Mangawhai’s passion for walking

A great kiwi love of walking is developing all over New Zealand and to celebrate the fervour for walking here, our very own fabulous Mangawhai Walking Weekend is about to begin – March 24-26. The event attracts many visitors and locals out for an adventure to enjoy our magical little town and its picturesque setting.

After 18 years, and thanks to the exciting development of the Mangawhai Tracks Trust, we now have fabulous walking trails all around Mangawhai; from the beautiful bush and waterfall tracks in the Brynderwyn hills to stunning coastal and estuary pathways. The Walking Weekend offers walks for all levels of fitness – there is sure to be one (or more) for you and your friends to enjoy.

All walks have guides to add to the experience. For guided walks over private land accessible only on this weekend, try Bream Tail Farm, Tern Point, Thornleigh, Food Ramblers, Bald Rock and Hidden Pathways. Always popular are the coastal, estuary and Brynderwyn walks. Guided kayaking and paddle boarding are new this year, along with a Hash Run. There will be two canine escapades, garden adventures, a food ramble and the secret life of Blokes’ Sheds! All walks outlined are described in full on the website.

The Mangawhai estuary comes alive on Friday afternoon with the entertaining Troubadour Trail, where children are free. If you have not ventured on the Troubadour Walk before, make sure you come for the fun this year – memorable acts have been booked!

On Saturday afternoon the Food & Wine Festival is a big afternoon of entertainment with Shane and the ShaZam band. Yes, the fabulous Shane from the seventies! Along with the great music, there will be delicious food, and local award-winning wines and beers, all to be savoured in the late afternoon in the Olive Grove on the estuary.

Shane and the ShaZam band present a high-powered, rocking tribute show to some of the great hits from the teen idols of that amazing era: Cliff Richard, The Shadows, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, Dion, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Monkees, and more, including Shane’s own hits. Shane was the final act on the Troubadour Walk last year and no one wanted to go home.

Bookings are essential. Many walks sell out in the last week so please book your walking adventure today. Tickets for the Troubadour Trail and Food & Wine Festival are available at Bammas and Mangawhai Books & Gifts, or online.

The Walking Weekend is a community event with proceeds going to the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust and other groups developing local outdoor activities. n Walk bookings can be made online at mangawhaiwalking.co.nz or call Dorothy on (09) 431 5950.