Press Release
Hibiscus Coast Hospice Hibiscus Coast Hospice Hibiscus Coast Hospice
For Immediate Release

Unusual overland trail opens again at Easter

One of New Zealand’s most unusual overland trails will once again be open during Easter weekend.

The three-day, 40km walk passes through forest, farmland and backcountry roads between Riverhead and Puhoi just north of Auckland.

This private trail is doubly unique in that it is a pilgrimage route connecting some of Rodney’s long established faith communities.

Starting at the Hare Krishna Temple in Riverhead, Journey to Remember visits the Karma Choeling Buddhist Monastery, the historic Wainui Church and ends at the famed church of Sts Peter & Paul in Puhoi.

Now in its third year, the three-day walk attracts a diverse range of people from experienced trampers seeking something different, through to people who are attracted by the idea of going on a pilgrimage.

Organiser Vincent Maire says Journey to Remember follows a route that is ordinarily closed off to the public.

“More than 20 landowners between Riverhead and Puhoi have opened their properties for this walk. The route is mostly over private land many with spectacular rural and coastal views.

”People need to be comfortable walking four to five hours a day over a range of terrain. Each day is different with some easier than others. The journey will especially appeal to people who are already keen walkers or have some tramping experience,” he says.

Mr Maire says the stop-over points help make Journey to Remember the unique walk that it is. “Each is different its own way and time is set aside to look, listen and explore.

“The Hare Krishna temple provides insights into this Eastern faith and the community’s hospitality extends to delicious food.

“The Tibetan Monastery is home to the largest statue of the Buddha in the Southern Hemisphere and a monk will spend time in the temple with us.

“The two churches are well over a hundred years old. People have the option of celebrating Easter Sunday in the tiny Wainui Church and at the end of the walk most pilgrims take time out in the Puhoi Church to reflect on their journey.”

Each day participants meet at a central point where there is safe and secure car parking. A bus takes everyone to the start of the walk, or meets everyone at the end of the walk and takes them back to the cars.

Accommodation can also be organised and ranges from sleeping marae-style in a school hall to upmarket B&B.

Journey to Remember is organised by Hibiscus Coast Hospice and the cost of the three-day walk is $150; however, participants can sign on for two days ($100) or one day ($50).

More information is at wwwhchospice.org.nz

ENDS

Frequently asked question about Journey to Remember

What is Journey to Remember?
Journey to Remember is a three-day, 40km pilgrimage trail from Riverhead to Puhoi. The trail goes over private land and visits the Hare Krishna temple in Riverhead, the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Wainui, the historic Wainui church and ends at the church of Sts Peter & Paul in Puhoi.

When is it held?
The event takes place over Friday to Sunday of Easter weekend. The dates for 2009 are April 10th to 12th.

Who organises Journey to Remember?
This fundraising event is organised by Hibiscus Coast Hospice and all proceeds go to supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in the region.

How much does it cost to go on Journey to Remember?
The cost of the three-day walk is $150; however, you can sign on for two days ($100) or one day ($50).

How fit do I have to be to go on Journey to Remember?
You need to be comfortable walking four to five hours a day over a range of terrain. Each day is different with some easier than others. The journey will especially appeal to people who are already keen walkers or have some tramping experience. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to participate in the walk.

What about car parking?
Each day pilgrims meet at a central point where there is safe and secure car parking. A bus takes everyone to the start of the walk, or meets everyone at the end of the walk and takes them back to the cars. Meeting places and meeting times are provided on registration.

What if I run out of puff or have bad blisters?
We have vehicles at various points along the route to assist the ‘walking wounded’.

What sort of gear do I need to take?
Essential items include tramping boots or good quality walking shoes, daypack, raincoat, sunhat, sun cream, First Aid kit and clothing to suit the conditions. A walking pole might also be of benefit. A gear list is in the registration pack.

What about food?
Bring your own lunch and plenty of water. We will provide refreshments at the end of each day’s walk.

What about toilet stops?
In an emergency find a bush. However, we will be stopping at places where there are loos. A small pack of wet wipes is worth bringing.

What about overnight accommodation?
Advise us of your preference when you complete the registration form. We will help find you accommodation that meets your needs and budget.

Do I have to walk each of the three days?
No, and the registration form has details on this. However, you must walk with the main group which means you can’t, for example, do Friday’s walk on Saturday or Sunday.

Are any of the days easier than the others?
Each day is different. Day one (13km) could be described as being medium, day two (10km) as relatively easy and day three (17km) is more challenging.

Are there any rules on the walk?
Yes! The most important one is to stay with the group. Most of the walk is over private land and farmers will not welcome stragglers. In fact, Journey to Remember only exists because of the generosity of more than 20 landowners.

What if I can’t stay with the group?
Generally everyone walks with like-minded and similarly paced people. We have a front marker and a rear marker and everyone must stay between these two people. No one is left behind. However, if you are particularly slow you will be asked to use the support vehicle.

What about safety?
We take walker safety very seriously. Everyone, without exception, is expected to follow the instructions of the leaders. No one is to leave the trail. A support vehicle is available for stragglers and the injured. If you are asked to help someone who is experiencing difficulties a refusal would not be in the spirit of a pilgrimage. Some of the walk is on country roads and pilgrims must take sensible precautions. There is one stretch of road on day two where everyone travels by bus. Anyone who flouts these sensible safety precautions endangers themselves, other pilgrims, the future of the event, and will be asked to leave.

What happens at the temples and churches we visit?
Each is uniquely different in its own way. Time is set aside to look, listen and explore. There is no proselytising and pilgrims are asked to show respect.

What if it rains? Since time immemorial pilgrims have travelled in all weathers. Journey to Remember pilgrims are no different and it would take a major weather event for the walk to be cancelled.

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