Tracks to suit all tastes at weekend of walking

CHEERS: Jean Goldschmidt (left) and volunteer Dorothy Freeman prepare for the Mangawhai Walking Weekend. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Dog walks, kayaking, caves and a ramblers' food experience are among the 30 different walks available at the Mangawhai Walking Weekend.

It's the 15th annual event, which includes walks throughout the Mangawhai and Bream Bay regions, that vary in difficulty and in time - from one to six hours.

"I can't believe 15 years have passed. We now have more than 100 volunteer guides," said Jean Goldschmidt, 76, the Mangawhai resident who started the event in 1999.

The event kicks off today with the Troubadour Trail, a walk around the estuary loop track featuring entertainment from performing artists. Start times are 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm.

"We've got the wonderful Troubadour Trail, where we walk around and stop off and listen to entertainment," Mrs Goldschmidt said.

Saturday walks include the Doggy Walk, a three-hour walk through Brynderwyns bush that people can have dogs "off the leash", walking the Tanekaha Falls track and the Waipu coast trail, to name a few. "They're all my favourite. I've done them all - every one in the programme," Mrs Goldschmidt said.

Also tomorrow is the Mangawhai Food and Wine Festival from 3pm to 7pm, with entertainment from Kiwi band Mermaids.

Sunday walks include a sunrise walk, and walks around Te Arai, Tanekaha Forest and Pakiri.

Mrs Goldschmidt said there had already been more than 500 registrations, with entrants registered to do more than 1000 walks.

Also part of the Walking Weekend is the Art Trail, featuring the work of about 50 local artists.

Browse, buy or commission works including painting, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, flax weaving, furniture, glasswork and photography.

For more information visit www.mangawhaiwalkingweekend.co.nz