ECHO Walking Festival

Walks Calendar

8-21 April 2024

2024 WALKS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON - WATCH THIS SPACE

Walk / Cycle Track Grading:

1 - Suitable for most walkers/cyclists.

3 - Includes short steep or rough sections. Moderate fitness level required.

5 - Challenging steep sections, rough areas or river crossings. A high level of fitness required.

Weather:

This festival is centered around the outdoors, but unfortunately the weather isn't always on our side. If any event is postponed due to weather, every Endeavour will be made to reschedule the walk or event.

Kauri Dieback Information:

With the Kauri Dieback situation some walks may be affected. Please keep an eye on our website for details and further updates. We ask all participants to please make sure they clean their shoes and boots, walking sticks and anything else that comes into contact with the ground before entering and as you come out of the bush. Go to www.kauridieback.co.nz for details.

Payment information:

Please make payment at time of booking to secure your spot, in the event of a cancellation we would then refund you. You will be directed to the page for payment at the time of registration. 

Date Walk / Run / Cycle Location Grade
33 -

Date: Sat Apr 1, 2023
2023

Walk

Mount Karangahake Summit Walk

The Mount Karangahake walk is a walk around 9km.  The walk starts on the gorge floor and finishes at the summit of Mount Karangahake, over 500 metres above the Waitawheta... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

4-0 -

Grade: 4

32 -

Date: Sat Apr 1, 2023
2023

Walk

Rocky's Walk to Tinkers Gully

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

Closed due to severe weather events.  This site is closed until further notice. It may be unsafe due to the risk from slips, flooding and fallen trees. It will take... DETAILS

Location: Thames

3-4 -

Grade: 3-4

31 -

Date: Sun Apr 2, 2023
2023

Walk

Historic Northern Thames Wharves and mining sites

The walk will cover three wharf sites in Thames (excluding Shortland, which we did in 2022) including the (in)famous Burke St harbour project, which effectively sent the Thames Borough bankrupt... DETAILS

Location: Thames

1-0 -

Grade: 1

30 -

Date: Sun Apr 2, 2023
2023

Walk

Kauri Walk to Dickey Flat

Enjoy the beautiful settings along the Dean and Mangakino Pack tracks to where the Mangakino Stream and Waitawheta River converge. Tramp along the Waitawheta River (writhing serpent) discover the few... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

3-4 -

Grade: 3-4

29 -

Date: Sun Apr 2, 2023
2023

Walk

Waihi Cemetery Walk - Gravestone symbols: Angels, crosses and more

Guided Waihi Cemetery Walk with Waihi Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists. The theme - Gravestone symbols: Angels, crosses and more.  A guided walk telling the stories of... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

1-0 -

Grade: 1

28 -

Date: Mon Apr 3, 2023
2023

Walk

Backways around Katikati

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

An informative walk through the reserves and streets of Katikati. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch at the end of the walk at a local cafe. DETAILS

Location: Katikati

1-0 -

Grade: 1

27 -

Date: Mon Apr 3, 2023
2023

Walk

Union Hill Walk

Meet at the George St car park by the Gilmour reserve at 10am.  We will take a walk through Gilmour reserve (Tunnellers Memorial/Pike River 29/Miners Rest/development of the park) then... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

1-2 -

Grade: 1-2

26 -

Date: Tue Apr 4, 2023
2023

Walk

Wires Track Loop

Discover the remnants of the Waihi Beach section of the Old Wires Track as it came via Waihi Beach and connected telegraphic communication between Auckland and Wellington.  The track follows... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

4-0 -

Grade: 4

25 -

Date: Tue Apr 4, 2023
2023

Walk

Waiorongomai Wander

Join in this leisurely walk around Waiorongomai Low Level Loop and learn about the history and flora of this old goldmining area.  With mining relics, regenerating bush and a few... DETAILS

Location: Te Aroha

2-0 -

Grade: 2

24 -

Date: Wed Apr 5, 2023
2023

Walk

Night Time in the Bush

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

Adventure for the little people as we make our way into the forest as the stars and night creatures come out.  We will follow the Upper Domain Track and look... DETAILS

