Mangawhai walkers spoilt for choice

Add to my favourite walks

First  Printed in Mahurangi Matters, thanks for their permission to reprint.

Bookings have opened for the annual Mangawhai Walking Weekend, which will be held from April 1 to 3.  Now in its 17th year, a number of new walks have been added to the 2016 programme.

“The Mangawhai Walking Weekend is not just for those comfortable with boots and a day pack,” an organiser Dorothy Freeman says. “There are events for those who want to ramble and stroll whilst exploring the local culture and history, or maybe enjoy some music and entertainment along the way. One event not to be missed is the Food and Wine Festival – an afternoon of socialising and dancing to cool music in a local olive grove.”

Running alongside the walking weekend will be the Art Trail and Troubadours Trail events.

There are 25 walks in total, with some of the new walks including:

• Tanekaha Falls/Puriri Track Get up close and personal with two large puriri trees, one of which is bigger than the largest formally recorded in Burstall and Sale’s Great Trees of New Zealand. Beautiful forest, outstanding views, big trees and photo opportunities.
• Blokes Sheds (Grade 2) Visit some outstanding Mangawhai sheds where locals indulge their passions, from classic car restoration to wood turning and home brewing. Sheilas are welcome but no talk of cooking, babies or dressmaking allowed.
• Mangawhai Garden Spectacular (Grade 2) Visit stunning local gardens and meet their enthusiastic owners.
• Event Cache (Grade 3) A geocaching event held in the 37-hectare Mangawhai Community Park. Lots of tracks, or bush bash, with plenty of up and down. Ideal for the young and energetic or the old and cunning.
• Mangawhai Highlights and Hidden Pathways (Grade 2) Stroll through some of Mangawhai’s hidden pathways and hear about its history. A must walk for anyone thinking of relocating to Mangawhai. Morning tea at the new museum is included.
• Bike Mangawhai Grindfest Fun-filled bike riding for all ages and abilities. Experience the Mangawhai Activity Zone bike trails and skills area, under the supervision of capable riders led by Mangawhai’s own Commonwealth Games representative Sadie Parker. Don’t forget your helmet!