The 5th annual Manawatu Walking Festival will be held in Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu region, from the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges, to the sea.

The festival brings together locals and visitors from around New Zealand to experience the stunning and scenic walks in the region, while learning from local experts who run the guided walks.

Hosting this year’s festival is a range of experts from experienced tramping guides, historians, conservationists, story-tellers and photographers. There are walks for all ages and fitness levels, with plenty of options to choose from including the iconic Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge Track through native bush, a twilight beach walk that ends with a feast of fish n’ chips and an urban art and sculpture walk, if you’re after a dose of city culture.

Pick and choose from the selection of guided walks that are hosted throughout the three-day festival.

Friday, 1 March

Twilight beach walk – Himatangi Beach to Foxton Beach

Saturday, 2 March

Totara Reserve fern walk
The Tawa Loop walk – Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge
River, native bush and views with Manawatu Striders
The Pohangina Experience walks
Manawatu River pathway
Sculpture walk with Te Manawa
Tara-Mana Tararua crossing

Sunday, 3 March

Oroua – Tunipo tramp
Ridge Top farm walk
Tara-Mana Tararua crossing
Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge walk

Bookings are essential. For tickets and information on walk durations, start times, transport and space available, please visit www.mwf.org.nz/

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