Motueka 50 Plus Walking Group is proving age is no barrier to adventure, with members exploring some of the Nelson Tasman region's most scenic landscapes while building lasting friendships.
The group offers weekly walks for all fitness levels, with three walking grades: Walk 3 (easy), Walk 2 (moderate) and Walk 1 (more challenging). It also has an Estuarian Group, whose members enjoy a weekly stroll around the Motueka Estuary followed by a social catch-up at the Coastal Café. Some of the walkers are more than 90 years old.
Drawing on the region's natural playground, the group organises Thursday day walks across Nelson/Tasman, including destinations such as Mt Arthur, Mt Melita, Mt Robert, Mt Campbell, Rabbit Island, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman, Golden Bay and the Richmond Hills.
Founded in the 1980s, the club was established for locals who enjoy walking through diverse and beautiful landscapes. Decades later, it continues to provide a safe, challenging, and social environment for walkers aged 50 and older.
The group now operates with a dedicated team of volunteer coordinators who manage the club and hold quarterly meetings for members. Volunteer map makers and walk planners also play a vital role in keeping the organisation running smoothly.
Tony and Vivienne Pearson joined the group more than 20 years ago and have served in a range of voluntary roles, including chairperson, walks committee chairperson, secretary and walks organiser. Both recently celebrated their 80th birthdays and remain actively involved in both walking and organisational duties.
“Joining the club in 2005, we started out with the fastest group, enjoying many of the most challenging routes. Now with the passage of time, we are happy to do less strenuous walks at a slower pace, stop to rest, take photographs and socialise. Throughout our time, as members, we have made lifelong friends and enjoyed many club social events organised both by us and others, as well as walking in great company.”
Jools Burbery-Turner joined the Motueka 50 Plus Walking Group last year and quickly embraced the more challenging walks.
“Joining the hiking group has helped me share the joy of the outdoors and build friendships with fellow adventurers. I have met many interesting people. I love the challenge of a good hill climb to get the heart pumping.
“To quote Sir Edmund Hillary: ‘It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.’”
People interested in learning more about the group can visit www.motueka50pluswalkers.org.nz or email secretary50pluswalkers@gmail.com.
