Take to the track walk

Following on the success of the Walk To Health campaign this spring, Whakatane District Council is, organising a walk on Sunday 9 December to Julian’s Berry Farm. The walk is to encourage the use of the old Mill railway track and walking as a means to visit some of our common places and destinations.


The walk dubbed “Take to the Track Prawn and Berry” is sponsored by Living Streets Aotearoa and supported by Eastern Bay Road Safety Committee, the ‘Awakeri Rail Trail Team’, Julian’s Berry Farm, Deli ca Sea, Transbay Coaches and Riteway Rigging. Living Streets Aotearoa, is a national Trust that encourages people to make their streets alive.


The walk starts at 10am from the Yacht Club (6kms) and for country people there is a start from Deli ca Sea car park at 10.30 (2.7kms), along the old rail track along side SH30. The walk ends at the Berry Farm for prize giving and some treats around 11.15.


Eastern Bay Road Safety Coordinator Maurice Tooke says those that can not make for the starting time either at the Yacht Club are encouraged to join the walk at the Rowing Club at 10.20am.


“The Council’s Chief Executive Diane Turner will lead the walk from the Yacht Club along the riverbank to the Rowing Club, then across the bridge footpath turning into the old cycle track (which runs along the river bank behind the Mill) onto Mill Road, onto SH30 verge to the Rail Track onto the Berry Farm”, says Mr Tooke.






A Temporary Traffic Management Plan will be in place on SH 30 warning traffic of pedestrians crossing just prior to Huna Rd. (Those coming from Deli ca Sea will cross here also). Transport, courtesy of Transbay Coaches, back to the setting off points will be available.


Mr Tooke says the walk provides an opportunity for people and their whanau/families to get together for an enjoyable activity that encompasses some of the great things the Whakatane has to offer - all without using a car.