Whanganui Walking Group: July to October Programme
(Please note dates, times & locations are subject to change. For Local Walks, no need to register, just meet at the predetermined location & time. For out-of-town trips, you need to register by emailing whanganuiwalking@gmail.com . Costs can change depending on petrol prices and other costs)
Semi-Local Walk: Bason Botanic Gardens Spring Walk 
Easy (Shorter & Longer Options)
Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Lower Car Park near the toilets (bottom of the hill), Bason Botanic Gardens
Leader: Sue
Dogs Allowed: No
Description: Celebrate Father's Day and early spring with a scenic stroll around the Bason Botanic Gardens while the daffodils are in full bloom! Bring Dad, granddads, or the whole family along for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
This walk features two guided options:
- Shorter Option: A gentle Lake & Bush loop passing right by Daffodil Hill.
- Longer Option: Continues up to the top gardens, drops back down through native bush, and crosses over the top of Daffodil Hill using mostly different tracks.
No registration requiredβsimply turn up at the designated location and time!
TaupΕ Hike: Waikato River & Huka Falls 
Moderate Date: Saturday 12th September 2026 Time: 6:30 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Paula & Sue
Approx Cost: $45 (carpool contribution) Dogs Allowed: Yes (must provide own transport) Description: A fantastic day trip to TaupΕ! Starting from Spa Park, we will walk the scenic river trail to the thundering Huka Falls, then return via the opposite bank through a beautiful stand of redwoods. This side offers stunning elevated views looking over TaupΕ, then it's back alongside even more scenic river vistas. We'll top off the day with a relaxing soak in the natural hot water stream back at Spa Park!
Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@gmail.com or contacting trip leaders.
Summer Walks Planning Meeting When: Sunday 13th September at 2:00 PM Where: St Johns Club (158 Glasgow Street)
Info: Got a favorite track you'd love to walk, or ideas for our upcoming Summer programme? Come along and help us shape the schedule for the warmer months ahead!
We'll grab a drink, catch up, and brainstorm ideas for local walks, day hikes, and away trips. Everyone is welcomeβwhether you want to lead a trip or just share suggestions on where you'd like to go! Semi-Local Walk: South Beach Dunes & Coast Easy to 
Easy/Moderate (Shorter & Longer Options) Date: Saturday 19th September 2026 Time: 2:00 PM Meeting Location: South Beach Car Park (at the end of the gravel road past the airport) Leader: Julayne (TBC) Dogs Allowed: Yes Description: A wonderful coastal circuit exploring the best of South Beach! The full walk heads out along the beach before weaving through undulating dune tracks surrounded by scattered pine trees.
This walk features two options:
Shorter Option (45 mins β 1 hr): A gentle walk out to the Kaitoke Stream and back, returning self-guided at your own pace.
Longer Option (2 β 3 hrs): The complete beach and dune loop with the leader.
Transport is availableβplease ask if needed! No registration required otherwise, simply turn up at the designated location and time. Ruahine Hike: Kitchener Park, Alice Nash Hut & Δpiti Glowworm Caves Easy/Moderate to Moderate (Shorter & Longer Options) Date: Saturday 26th September 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Willem & Carl Approx Cost: $25 (carpool contribution) Dogs Allowed: No Description: A highly flexible, multi-stop day trip! First, we'll visit Feilding to explore Kitchener and KΕwhai Parks (with shorter walk options available here). Then we'll travel out into the Ruahines for a tramp into the Alice Nash Memorial Hut. The absolute highlight of the trip will be visiting the Δpiti Glowworm Caves during both the day and night to see them fully glowing!
Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@gmail.com or contacting trip leaders.
Twilight Walk: Virginia Lake Potluck & Night Lights Easy Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026 Time: 5:30 PM (Potluck Dinner) | 6:30 PM (Walk Starts) Meeting Location: Band Rotunda, Virginia Lake (accessed off the Brassy Road entrance β a short 5-minute walk from the carpark) Leader: Paula Dogs Allowed: No Description: Kick off the 2026/27 Twilight Walk season with us! You are welcome to join for the potluck, the walk, or both!
We'll start with a shared potluck meal at the Band Rotunda at 5:30 PM. At 6:30 PM, we'll head off for a gentle stroll around Virginia Lake. After returning to the rotunda, stick around for an optional extra loop as dusk falls to experience the spectacular Virginia Lake illuminated lights!
What to Bring: A dish to share (if joining the potluck), plates/utensils, warm layers for the evening, and a torch/headlamp for the walk back.
No registration requiredβsimply turn up at 5:30 PM for the meal, or meet us at 6:30 PM for the walk!
Ruahine Hike: Rangiwahia Hut Hike 
Moderate/Hard Date: Saturday 10th October 2026 Time: 7:30 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Carl & Tracy Approx Cost: $25 (carpool contribution) Dogs Allowed: No Description: Join us for a fantastic day hike up to Rangiwahia Hut in the western Ruahine Forest Park! This track winds steadily up through beautiful beech forest, crossing the dramatic arched bridge over the Mangahuia Stream, before climbing above the bushline into tussock country. At the hut, enjoy a rewarding lunch stop with sweeping views out towards Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki on a clear day.
Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@
Semi-Local Hike: New Whangaehu Bridge II Easy to Easy/Moderate (Shorter & Longer Options) Date: Saturday 17th October 2026 Time: 1:30 PM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Alternative Meeting Location: Car park @ Whangaehu Beach (1:50 PM) Leaders: Sue & Julayne Approx Cost: $5 (carpool contribution) Dogs Allowed: No Description: We are returning to the new Whangaehu Bridgeβthis time to cross it, as it is scheduled to open in September! We will explore the Whitiau Scientific Reserve, take in views of the river mouth, stroll along the beach, and walk adjacent to Harakeke Forest.
Easy Option: Walk with the group to the new bridge, then take a relaxed, self-guided stroll back to the cars at your own pace.
Moderate Option: Continue with the main group through the reserve, beach, and forest loop.
Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@ManawatΕ« Hike: ManawatΕ« Gorge Track Moderate Date: Saturday 24th October 2026 Time: 8:30 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Willem & Carl Approx Cost: $25 (carpool contribution) Dogs Allowed: No Description: Kick off your Labour Weekend with a fantastic walk through the ManawatΕ« Gorge! This track winds through beautiful native bush high above the river, offering spectacular lookouts and sweeping views over the ManawatΕ«, the surrounding wind farms, and out towards Woodville.
Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@
Local Walk: Gordon Park, Wembley Park & River Loop Easy (Shorter & Longer Options) Date: Sunday 25th October 2026 (Labour Weekend) Time: 6:30 PM Meeting Location: Gordon Park Car Park (Kaimatira Road, off No 3 Line) Leader: Tracy Dogs Allowed: Yes (On Leash) Description: Join us for our second Labour Long Weekend outingβa relaxed twilight walk combining bush and parkland tracks. We will start with a walk through the native podocarp forest at Gordon Park, then drive down to Wembley Park on our way back into town for the second loop.
Shorter Option: Join us for 1β2 gentle loops of the flat Gordon Park bush track.
Longer Option: Includes Gordon Park, followed by a short drive over to Wembley Park for a walk around the grounds, before a quick loop down to the riverbank and back.
No registration requiredβsimply turn up at the designated location and time!
Ruapehu Hike: Te HangΔruru Track Easy/Moderate Date: Saturday 7th November 2026 Time: 9:00 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Sue & Carl
Dogs Allowed: No Approx Cost: $25 (carpool contribution) Description: Join us to explore Te HangΔruru, the new Horopito track section! Highlights include two suspension bridges (including the new 99m bridge on an extension due to open Labour Weekend), an incredible man-made waterfall shaped by the Deep Creek diversion, regenerating forest with views of Mt Ruapehu, and historic timber industry stories along the rail corridor. (Note: We will run Te Ara Mangawhero if the extension is not open yet).
Registration Required: Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@gmail.com or contacting the trip leaders.
Taranaki Hike: Enchanted, Waingongoro & Dawson Falls Loop Moderate/Hard Date: Saturday 21st November 2026 Time: 7:00 AM Meeting Location: Car park for Church on Ingestre (Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets) Leaders: Willem & Paula Dogs Allowed: No Approx Cost: $30 (carpool contribution) Description: Willem is going to lead us on one of his favourite tramps in Egmont National Park! This scenic loop takes us from the Stratford Plateau carpark down towards Dawson Falls and back. Along the way, we'll pass by Waingongoro Hut, Dawson Falls, Wilkie Pools, numerous smaller waterfalls, natural springs, and through the enchanted, moss-draped goblin forest. One not to be missed! Registration Required: Please register by emailing whanganuiwalking@gmail.com or contacting the trip leaders.
Meeting Location Info for Out-Of-Town Trips
For our out-of-town trips we meet at the car park for Church on Ingestre, which is on the Cnr Ingestre & Campbell Streets. Let us know if you need a ride to the car park. We can also pick up en route. The toilet at COI may not always be available.
Transport for Out-Of-Town Trips
We use our private vehicles for transport. A cost is charged to cover trip costs. The event organisers select the Vehicles and drivers before the event. If you would like to take your vehicle, please email ASAP so the organiser knows your vehicle is available. We prefer drivers for our events to have attended a few events before driving and to have held a full NZ driver's license for 2 years.
Safety Disclaimer
Please note that by joining these walks or tramps, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and have the fitness to be able to complete the walk/tramp or the portion you intend to complete. The organisers and leaders will do their best to keep everyone safe, but they are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during this walk/tramp.
See you out out on the tracks!
Walk/Tramp Difficulty Gradings
- Easy: Walks up to 2 hours. Smooth, flat, or gentle undulating paths. May include small localized hills, short steep steps, or minor uneven ground . Zero stream crossings. Perfect for beginners or a light walk.
- Easy/Moderate: Good, well-marked tracks with modest hills or stair climbs and potential ankle-deep stream crossings.some tracks may have uneven footing & tree roots
- Moderate: Hikes up to 5 hours. May be tramping track standard with uneven footing, tree roots, mud, sustained climbs, knee-deep river crossings, or small fixed chains/ladders.
- Moderate/Hard: Long, physically demanding days with steep elevation, chains/ladders, or waist-deep river crossings. Trip leaders will check your prior experience before booking.
Hard: Full-day backcountry routes or unformed tracks with high elevation gains and technical terrain. Participants must be previously known to trip leaders.
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