Events
Bay of Islands Walking Weekend: 9–11 October plans from Russell
The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend runs 9–11 October. Check walk grades, meeting points, transport inclusions and remaining booking options.
Updated 8 October 2026: Expanded the background, reader advice and ReGear’s perspective.
The Bay of Islands Walking Weekend is scheduled for 9–11 October 2026, with Russell as its base. The programme includes island trips, bush walks and outings that combine walking with local history or food.
Choose the walk before booking the weekend
Options listed by the organisers include Moturua Island by launch, an Urupukapuka Island loop and a new Te Wahapu bush walk. Check the individual booking page for availability, departure time, distance and what transport or food is included.
The event uses four grades, from easy formed paths to longer, rougher walks requiring high fitness. Choose for the least experienced person in your group.
Where to meet
The 2026 headquarters is Russell Bowling Club, 15 Church Street. Unless the individual walk says otherwise, walks start and finish there. Arrive in time for the briefing and check your booking’s instructions before travelling.
Pack for the whole outing
The organisers ask walkers to bring water, snacks, suitable walking footwear, a raincoat, sun protection and personal medication. Check whether lunch is included; if it is not, pack it. Dogs are not allowed on the event walks.
Use the current programme and booking links for final availability. Do not assume an island launch or private-land visit is available without the corresponding booking.
Choose for the experience, not just the distance
Our suggestion is to decide what you want from the day first: island scenery, bush, local stories or time with a group. Then compare the walking grade and the full outing time. A short walking distance can still sit inside a longer day with transport, briefings and stops.
Before confirming plans, make a simple check of your booking: meeting point, start time, expected finish, food inclusions and personal essentials. Ask the organiser if the description leaves you unsure about suitability. That is especially worthwhile when people in the same booking have different levels of experience.
ReGear’s take
A guided walking weekend is an opportunity to slow down and learn something about a place, rather than collect as many routes as possible. We would choose one outing that suits the whole group over a packed itinerary with little breathing room.
Familiar, comfortable footwear would be higher on our list than new equipment bought for the occasion. Pack for the waiting and transport as well as the walking, and keep the booking instructions handy. A little organisation beforehand leaves more attention for the landscape and the people sharing it.
Sources and photo credits
Information checked 8 October 2026.
Photo: Archive view of Russell, not the 2026 event. New Zealand - Russell, view from the Bay.jpg — Merlin. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized for display.
