Time to ditch the jandals and get your feet into some walking shoes again – it’s the return of the Walking Festival! Coordinated by the Christchurch City Council in partnership with 30 host groups, the festival offers over 55 walks across Ōtautahi, Selwyn and Waimakariri from Saturday 8 April to Sunday 23 April.

Want to explore our emerging cityscape? The Urban Play Walk is for you. New Brighton’s dunescapes more to your liking? Love Your Dunes is the one for you. There’s a walk celebrating Christchurch’s links with Antarctica, walks specially designed for kids and family groups, hard hikes, easy strolls and foraging wanders. Fur babies get to join in the fun on a dogs’ day out in the Red Zone.

So whether you’re a fan of local history, of getting out into nature, socialising or pushing yourself to get that awesome view, there’s something for all ages and abilities.

Walking is an ideal form of exercise, with or without a festival for motivation. It’s good for the heart, good for the soul and is a great way to make new friends. There are heaps of walking groups in Canterbury. Pop into your local library or service centre to pick up a Christchurch Walking Groups booklet.

To find out more about the Walking Festival programme, download a Walking Festival booklet or pick up a copy from your local library or recreation and sport centre.