The Echo Walking Festival has stepped up its presence in the region with several new Western Bay of Plenty walking events.

The Echo Walking Festival is organised by town promoters with the aim of getting people enjoying the great outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the region and staying active.

There are 45 walks (grades one to five) and outdoor experiences across the region from Kaimai Range to the Coromandel.

New walks from Te Puna to Waihi Beach include:

-Sapphire Springs Nature Trail and Soak is one of the holiday park’s four walks in the surrounding native forest, followed by a soak in the pools.

-Aongatete Night Walk lets people discover the glow worms, weta and spiders (booked out).

-Aongatete Fungi Walk teaches people of fungi variants and its role in the ecosystem.

-Kauri Loop Track and Snack with nutritionist Ginny McArthur is a walk to the great kauri tree Tuahu followed by morning tea at The Arts Junction where Ginny will chat about nutrition for tramping.

-Waitekohekohe Kids Educational Walk is a walk heading to the watering hole looking at diverse tree species, pest control, the ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts.

-K`orero and Kai at Otawhiwhi Marae provides stories about kai, learning to cook traditional.

-Māori food, some hands-on cooking and tastings.

-Waihī Beach - Reservoir Loop and the Base of the Trig Track.

-Katikati – Aongatete Short Loop Track.

Festival change

One of the changes this year includes partnering with Flavours of Plenty for the K`orero and Kai event.

“This will be a fantastic addition to the festival, offering a rich cultural and culinary experience,” said marketing manager Hollie Jones.

Jone said this year, they’re making a big push to get younger people involved.

“Walking is fantastic for fitness, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing, and we want more people to experience the incredible tracks and landscapes we have right on our doorstep.

“You don’t need to worry about navigation, safety or missing hidden gems. Just turn up, enjoy the journey, and let experienced guides lead the way. It’s a fun, safe, and stress-free way to explore the area, making it perfect for families, solo walkers and groups.”

Many of the walks include educational elements and family-friendly activities, making it an affordable and unique way for families to do something new together, said Jones.

“The festival provides an opportunity to explore our incredible trails safely, guided by knowledgeable experts. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a walk for you.”

ECHO Walking Festival started in 2003. The festival core team includes festival includes Vicki Lambert, Jo Heath, Kylie Watkins, Max McLean, Jim Cowan, Doug Longdill, Gary Dwyer, Matt Nicholson and Ali Van der Heyden with many volunteer guides.

Other guided walks from Te Puna to Waihi Beach:

-Orokawa Trig Walk

-Wires Track Loop

-Dubbo 96 Track Loop Walk

-Homunga Bay to Waihī Beach

-Waihī Beach North End Mining History

-Discovery Mine and Orokawa Loop Track

-Te Kura a Maia

-Tuahu Track

-Katikati Mural Tour Walk

-Mayor Island (booked out)

-Sentinel Rock Walk

The details

What: Echo Walking Festival

Where: Events across the region

When: April 1-22

www.echowalkfest.org.nz