Looking for some ideas for the school holidays and Matariki? Or do you feel like you need a little mental reset or 'me time'?
DOC rangers in the Canterbury region have revealed their favourite winter walking spots.
The criteria were sun and/or views, dryness of the track, not too challenging and not too far away from Christchurch.
The number one spot goes to Awaroa/Godley Head. This track gets the nod for winter sunshine and warmth, views, proximity to Christchurch, and being an easy walking track. There are also new murals featuring World War II personnel by street artist Wongi Wilson on buildings which are next to the Awaroa/Godley Head gun emplacement.
DOC ranger Craig Alexander says many people in Christchurch don't know about this walk or haven't done it yet.
"I'd love to see more people do the Awaroa/Godley Head walk. There's just so much to see – the wildlife, marine species and the military history aspect of the area and if it's a sunny winter day, it's warm," he says.
Rangers from the North Canterbury DOC office picked Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill, Bealey Spur near Arthur's Pass, and Te Tautea o Hinekakai/Devils Punchbowl.
DOC staff member Lily Toulson, 25, says getting out at this time of year is important for her, physically and mentally.
"Being Māori, I love getting out for a hīkoi in the fresh air and sun, and I love listening to the manu/birds. It uplifts my wairua/spirit and helps with my hinengaro/mental wellbeing.
"In North Canterbury we are lucky to have so many wonderful spots. One of my favourites is Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill. It has amazing sun and is a fabulous winter walk and a beautiful whakapapa to Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
"My other favourite is Te Tautea o Hinekakai/Devils Punchbowl. It doesn't get winter sun, but the track is pretty dry and the sound of the manu is incredible especially around the waterfall."
Lily says that for her age group, watching reels of beautiful places in Aotearoa is often what they know of walks, but she says the challenge is to get out and actually do it.
"Watching stuff on your phone is one thing, but we should go out and makes the reels, real. We all need less 'head noise' and less time on our phones. You notice the difference massively when you leave that behind, go out naturing and experience these special places in person."
A little further south, DOC Operations Manager Tony Preston, based in Geraldine, says his number one winter walk is Mount Sunday.
"The views are incredible, even while driving in. You feel like you're on top of the world, and, of course, it's a great walk to do on a Sunday," he says.
