Walking Pilgramage On Easter Weekend

Press Release

For Immediate Release

More than 50 people are trekking New Zealand’s newest trail this Easter weekend.

One of New Zealand’s most unusual overland trails will 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 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 drawn 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,” he says.

Trekkers can opt to walk one, two or three days and buses are on hand to take the trekkers back to their vehicles at the end of each day. Accommodation can also be arranged for those who wish to stay in the area overnight.

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).

 ore information is at www.hchospice.org.nz

 
ENDS

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