Walking New Zealand

Ninth year for Warkworth Walks

- By Luke Williamson

This year marks our ninth year of running Warkworth Walks and features 14 guided trails, between Thursday November 9 to Sunday November 12.

Included are three new walks and the return of 11 of our most popular walks. Once again, we focus on getting you to the special places you normally can’t go and providing local hospitalit­y along the way.

Our two most popular walks, Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park and Hauturu, are back on the programme and guaranteed to sell out. These walks offer unique opportunit­ies to see stunning, restricted parts of our local environmen­t.

New this year is a ferry/walking trip to Motuora Island. Admire Kawau Bay from the ocean on the way out, then enjoy a guided walk around the island by volunteers from the restoratio­n society who will show you the conservati­on work they are doing. BBQ and swimming cap off a wonderful day.

Also new is an exploratio­n of Te Muri, where our newest regional park is com- ing to fruition, combined with a kayak trip up the Puhoi River. This walk/kayak combo will take in some of the prettiest local coastline, picnic on the shoreline, and allow time for a beer at the famous Puhoi Pub.

Photograph­ers are invited to join a new trail visiting photograph­ic highlights or our local area. Sweeping views, waterfront work sheds, local display gardens, farmers’ market and more. Your guide can offer tuition and you can compare your work over lunch at the end. Shutters at the ready!

We also go back to our local gem – Tawharanui. Led by an expert guide from TOSSI (Tawharanui Open Sanctuary) you will get away from the main routes, and discover the unique flora and fauna. If you are lucky, there may even be some takahe sightings, and other rare and endangered species.

We are delighted by the return of trails at Duck Creek, Big Omaha, and Pohuehue to Puhoi. These walks all feature glorious views, native bush, and

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 ??  ?? Above: Resting by the lake and admiring the sculptures at the Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park. Below left: Enjoying the sunshine at lunch time. Opposite page below: Enjoying a sit down lunch.
Above: Resting by the lake and admiring the sculptures at the Gibbs Farm Sculpture Park. Below left: Enjoying the sunshine at lunch time. Opposite page below: Enjoying a sit down lunch.
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