Free Guided Walks/Hikes this Summer

Auckland Council will once again be funding a professional guide to take people exploring Waiheke Island this summer. These walks are great for people wanting to explore but are not quite confident enough to go on their own; those wanting information and stories to make the walk come to life or for local people hosting family and visitors to the island.

This year there will be two different walks catering for those with a short amount of time or limited fitness, and for those wanting a bit more of a challenge.

Both walks go rain or shine, booking only necessary for the Hiking Series on Mondays, so transport can be organised (please note a return trip on the Hopper buses will cost $12 and can be booked through Fullers: www.fullers.co.nz or by calling (09) 367 9111 - let them know it is for the Hiking Series)

For further information contact Walk Guide:
Janine James, ph: 027 465 7479

Short Walks Series:
Every Saturday from the 21st January to end of February 2012.
Specialised as a fun and interactive introduction to NZ and Waiheke Life, chances are you will meet a native trout, try some Maori cuisine and learn a quirky tale. These forty minute professionally guided bush walks begin from the Matiatia ferry terminal and finish at Oneroa Village where you can connect to cafes, transport, shops and beaches. Easy walk for all ages - dogs welcome.

How to get there:
No booking necessary, catch the 10am Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island from the Downtown ferry terminal.
Meet the walk guide (with sign and fluoro jacket) at 10.45am from the Matiatia Ferry terminal.

Hiking Series:
Every Monday from the 23rd January to the end of February.
Thanks to the Fullers Ferry Waiheke Island Hopper bus service* you can finally access some of our best and most remote walkways such as Park Point Coastal Walk and the Awaawaroa – Trig Hill Track. These walks/ hikes are for a reasonable level of fitness and agility as some sections of the walk may be steep and more challenging – worth the view at the end!

Duration: Most walks are about 2 hours long – allow for extra time for connecting to the Hopper bus (1-2 hours)

Bring: Water, sun block, food, wind/rain proof jacket, swim gear and appropriate foot wear, $12 for Hopper bus and an optional wine tasting at the end.

How to get there:
Catch the 9am Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island from the Downtown ferry terminal or at 9.10am from Devonport Ferry Terminal. From the Waiheke Ferry Terminal catch the Hopper Buses departing at 10am - Check the calendar below to tell the driver where you are heading (Walks 1 to 5 are on East end loop Bus. Walk 6 - West end Loop Bus)

Please note:
Transport: *The guided walks are free, however the Hopper buses to and from the walk will cost $12. Most hikes finish at a vineyard so optional wine tasting and platters may be available while waiting for the hopper bus (usually every 50 minutes).

Walk 1: 23rd January: Orapiu to Pearl Bay
Hopper bus to Orapiu Wharf (Bottom End), hike to Pearl Bay (Rtn to Orapiu to be picked up)

Walk 2: 30th Jan: Te Matuku to Awaawaroa
Hopper Bus to Passage Rock Vineyard (Te Matuku Bay), hike to Poderi Crisci Vineyard (Awaawaroa) to be picked up

Walk 3: 6th Feb: Awaawaroa – Trig Hill Track
Hopper Bus to Poderi Crisci Vineyard (Awaawaroa), hike the Awaawaroa - Trig Hill Track through to Peacock Sky Vineyard (Trig Hill, Onetangi) to be picked up.

Walk 4: 13th Feb: Cross Island walkway
Hopper bus to Peacock Sky Vineyard (Trig Hill) taking part of the Cross Island walkway to Te Whau Vineyard (Rocky Bay) to be picked up.

Walk 5: 20th Feb: Mt Maunganui, Awaawaroa
Hopper bus to Poderi Crisci Vineyard (Awaawaroa) steep hike to Mt Maunganui (highest mountain on Waiheke) return to Poderi Crisci to be picked up.

Walk 6: 27th Feb: Park Point Coastal walkway
Hopper bus to Jurassic Ridge Vineyard (Church Bay), hike the Park Point Coastal walkway returning to Church Bay for a pick up from Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant.

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