields some of the birds are staying all winter and eating grain and other crops. They lost a lot of marsh habitat, but a few preserves have been set up for them.

Mostly Pecan tree groves, chili peppers, cotton, hay, and a few other crops in this area.

One man in a grove came over to give me a bag of Pecans from his trees. I talked to another man at the Hatch Senior Center who invited me in for coffee and told me a little about his grove of 25 Pecan trees. Most groves have no trespassing and no nut picking signs posted.

One night I did find a grove with no signs and camped on a nice bed of soft Pecan leaves.

He said he had his whole crop picked and bagged, when they were stolen one night.

Stopped at the Santa Fe Diner and truck stop (an actual old Santa Fe Railroad dinning car with various additions). Two truck drivers came in for lunch and asked me lots of questions about my walk. People often ask what my most unique or strange experience was. So I usually tell them about all the nice people that invite me in for a home cooked meal.

The family in Turkey that sacrificed a goat for a fresh BBQ lunch was probably the most unique. So the truckers offered to buy me lunch there. Junior Saavedry was hauling cattle for his Fort Worth Cattle Co. The two waitresses Joyce and Elaine were real nice and had lots of questions for me to answer. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Long walk

g the world As I was passing through the small town of Arrey, New Mexico, a lady stopped to chat and invited me to stay the night at her small desert homestead. Maritza and Eric had five acres that they had been working on for 13 years. Hand built adobe house, garden, chickens, solar water pump, wood stove, kerosene lanterns, greenhouse, and no utilities. Nice vegie dinner of lentils, rice, beans, tomatoes, pecans, tea, and dried fruit.

All either grown by them or bartered for from local friends I think. Very simple inexpensive and satisfying lifestyle. No computers or electronic gadgets, although they did go to the local library to use the computer and get online.

As I was shopping at a thrift store in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, a local man invited me to stay at his place for a home cooked dinner and hot shower. Chet was 88 years old and just recently got a fixer up house to work on. He had some health problems that landed him in a nursing home which he did not like at all.

He was able to go through the government to get a first time buyer loan.

Chet said he has worked in construction all his life all over the world and had lots of interesting stories to tell me. He said he worked for Armand Hammer of Occidental Petroleum over in Russia for a while and got to fly on his private jet. Chet said he always took a bunch of trunks of trade goods with him to give to locals. There was always quite a bit of corruption and theft in the construction business and he found it easier to get important stuff back by trading for it.

Another dog tried to follow me near Arrey.

I thought he was tied up in front of a house, but somehow he must have slipped his collar and followed me down a dirt road back to the main highway. He was a Husky sled dog, so I thought he would probably have taken right to helping me pull my stroller. I did not want to be responsible for another dog getting hit by a car though. Plus I was pretty sure he belonged to that house that he was sitting in at him, and tried to get him to turn back home. front of. So I yelled at him a lot, threw stones Finally lost him by a store while I was inside.

Lots of border patrol agents as I get closer to the Mexico border. One agent stopped to check if I needed any food or water. Vegetation changed to mostly just desert Creosote bushes as I get away from the irrigated farm fields. Pretty quite and peaceful on the local roads away from the busy Interstate highway.

Lots of stars to see at night and you can hear an occasional owl hooting.

Found a Ci Ci's pizza buffet as I was coming into El Paso, Texas. My favorite pizza buffet with salad, desert pizzas, soup, pasta, and great pizza. Checked out their website and found their store locator app so I can find one every once in a while.

Stopping in El Paso for a week. I have been invited to spend Christmas with my girlfriend and her family back in Page Arizona. So I found a hostel and stayed the night there. They have a storeroom in the basement where I can leave my baby jogger while I am gone.

Got a round trip bus ticket, so I will be back in El Paso later to pick up my baby stroller and continue walking east along Interstate 10 for Van Horn Texas, and then southeast on route 90 for San Antonio, Houston, and into Louisiana.

Keep on Walking, Life is Amazing, Singing Zippity Do Dah All Day Long.

Left: Gary leaving Socorro, New Mexico.

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

53 53

■

Warkworth River he heart of Warkworth is its river. The Mahurangi, once a lifeline for the vil lage, with steamboats and scows plying the coast and providing a much-needed link with Auckland, is today a tranquil and picturesque old dame. She is home to fabled ducks, hosts a restful riverbank walkway and provides a playground for boaties.

Warkworth Town Riverbank walk runs along the town side of the Mahurangi River.

Start at the ‘Nathaniel Wilson Steps’ to the River walk off Elizabeth Street. this begins at the weir on the site of Brown’s Flour Mill Dam. There are other entrances and exits off Kapani, Wharf, Percy, Bertram, Lilburn and Warkworth streets.

The walkway winds its way into Lucy Moore Park, which offers views over the Mahurangi River and follows on to Rivendell Place and extending to the historic cement works off Wilson Road. Allow 30 minutes to

T

Above: The view from Lucy Moore Park.

Left: The restored scow Jane Clifford.

