Echo Walking Festival Expands With New Trails and Cultural Events

The Echo Walking Festival is back with an expanded programme this year, adding several new Western Bay of Plenty walking events to its already impressive lineup. Spanning from the Kaimai Range to the Coromandel, the festival offers 45 walks and outdoor experiences graded one to five, catering for everyone from first-time strollers to seasoned trampers. New walks this year include the Sapphire Springs Nature Trail and Soak, an Aongatete Fungi Walk, a Kauri Loop Track visit with nutritionist Ginny McArthur, and a Waitekohekohe Kids Educational Walk, among others.

One of the notable changes for 2025 is a partnership with Flavours of Plenty for a Kōrero and Kai event at Otawhiwhi Marae, which will offer visitors stories about kai, the chance to learn traditional Māori cooking techniques, and hands-on tastings. Marketing manager Hollie Jones said this addition will bring a rich cultural and culinary dimension to the festival. Jones also noted a deliberate push this year to attract younger participants, emphasising the physical and mental health benefits of getting out on the trails.

Many of the walks are guided by knowledgeable experts and include educational elements and family-friendly activities, making them an accessible way for whānau to explore the region together. The festival was founded in 2003 and is organised by a core team of dedicated volunteers. The Echo Walking Festival runs from 1 to 22 April across the region, with more information available at echowalkkfest.org.nz.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).