Country and city walkways

Press, 23 October 1984, Page 10

Country and city walkways

In most parts of New Zealand you are not far from a walking track. A network of more than 100 tracks has been established by the New Zealand Walkway Commission, in places ranging from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south. The tracks are easy to walk and are aimed at Ele of all ages. They are cularly suitable for ly groups. More adventurous trampers, fit enough to cope with hilly conditions and equipped for overnight stays, are catered for with more difficult tracks, but the walkways are intended

for easy day walks. The variety of countryside covered by walkways includes town areas, farmland, the seaside, and native and exotic forests. Many of the walks border lakes, streams and the sea, or feature a view of these. It is necessay to travel by car to get to the start of some walks, but public transport is available for many. Canterbury is well endowed with walkways, and more are being carved out of the countryside. Christchurch residents can escape to peaceful farmland on the Waimairi Walkway, which is only 7km

from central Christchurch. The walk starts at the Groynes picnic area near Belfast. It folllows the south branch of the Waimakariri River and passes through farmland. Rows of tall popular trees and several large gum trees are a feature of the walk.

Many ducks can be seen at the Groynes and on the adjacent river, including Mallard, paradise, grey teal, brown teal and New Zealand scaup. Finches, swallows and fantails live in the trees along the walkway.