Mark your calendars for 14–23 November as the Walking Festival returns for its fifth year.
Participants are invited to discover the region’s varied landscapes and rich heritage through a curated programme of guided walks. From coastal panoramas and regenerating forests to working farmland and historic townships, participants will have the opportunity to encounter native flora and fauna, explore active farms, learn from local experts, and enjoy experiences that celebrate the region’s food, wine, and rich stories.
The festival is grounded in the principles of ako, hōpara, and hono – learning, exploring, and connecting. Each walk is designed to reflect these values, developing a deeper appreciation of local ecosystems, cultural and historical narratives, and community connections. Thanks to the commitment of a dedicated team of volunteers, the majority of walks are free of charge, though advance registration is required.
With more than 25 walks on offer, the programme caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. From big adventures to gentle strolls, there’s something for everyone. Keen to try your first overnight tramp? The Waiohine Gorge to Holdsworth Lodge walk is a perfect introduction, complete with a suspension bridge, riverside tracks, and a night at Tōtara Flats Hut. If you’d rather keep things easy, the Greytown Rail Trail offers a flat, family-friendly wander along a former railway line, while Donnelly Flat invites you to slow down under towering podocarp trees, listen for native birds, and learn how volunteers are restoring the forest through pest control.
It’s not just about the landscapes, though – it’s about the stories too. At Papawai Marae, you’ll hear about its role in Māori political history, while at the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve you can stand beneath a sky full of stars and have the constellations pointed out to you. For a taste of the good life, the Gladstone Wine & Olive Walk pairs vineyard and olive grove strolls with tastings and treats. And down by Lake Wairarapa, freshwater ecologist Dr Katie Brasell leads a gentle walk that shares how local kaitiaki are working to bring life back to this precious part of the region.
Booking your tickets
The Wairarapa Walking Festival is sponsored by Tranzit Coachlines, Masterton Foot Clinic, Masterton Shoe Clinic, Carterton District Council, Masterton District Council, South Wairarapa District Council, and Living Streets Aotearoa.
Search “Wairarapa Walking Festival” on EventFinda to book your spot! Tickets available from 1st September.
Follow us on www.facebook.com wairarapawalkingfestival
