The Breeze Walking Festival is back for 2015

The Breeze Walking Festival returns in 2015, putting a spring in the step of walkers from all Christchurch and beyond.

Running for the duration of the school holidays, Saturday 26 September - Saturday 10 October, the festival includes 37 free group walks. From child-friendly jaunts to a more energetic trek for the experienced walker, some include activities which cater for all interests and ages.

The walks take in areas within Christchurch city, the Port Hills, and parts of the Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts, including coastlines, forests, ridgelines, river ways, wetlands, gardens and city streets.

The 16 day festival is a chance to discover new places, learn more about old haunts, try fun activities, and above all to enjoy fresh air, spring sunshine and good company.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says The Breeze Walking Festival is social and will help Cantabrians be active.

“I'm pleased the Breeze Walking Festival will again allow people from all over Canterbury to get together and enjoy a wide variety of walks in our beautiful region with the guidance of local walking group leaders and regional park rangers," Mayor Dalziel says.

"Walking is an activity close to my heart, I walk around Hagley Park every Sunday. The benefits that walking brings to an individual’s wellbeing – both physical and mental – are well-documented. I encourage you to take part in this wonderful event.”

Some of the walks require booking so get in early. To find out more about the walks taking place and how to book visit walkingfestival.co.nz. Key walks include:

Walk by the River - Sunday, 27 September, 10am-1pm
On World River Day, discover the amazing transformation of the first Otakaro-Avon River first hand from the team helping to make it happen. Family friendly guided riverside walks depart on the hour. Exciting prizes to be won!

Christchurch 360 Trail Launch - Saturday, 3 October, 11am-12.30pm
A celebratory short walk discovering the wetlands. Dr Colin Meurk will continue on Sunday, walking the entire trail over the next 8 days. Details: christchurch360trail.org.nz

All Right? Amble - Sunday, 4 October, 11am-3pm
Part treasure hunt, part orienteering, this is a fun family walk with a difference. Pick up your map from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre before 2.30pm and scout out hidden delights. Collect a stamp at each point and return your map for a prize!

Pukeko Stomp - Wednesday, 7 October, 10.30am-12noon
Shake your tail feather as you skip, walk, hop and stomp your way around Travis Wetland to find Perky the Pukeko and friends. Enjoy storytelling and fruit kebabs along the way. A perfect outing for babies in buggies, young walkers and their families.

The Great Dog Walk - Saturday, 10 October, 9.30am-12.30pm
Whistle up your dog and head to Roto Kohatu Lakes to take part in a dedicated walk for our canine friends. Dogs must be on a lead and under control at all times.

ENDS

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