The Breeze Walking Festival Hits Its Stride

The Breeze Walking Festival Hits Its Stride

Due to popular demand, The Breeze Walking Festival returns in 2013, putting a spring in the step of walkers from all over Christchurch and beyond.

Running from Friday 27 September – Sunday 6 October to coincide with the school holidays, the festival includes more than 30 free group walks over 10 days, catering to people from all walks of life: from child-friendly jaunts to more challenging treks for the experienced walker.

Mayor Bob Parker says The Breeze Walking Festival is social and inclusive.

“Last year, the inaugural Breeze Walking Festival was focused on Christchurch’s eastern suburbs and attracted participants from right across the city, so we’re expanding the 2013 festival citywide, with additional dates in Selwyn and Waimakariri,” he says. “With families relocating around the city and new residents arriving every day, this event is a great way to explore new communities and discover the options right on your doorstep.

“The benefits that walking brings to an individual’s wellbeing – both physical and mental – are well-documented. With the guidance of local walking group leaders and regional park rangers, walkers will be able to tour the hidden treasures in their community and learn their history, from beaches to ridgelines, from wetlands to city streets.”

A full schedule of events can be found at www.walkingfestival.co.nz. Key walks include:

All Right? Opening at Halswell Quarry

Celebrate the opening of the festival by taking part in a variety of walks at the picturesque Halswell Quarry on Christchurch’s outskirts. The official opening ceremony at 12.30pm will feature Libby from TV’s The Block, music, food and spot prizes. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, from Bear Hunts to Pukeko Stomps and a harder grunt up Kennedy’s Bush.

Walk ‘n’ Talk

The six Walk ‘n’ Talk sessions let you socialise and learn: the walks are in Woolston, Halswell, Beckenham, Papanui, Fendalton and along New Brighton beach, with opportunities to learn about the Heart Foundation, pick your ideal walking style with Active Health, enjoy the history of the Woolston Cut, ride a miniature train and tour the new high-performance facility at Jellie Park.

Gondola and Bridle Path

Catch a discounted $10 gondola ride to the top of Bridle Path and enjoy great views as you stroll along the Crater Rim, followed by a steep downhill walk. Children ride free of charge. Suitable for children over six.

Our Ever Evolving City by Foot

Reacquaint yourself with the Central City on a walk that reveals new hangouts, temporary community projects and guerrilla art. See how the Council is supporting vibrancy and colour in your city.

Walk for Wellbeing

The closing event is a gentle ramble around Christchurch’s leafy heart, Hagley Park with fun interactive stations allowing you to experience the five winning ways to wellbeing. Definitely an event to suit families looking for something a bit different to do on a Sunday.

For every walk you do, you can enter to win one of two ultimate walking packs from Stirling Sports. Tune into The Breeze 94.5FM or visit www.walkingfestival.co.nz for more details.

ENDS

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