"The walkway is varied and beautiful and the fact that we have access to it is unique and such a privilege," said fitness coach Sarah Gloyer, an island resident of 13 years and formerly of Canada, who will lead a group for a free loop in the first five days of the Waiheke Walking Festival November 14-22.
"Aucklanders can be there in 35 minutes from Downtown and walk right from the ferry on to the first parts of the web of tracks.
"We do a lot of running on the trail too and its fantastic training for Aucklanders wanting a different run or preparing for a 100km walk."
Ms Gloyer said the Waiheke loop offered the advantages of being near roads and transport so could be broken into "snacks or big meals"- legs of 20km in each of five days.
"It's easy to break out in to chunks and do one leg and come back next year for another.
"You can do a cafe to cafe walk as well and that's the thing about the variety of the trail - you feel you are far away but you are never that far away from anything and it makes it safe.
For more information, visit: http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/parksfacilities/walkingtracks/pages/tearahura.aspx
For guided walks, visit: waihekewalkingfestival.org