54

Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011 Walking

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Above left: Walkers pass a large number of plaques representing those who contributed to the wharf restoration project. Above right: The start of the walk near the weir. Below left: A wharf extends into the river. Below right: The walkway winds near the entrance to Lucy Moore Park. Bottom right: A boat moored at a wharf.

Walkway enjoying the scenery enroute.

There is also the Warkworth 150th Anniversary Walkway. This fifteen minute walk starts at Elizabeth Street and goes under the SH1 and ends at Shoesmith Reserrve.

Warkworth – just an hour’s drive from New Zealand’s largest city and a world away in terms of character and pace - is also the gateway to the Matakana Coast Wine Country, one of the most desirable places to visit in New Zealand.

Vineyards, local markets, iconic beaches and islands, marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries are all within a short distance of Warkworth village.

Warkworth and the Matakana Coast Wine Country is predominantly a popular holiday and week-end destination for Aucklanders, but the area also attracts New Zealanders from other parts of the country and an increasing number of visitors from all over the world, who are only just starting to discover this “hidden gem”.

Warkworth’s rich heritage is reflected in its www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

buildings and sites of historic interest. Its cafes, specialist shops and character architecture make it a charming village and the commercial hub of the area.

The history of Warkworth Wharf, or rather the motley collection of wharves that were eventually transformed into river frontage the town can be proud of, tells the story of the town itself.

No other structure in Warkworth has been so integral to the development of the town over the past 155 years.

Ships, from cutters to scows, once plied the waters of the Mahurangi River, bringing provisions and taking out produce from local farmers, timber, and products from the burgeoning industry in the town.

No less important was the human cargo – students heading off to secondary schools in Auckland, picnic parties, businessmen and the intrepid pastor who used the river to tend his scattered flock. The story of Warkworth is the story of life on the river.

The recent return of the restored scow Jane Gifford to her berth in Warkworth, brings the story full circle.

Warkworth – just an hour’s drive from New

Zealand’s largest city and a world away in terms of character and pace - is also the gateway to the Matakana Coast Wine Country, one of the most desirable places to visit in New Zealand.

Vineyards, local markets, iconic beaches and islands, marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries are all within a short distance of Warkworth village.

Warkworth and the Matakana Coast Wine Country is predominantly a popular holiday and week-end destination for Aucklanders, but the area also attracts New Zealanders from other parts of the country and an increasing number of visitors from all over the world, who are only just starting to discover this “hidden gem”.

Walking New Zealand, issue nono 160 - 2011 Walking New Zealand, issue 160 - 2011 55 55

GREAT COUNTRY BREAKS

WAIKATO

ROTORUA

A dropoff, a 4-6 hour Walk, a Hot Shower & Spa, an amazing Dinner, Bed & breakfast.

Where: Out in the Styx Cafe at Pukeatua, Waikato (40 mins from Hamilton)

NORTHLAND

Walk the Maungataurari Crossing Kayak the Arapuni Lake OR just sample the homemade food and soak up the ambience.

Bookings essential: call us for a brochure

Phone 07-872-4505 or freephone 0800-461-559 Website: www.styx.co.nz

Two or Three Day Unguided Coast Walk Whangarei Heads, Northland, N.Z. Private and public tracks, ocean and harbour beaches Return to new, purpose-built accommodation each night Fabulous, fresh food Only three hours from Auckland CBD Check out our specials on-line

Phone: 09 434 0571

www.coastwalks.co.nz

GISBORNE

GISBORNE

GISBORNE

GISBORNE

WAIKATO

Lakeside Farm Cottage Perfectly situated to enjoy great walks on the Waikato River Trails, Maungatautari Ecological Island and Te Waihou Walkway.

Fully self-contained 3 bedroom farmstay cottage.

Contact Liz and Dick Johnson.

Phone: 07-883-5890

Email: lakesidefarms@xtra.co.nz Website: www.lakesidefarm.com

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine.

56

Walking Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 160 -- 2011 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

EASTLAND Step into North Island s Heart Waikaremoana Whirinaki Tongariro Guided Walking Holidays

GREAT COUNTRY BREAKS TARANAKI

EASTERN TARANAKI EXPERIENCE Ph: 0800 WALK NZ www.WalkingLegends.com

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine.

RANGITIKEI

Farm walking at its most scenic A one, two, or three day walk over scenic Rangitikei hill country featuring spectacular views of the Ruahine ranges, Mount Ruapehu and the Kawhatau River.

Please tell our advertisers you saw it advertised in Walking New Zealand magazine.

WELLINGTON

Phone 06-382-5507 Fax 06-382-5504 Ruth & Jim Rainey, RD7, Mangaweka E: raineys@xtra.co.nz website:www.kvw.co.nz

“Bridge to Somewhere”

• 2 or 3 night getaways of moderate tramping in the very heart of the Eastern Taranaki backcountry. (2 to choose from) • Inclusive package of transport (from Stratford) accommodation and meals.

• September to May best months.

• Matemateaonga Track package of transport, jetboat, hut passes also arranged.