Location: Te Aroha

1-0 -

Grade: 1

23 -

Date: Wed Apr 5, 2023
2023

Cycle

Owharoa Falls Heritage Bike and Train Ride

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

The section between Waihi and Waikino has significant cyclone damage and is currently closed.  Take a scenic bike ride to the Owharoa Falls and explore some of the area’s rich... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

2-3 -

Grade: 2-3

22 -

Date: Thu Apr 6, 2023
2023

Kayak

Estuary to Whenuakura Island Tour

OPTION 1: Estuary to Whenuakura Island Tour Meet at the end of Kotuku Street by the Otahu River boat ramp, paddling on kayaks through the river mouth into the ocean... DETAILS

Location: Whangamata

1-2 -

Grade: 1-2

21 -

Date: Thu Apr 6, 2023
2023

Walk

Uplands Road to Poupou Stream

This track through the Bush links up with a bull dozer track formed during geological investigations for the Kaimais Tunnel construction. There are some slippery clay sections, but the Bush... DETAILS

Location: Katikati

2-0 -

Grade: 2

20 -

Date: Thu Apr 6, 2023
2023

Walk

Whangamata Wander

Walk to the Marina, through the Fitness Trail, through the Community Gardens, past the R.S.A., through the 9-hole golf course, through our Bermuda Triangle, walk along the Oahu Estuary, up... DETAILS

Location: Whangamata

1-2 -

Grade: 1-2

19 -

Date: Fri Apr 7, 2023
2023

Walk

Wharf Street to Historical Maritime Park & Museum

We meet at Wharf St in Paeroa, which we can look at the new purpose-built community jetty on the Ohinemuri River.  We will then walk on the Hauraki Rail trail... DETAILS

Location: Paeroa

1-0 -

Grade: 1

18 -

Date: Sat Apr 8, 2023
2023

Walk

Kirikiri Battery Tramp

Kirikiri Battery Tramp Meet in the car park on Neavesville Road, at the end of the road up the valley. (Be-aware of some storm damage on road)  Some big Kauris... DETAILS

Location: Thames

3-4 -

Grade: 3-4

17 -

Date: Sat Apr 8, 2023
2023

Walk

McBinns Stream Track

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

McBrinns Stream Track has suffered storm damage and will be unsuitable. Sorry this walk is cancelled.  We are looking into an alternative walk on this day - to be confirmed.... DETAILS

Location: Thames

3-4 -

Grade: 3-4

16 -

Date: Sat Apr 8, 2023
2023

Walk

Tuhua/Mayor Island Walk - FULLY BOOKED

Tuhua is the ancestral home of the Te Whanau A Tauwhao ki Tuhua. Tuhua is also the Maori name of obsidian and is one of the few places in Aotearoa... DETAILS

Location: Katikati

5-0 -

Grade: 5

15 -

Date: Sun Apr 9, 2023
2023

Walk

Orokawa Trig Walk

The Orokawa Trig site offers expansive views across the Bay of Plenty and down to beautiful Orokawa Beach.  Rich in history, the walk starts by criss crossing the stunning Waihi... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

4-0 -

Grade: 4

14 -

Date: Mon Apr 10, 2023
2023

Walk

Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre

At the Shorebird Centre we welcome visitors to come and explore the fascinating world of shorebirds with us. Visit the Shorebird Centre to learn about the birds then head 2km... DETAILS

Location: Ngatea

1-0 -

Grade: 1

13 -

Date: Tue Apr 11, 2023
2023

Walk

Waipaopao (Anzac Bay) Walk

Reon Tuanau of Te Whānau a Tauwhao will greet you at the lower Waipaopao (Anzac Bay) carpark near the public restrooms.  We start by setting off for the upper carpark... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

2-3 -

Grade: 2-3

12 -

Date: Tue Apr 11, 2023
2023

Walk

Waitekohekohe Reserve

This recreational reserve opened to the public in November 2022.  Official Opening 4th March 2023. Containing dedicated mountain bike trails, walking and horse tracks, the team at Project Parore have... DETAILS

Location: Katikati

2-0 -

Grade: 2

11 -

Date: Wed Apr 12, 2023
2023

Walk

A walk through Martha mine pit fence

OceanaGold is offering a walk inside the Martha mine pit fence, around our perimeter road. Get views of the Martha mine like never before. We will stop off and take... DETAILS

