The Rotorua Walking Festival is already proving popular, with one walk sold out and people coming from overseas to take part.
The 10-day festival starts on Friday and goes on until Sunday, March 20.
This is the festival's 18th year and it features 20 walks and activities around Rotorua.
Chair of the Rotorua
Walking Festival organising committee Deryck Shaw said the walks were for people of all ages and fitness levels. "At one end of the scale there's the Tot Trot for under fives ... at the other end for very experienced runners there's a 42km walk.
"Over the week you have a whole range, hopefully there will be something that appeals to everyone."
He hoped the festival would be fun and a chance to enjoy the wonderful outdoors. "We hope everyone enjoys themselves and that people get out and enjoy the walks and build some friendships."
Although walks were non-competitive he said they would be challenging.
The festival launches on Friday, with a short city walk starting at the Convention Centre. Other walks over the 10 days are at Mt Ngongotaha, the Redwoods, Lake Rotorua, Tarawera and Mokoia Island. Mr Shaw said the walks were already proving popular.
The preview of the Tarawera Trail guided walk sold out a month ago, he said, and the Mokoia Island walk and cruise for locals was filling up fast with not many places left.
Mr Shaw said the walks attracted both locals and people from overseas. He said people were coming from Europe, Japan and the US to do the walks, including the International Walks on March 19 and 20.
These walks are part of the international IML Walking Association and walkers who walk at least 20km on each day receive an IML medal.
He said the Rotary Club started the festival for two reasons. "We wanted to get an event to Rotorua that would both attract people to Rotorua and contribute to a healthy community."
Some walks are free and longer walks cost a bit more to cover organisation costs. Other walks are raising money for a good cause.
The SPCA Paws Walk in the Redwoods on Sunday, March 13, where people can bring their dogs, is raising money for the SPCA.
The Redwood Nocturnal walk is in the dark and is raising money for the Botanical Society.
Some walks require registration before the event, see the website for details.
The festival is organised by the Rotary Club of Rotorua West, Events and Venues and the Department of Conservation.
See www.rotoruawalkingfestival.org.nz for a list of walks and to register.
Brochures are available at the Rotorua District Council, City Focus and the Rotorua District Library.
UPCOMING WALKS
- The Festival Launch and a Short City Heritage Walk on Friday at 5pm. Meet at the Convention Centre. Duration: 1 hr.
- Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Walk on Saturday at 9am. Meet at Bonnington Reserve, Paradise Valley Rd. Duration: 2 hrs.
- SPCA Paws Walk on Sunday at 11am. Meet at the Dutch Club, Neil Hunt Park. Duration: 1 hr.
- Mokoia Island for locals cruise and walk on Sunday at 9.30am. Meet at Lakeland Queen, Lakefront. Bookings essential. Duration: 5 hrs.
Pay just
per week ongoing
Pay just
per year ongoing
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