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The Breeze Walking Festival is back for 2016, and it’s bigger than ever before.

With over 50 walks, the festival has almost doubled in size and has something for all ages and abilities. From child-friendly strolls to a more energetic trek for the physically fit, The Breeze Walking Festival caters for all – including our four-legged friends.

From Saturday 24 September to Sunday 9 October, walkers from Christchurch and beyond can experience the pleasure and benefits of walking around familiar haunts and hidden havens.

The walks take in areas within Christchurch City, the Port Hills, and parts of the Waimakariri and Selwyn districts, including coastlines, forests, ridgelines, river ways, wetlands, gardens and city streets.

The 16-day festival is a chance to discover new places, learn more about old hangouts, try fun activities and, above, all enjoy some fresh air, spring sunshine and good company.

Mary Richardson, Christchurch City Council General Manager Customer & Community, says it’s great to see The Breeze Walking Festival’s growth shows Cantabrians are enthusiastic about being active.

“The Breeze Walking Festival is a great opportunity for people to get outside, explore our beautiful region and connect with others, Richardson says.

Some of the walks require booking, so people are encouraged to get in early. To find out more about the walks and how to book, visit walkingfestival.co.nz.

Key walks include:
Walk by the River – Sat 24 Sept, 11am and12noon
Celebrating World Rivers Day, discover first-hand the amazing transformation of the first
Ōtākaro-Avon River first hand from the team helping to make it happen. Family-friendly guided riverside walks depart on the hour.

Gruffalo Explorers Wild Wednesday –  Wed 28 Sept, 9.30am–12.30pm
Join Mouse as he explores the deep, dark woods to meet his friends, including Snake, Fox, Owl, a few special New Zealand species and the Gruffalo! Enjoy storytelling, some special Gruffalo activities, and then finish off the afternoon by taking part in hut-building. A great day out for babies in buggies, young walkers or the whole family at Bottle Lake Forest.

Christchurch 360 Trail – Fri 30 Sept, 9.15am– 5pm
Complete the entire Christchurch 360 Trail with Dr Colin Meurk over eight days. Navigate wetlands, coastal dunes, suburban streams, braided rivers, forests, hills and more. This is a rare opportunity to be guided by an expert ecologist through natural and cultural heritage.

Details: christchurch360trail.org.nz. Limited spaces available. Bookings essential.

All Right? Amble – Sun 2 Oct, 10am–2pm
Part treasure-hunt, part orienteering, this is a fun family walk with a difference. Pick up your map from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre before 1.30pm and scout out hidden delights. Collect a stamp at each point and return your map for a prize!
Pukeko Stomp – Wed 5 Oct, 10am–1pm
Shake your tail feather as you skip, walk, hop and stomp your way around Travis Wetland to find Perky the Pukeko and friends. Enjoy storytelling and fruit kebabs along the way. A perfect outing for babies in buggies, young walkers and their families.

The Great Dog Walk – Saturday 8 Oct, 10am–12.30pm
Whistle up your dog and head to Roto Kohatu Lakes to take part in a dedicated walk for our canine family. Spot prizes for fancy dress, friendliest, smallest and largest dog. Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.

Tags: christchurch, walk