The Breeze Walking Festival steps up this Saturday

The first-ever The Breeze Walking Festival gets underway on Saturday 29 September, connecting people and places in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs.Organised by the Christchurch City Council, the festival will include 22 free group walks over nine days, catering to people from all walks of life: from a child-friendly jaunt through Bottle Lake Forest to an energetic trek up the Port Hills to enjoy the views over Pegasus Bay. The walks spotlight Christchurch’s eastern suburbs, with many being led by local walking group leaders and designed to celebrate the sense of community that was tested by the recent earthquakes.Mayor Bob Parker says, "Group walks have really taken off these last few years: they do wonders for physical health, mental wellbeing and sense of belonging, and they’re cost-effective. All you need are your walking shoes and a spring in your step.

"The Breeze Walking Festival is designed to give all of these benefits. All of these walks take you on a guided tour of many of the gems that are still on offer in our eastern suburbs. Whether you’re a fan of beaches, local history, wildlife, socialising or keeping fit, there’s something for you."The Breeze Walking Festival will also include two free workshops, one for the general public covering shoe selection and correct gait and one for health and activity professionals who work primarily with seniors. All participants in the festival will go in the draw to win one of three prize packs courtesy ThermaTech and The Palms.

For a full schedule of walks and workshops, please visit www.walkingfestival.co.nz or phone 03 941 8999.