Source: Auckland Council
Our planning continues for November’s Waiheke Walking Festival. We’re optimistic that we will be able to welcome you to the island in November for the world’s friendliest walking festival.
‘Awe walking’ is the latest health trend gaining international acclaim for lowering blood pressure, boosting positive mental well-being, and connecting people back to the earth which gives us restoration, calm and a sense of self.
The Waiheke Walking Festival plans to offer a plethora of ‘awe’ walks to inspire, encourage movement and boost mindfulness no matter what your walk of life – for singles, couples, families and girl’s getaway groups, the 17 days of fabulous walks from November 5th to 21st is a must.
The Waiheke Walking Festival covers everything from mindfulness, photography, conservation, fitness, opera walks, silent discos and many walks are family friendly.
There are also progressive lunch walks through vineyards and walks through private land that you can only experience during the Festival.
Dubbed the world’s friendliest walking festival, the aim of the events is to cater to all walk abilities and interests and help form connections to other people and the environment.
Friendship, laughter and being in ‘awe’ as you appreciate nature on one of the world’s most beautiful islands is part of the experience.
The Festival, now in its twelfth year, is supported by sponsors and funders, which means over half of the walks are free.
Walking Festival 2021 programme highlights:
- Onetangi progressive lunch walk and wine trail.
- Windsor Doors Best of Te Ara Hura Matiatia to Blackpool walk finishing with a BBQ at Patron Sir Graham and Lady Raewyn Henry’s house.
- Two Te Ara Hura five-day 100km walk adventures.
- Connells Bay Sculpture Park and gin bar experience.
- Shinrin-Yoku forest bathing walk finishing with a Japanese tea ceremony.
- Red wine ramble through Onetangi Valley.
- Foodie progressive walk to the Oyster Inn, Mudbrick and Ahipao.
- Fullers360 dog friendly walk along Waiheke’s spectacular coasts and beaches.
- Stony Batter Historic Reserve heritage walk and a subterranean adventure exploring the WW2 tunnels.
- Waiheke Pilates Centre bush walk and pilates on the beach.
- Ngāti Pāoa history walk enjoy stunning views, hear captivating history and kōrero
- Black tie and boots walk with a dinner and opera at Goldie Estate.
Bookings are essential, as walks are limited in numbers. You can become a Friend of the festival for $100.
In return, you can book two weeks prior to the festival opening to the public on 1 October, plus book more walks (10 instead of six), helping to increase your chance of getting onto the walks you want to.
The Festival Programme will not be published while Auckland remains in Alert Level 4 – we hope to publish it mid-September.
Bookings will not open until there is certainty about when the Auckland region will move to Level 2, while we work on the possibilities and procedures to operate safely in Level 2, anticipating changes to government regulations from last year.
