My Account
Bookings have opened for the Warkworth Walks weekend in November, with 15 guided trails on offer, including five new trails to showcase the region.
The event will run from Thursday November 10 to Sunday November 13.
Warkworth Walks chair Luke Williamson says as the walking weekend steps into its eighth year it is continuing to grow and attract more people to the region.
The two most popular walks, the Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park and Hauturu/Little Barrier, will sell out in a flash, but the new walks will also entice a range of hikers, he says.
For the first time, there will be a trip to Motuora Island in Kawau Bay, hosted by members of the Motuora Restoration Society. DOC and Forest and Bird have been restoring the 80ha island since 1990, and the Restoration Society started in 1995. The island has remained free from mammalian predators and now hosts a range of rare native species, including giant weta, over 100 kiwi and an establishing gannet colony.
“It also has lovely beaches and nice walking tracks and it’s a great boat ride out there,” Luke says.
Another new walk includes a climb up Mount Auckland on the Kaipara Harbour, through a large patch of native forest and on to Dill Farm, bordering the Hoteo River.
Mahu Coastal Explorer also debuts this year and takes walkers along the coastline from Sandspit to Martins Bay.
A new photographer trail, run by local photographer Karen Williamson, will take in a variety of picturesque scenes.
Favourites from previous years will be back again, including a revised trail at Te Muri and an updated Vineyard Trail.
“These offer an amazing mix of terrain, catering, level of exertion and entertainment, while showcasing the special character of the area,” Luke says.
Walks can be booked online at warkworthwalks.co.nz