Location: Waihi

2-0 -

Grade: 2

10 -

Date: Wed Apr 12, 2023
2023

Walk

Over the top - Tuahu Track East to West

Traverse the Kaimai ranges taking in views of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato Plains. Meet at Te Aroha i-SITE, 102 Whitaker Street, Te Aroha 9.45am for debrief. Bus to... DETAILS

Location: Te Aroha

5-0 -

Grade: 5

09 -

Date: Thu Apr 13, 2023
2023

Walk

Discovery Mine & Orokawa Loop Track

Passing the site of the Discovery Mine we learn about this little known early mining venture at Waihi Beach before continuing up the Waihi Beach Stream. We cross the stream... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

4-0 -

Grade: 4

08 -

Date: Thu Apr 13, 2023
2023

Walk

North Shore Wander

Programmed for 13th April 2023 is a walk from our meeting place.  Along Beach Road, to the Marina, Waireka Reserve, headlands of the harbour, to Harry Watt Drive at Durant... DETAILS

Location: Whangamata

3-0 -

Grade: 3

07 -

Date: Thu Apr 13, 2023
2023

Walk

Blade Carpark Walk & Puketoke Reserve

Will start on the Pa Kereru Loop track, then turn onto the Leyland O’Brien tramway track.  Walk down to spot by the river and return the same way and then... DETAILS

Location: Katikati

1-2 -

Grade: 1-2

06 -

Date: Fri Apr 14, 2023
2023

Walk

Wharf Street River Boat Cruise to Historical Maritime Park & Museum (PM)

We meet at Wharf St in Paeroa, which we can look at the new purpose-built community jetty on the Ohinemuri River. We then Board Kiteawa cruise boat going along the... DETAILS

Location: Paeroa

1-0 -

Grade: 1

05 -

Date: Fri Apr 14, 2023
2023

Walk

Wharf Street to Historical Maritime Park & Museum and River Boat Cruise (AM)

We meet at Wharf St in Paeroa, which we can look at the new purpose-built community jetty on the Ohinemuri River. We will then walk on the Hauraki Rail trail... DETAILS

Location: Paeroa

1-0 -

Grade: 1

04 -

Date: Sat Apr 15, 2023
2023

Walk

Papakura Bay Shipwreck

A fabulous walk that starts at Whiritoa Lagoon then over to Waimama Bay and then heads up into the bush and over to Papakura bay (Shipwreck Bay) and takes in... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

3-4 -

Grade: 3-4

03 -

Date: Sat Apr 15, 2023
2023

Walk

Pinnacles Walk

This popular walk leads to the Pinnacles Hut and on to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. We follow an historic packhorse route used... DETAILS

Location: Thames

4-5 -

Grade: 4-5

02 -

Date: Sun Apr 16, 2023
2023

Walk

Waihi Beach North End Mining History

Discover the history of Waihi Beach Gold Mining and the Treasure Island Reef.  Our guide is from the Robinson family and has a wealth of knowledge and has some fascinating... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

3-0 -

Grade: 3

01 -

Date: Sun Apr 23, 2023
2023

Walk

Kauaeranga Kauri Logging Sites

Sorry, this event has been CANCELLED.

The tour will cover kauri logging sites in the Kauaeranga Valley.  It will commence at the KVC with a short brief and visit to the model kauri driving dam, about... DETAILS

Location: Thames

1-0 -

Grade: 1

00 -

Date: Sat May 27, 2023
2023

Walk

Paraparaumu (Shelly Bay) Walk – Bowentown Domain

After a booked out Iwi lead walk of Te Kura a Maia (Bowentown Head) and Te Ho (Pā Site) at Waipaopao, we are pleased to announce an encore walk for... DETAILS

Location: Waihi Beach

2-3 -

Grade: 2-3

Health and Safety

For your health and safety please:

  • Wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing.
  • Register for all walks at least three days prior to the walk and declare any medical conditions/medication when you register.
  • Bring your own wet weather gear.
  • Bring a water bottle, snack food, and any medication needed for all walks. For longer walks, please be prepared to bring lunch, a first aid kit and a torch.
  • Stay with the group and follow any instructions given by your walk leader.