Q: Can I register for the walks on the day?
A: Yes and No - see as follows.

International Walks - Yes you can register at Neil Hunt Park on the day but please arrive about 30 mins before the start time of the walk you wish to enter to allow time to complete your registration and attend the pre-start safety briefing.
Rotary Guided Lakes Walks - Sorry NO. Registrations for these walks (No.'s 31 & 32) close Saturday 13 March. Registrations close early since lunches have to be pre-ordered and coach transport to and from the beginning and end of the routes has to be pre-arranged. Your transport will leave from and return you to Neil Hunt Park H/Q.
Festival Walks - Yes & No - Please refer to the list of Festival Events. Where prior registration is not necessary it would be appreciated if you would advise (if possible) the particular walk contact in advance.

The following apply mosly to the International Walks

Q: How far away is Neil Hunt Park H/Q?
A: It’s 2.5kms - 3.5kms approx from most accommodation properties and 3.5kms from the central city

Q: Start times - Do I have to start at the scheduled times?
A: Yes - we use mass starts for each route because the route markings and station marshals are temporary and arranged separately for each start time and will not be in place to guide you if you were to start earlier or later than the scheduled time for the route.

Q: Safety Briefings - Why do I need to attend the pre-start race briefings?
A: It is a condition of our use of the private forests that we carry out a briefing for each route. Some routes go through very active geothermal areas that will be a new experience for some and are a specific safety hazard for everyone.

Q: Route Change - Can I change my route after I have entered?
A: Definitely. We do not record the route participants wish to walk. However if you do change your plans remember to check the appropriate start time.

Q: Parking - Where can I park my car?
A: Plenty of parking is available close to the H/Q. The parking lots by the Neil Hunt Park playing fields or near the clubrooms (very limited) or on the nearby streets.

Q: Children - Are children under 15 allowed to enter?
A: Definately, however all children under 15 must be accompanied and supervised by an Adult.

Q: Pushchairs - Can I take a pushchair?
A: The Saturday routes are on mostly well formed but at times uneven tracks and include a short section of steps. Many people with the outdoor type of buggy participate regularly without difficulty. On a difficult section the child and buggy are simply carried separately over the traverse. The Sunday routes are all on street side quality pavement.

Q: Wheelchairs - Can I take a wheelchair?
A: In general the Saturday routes are not suitable for wheelchairs. See also comments above.

Q: Dogs - Can I take a dog with me on the walks?
A: Definitely - The routes are classed as public areas where normal dog control rules apply and that require the dog to be on a leash and under full control at all times.

Q: Food & Drink - Where can I get something to eat?
A: Snack food and beverages (including alcohol) are available on site at the Dutch Club. There is also a lunch bar/bakery and a coffee bar on Tarawera Road adjacent to Neil Hunt Park.

Q: Taxis - Where can I get a taxi to go back to my accommodation?
A: Ask a Rotarian (wearing a yellow cap) to phone a cab for you.

Q: IML Routes - Which routes qualify for IML awards?
A: To qualify for IML stamps you need to complete 20km or better on both days (10km if you are aged 70 or older).

Q: IVV Routes - Which routes qualify for IVV stamps?
A: All of them.

Q: Currency - Can I pay with overseas currency?
A: Sorry our payment system only accepts New Zealand currency.

Q: Accommodation in Rotorua - Can you recommend a place to stay?
A: Hotel - Distinction Rotorua Hotel in Fenton/Sala Street 2-3 Kms from the city (o’seas walkers stay there) or try Sudima Hotel in Eruera Street in the city (walkers stay there too). Both hotels are 2.5 Kms approx from Neil Hunt Park.
Motel (self catering) – Motel Santa Maria in Te Ngae Road (walkers use this one too) and only 400 metres from Neil Hunt Park or Redwood Holiday Park in Tarawera Road directly opposite Neil Hunt Park.
Backpacker - Hot Rocks in Arawa St, Kiwi Paka in Tarewa Rd. Rotorua is not a large city so any where in town is handy to restaurants etc and walkable (2.5-3.5KMs) to Neil Hunt Park and in any case taxis are cheap. In addition we suggest you go to our city tourist office website for more information. www.rotoruaNZ.com

Q: Travel to Rotorua - What’s the best way to get to Rotorua from Auckland International Airport?
A: We suggest you travel by rental car or take a bus and see more of our green and beautiful country. You may like to include some sightseeing on the way e.g. Waitomo Caves. Enquire at the information centre at the Airport.

Q: Touring NZ - Can you help our group from overseas to arrange a tour in NZ?
A: Certainly. We have an experienced voluntary tour organiser able to assist. Just contact us.

Q: Who organises the Walking Festival?
A: The festival is an annual project organised for the community by the Rotary Club of Rotorua West with considerable help from many volunteers and supporters and the Rotorua event industry.