​Through the course of this summer the Whangawehi Catchment Management group wants to open its gate’s to both the local and tourist community by offering a series of free guided walks through a piece of its unique environment. The group wants to update the community and share the progress made so far, as well as investigate the potential future for a walking track similar to the successful Banks Peninsula walkway in the south island over its own catchment.

The walk will start from the headwaters of the Whangawehi which takes in breath-taking views of Mahia Peninsula before heading down through stunning diverse forest. The guided walk will continue meandering down through a series of farms and end up at the river mouth of the Whangawehi stream. It’s approximately 15 kilometers long from start to end over private land which landowners have agreed to open for this special occasion. Along the way the guide will talk in-depth about the restoration project over the past two years including its latest blue penguin project and give an interpretation of the rich cultural sites and historic heritage of the catchment. Members of the group will have a display stall at the upcoming summer Mahia markets and will be holding a number of presentations at the Mokotahi Hall at Mahia beach promoting the work their doing and trying to develop stronger links and support from the community. All of these events will have discussions around a long term goal of starting a walking/mountain biking track through the catchment and being part of a wider New Zealand network of walking tracks and cultural experiences.