For further information contact: Carol or Dave Digby

Phone 06-765-7482 (evenings) email: eastern-taranaki@xtra.co.nz website: www.eastern-taranaki.co.nz WELLINGTON

<ĂƉŝƚŝ /ƐůĂŶĚ ůŝǀĞ

WELLINGTON

Akatrack Walk

EĂƚƵƌĞ Θ ,ĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ dŽƵƌƐ Θ <ĂƉŝƚŝ EĂƚƵƌĞ >ŽĚŐĞ

· Wellington’s best Wilderness Walking adventure

· Secluded B&B Accommodation · Up to 6 people-1-3 nights · 1st October - 30th April

džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŽĨ EĞǁ ĞĂůĂŶĚ

Liz and Keith Budd 04 526 4867 - www.akatrack.co.nz

WAIRARAPA

WAIRARAPA sŝƐŝƚ <ĂƉŝƚŝ /ƐůĂŶĚ EĂƚƵƌĞ >ŽĚŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ͙​͙͘

Visit the breathtaking

Kawakawa Station Coastal Walk South Wairarapa

* Unguided 2 day 2 night experience * Coastal hill country * Native "bird filled" bush * Gourmet home cooked food or self catering * Bags transported

• • • • • •

KŶĞ ŽĨ E ͛Ɛ ^d ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ĂƚƚƌĂĐƚŝŽŶƐ 'ƵŝĚĞĚ ďƵƐŚ ǁĂůŬƐ 'ƌĞĂƚ ŵĞĂůƐ ĂŶĚ ŚŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ hŶƐƵƌƉĂƐƐĞĚ E ŶĂƚŝǀĞ ďŝƌĚůŝĨĞ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ ǁŝůĚ <ŝǁŝ ƐƉŽƚƚŝŶŐ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ĂLJ ƚŽƵƌƐ ĂŶĚ ŽǀĞƌŶŝŐŚƚ ƐƚĂLJ ŽƉƚŝŽŶƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ

&Žƌ ŬŝŶŐƐͬĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ WŚ͗ н ϲϰ ;ϬͿ Ϯϭ ϭϮϲ ϳϱϮϱ Žƌ нϲϰ ;ϬϲͿ ϯϲϮ ϲϲϬϲ ŵĂŝů͗ ŵŝŶŶŝĞΛŬĂƉŝƚŝŝƐůĂŶĚĂůŝǀĞ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj

ǁǁǁ͘ŬĂƉŝƚŝŝƐůĂŶĚĂůŝǀĞ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj MARLBOROUGH

www.kawakawastationwalk.co.nz Phone: Sarah & Duncan 06 307 8989 www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

QUEEN Charlotte Track Service - contact Endeavour Express phone 03-573-5456, email help@boatrides.co.nz www.boatrides.co.nz Walking WalkingNew NewZealand, Zealand,issue issueno no160 160--2011 2011

57 57

CANTERBURY

GREAT COUNTRY BREAKS

Banks Peninsula Track

NELSON/WEST COAST

HEAPHY TRACK ABEL TASMAN Walk with us on these Top Tracks Small Groups, Great Guides, Great Stories

Walking Jacket Makes an ideal gift for that loved one!

Self guided two or four day walks * Delightful and well equipped accommodation * Great value tramping - the Kiwi favourite * There is now a full pack cartage option for groups

Our portering system makes it easy

www.kahurangiwalks.co.nz John Croxford, Takaka

LIGHTWEIGHT

Dodson Road, RD1, Tel/Fax 03-525-7177

CANTERBURY

Make this your first multi-day tramp

www.bankstrack.co.nz CANTERBURY

A 2 or 3 day unguided walk through Marlborough’s stunning high country

CANTERBURY

CANTERBURY

This lightweight walking jacket weighs only 8oz, made from Microft Dry a soft, elegant sportswear frabic woven from a fine, lightweight microfibre.

•Water repellent and wind resistant, yet provides superior comfort, thanks to enhanced moisture permeability.

•Thin and light with a soft, natural texture • A fabric structure that doesn’t make noise when they are rubbed together.

• Complete with hood that is rolled up inside collar.

Available this year in: * Marine Blue with Turquoise trim * Marine Blue * Burgundy Sizes S, M, L, XL,XXL

$159

plus $8.50 postage and packing Thumbs up to the Lightweight Walking Jackets from two satisfied customers who used them on the recent three month walk.

“We used them a lot on the walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff and found them very light, warm against the wind, showerproof and comfortable to wear.

They were screwed up and stuffed into our bum bags.

Using the sleeves as ties they were tied round our middle.

They were tossed on to the seat in the support vehicle and later sat on.

After three months of this kind of treatment, the jackets still look great.

They are now being used for tidy wear when a windjacket is required.

We give our reccommendation to the value of these jackets”.

Regards, Don and Sheena.

Available only from. . .

THE WALKING

Freepost 78863 NEW ZEALAND P O Box 1922 Palmerston North Phone 0800-walking (925-546) or fax 06-358-6864

SHOP

58

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz

Walking Walking New New Zealand, Zealand, issue issue no no 160 154 -- 2011 2010

59

60

Walking New Zealand, issue no 160 - 2011

www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz