Take Action on Transport at Home


Private car use accounts for 25% of our carbon dioxide emissions in New Zealand, so making changes to how much you drive, how far you drive and the way you drive has the potential to make big changes to your ecological and carbon footprints. It might also save you money – In NZ transport makes up a large part of the average household budget – about 14% or $136 a week.

Walking or cycling short journeys instead of driving a car are simple ways to keep healthy and fit, save money and parking hassles. They are also easy to build into our daily routine.

One third of all trips made by cars in New Zealand are less than 2 kilometres, and two thirds are less than 6 kilometres. Waiheke is so small that this is probably true for most of the trips made on the island. These distances can easily be covered by cycle or foot and will be much a much cheaper way of getting there than driving.

Click here for more information about Waiheke’s walkways:



Cycling

 

Riding a bike uses renewable energy: your own! It’s a great way to keep fit and can be lots of fun. Consider cycling to work or going for bike rides with family or friends in the weekend. If you commute to the city it is free to take your bike on the Fullers ferries.

Cycle Action Waiheke campaign for making Waiheke a better place to bike and can be reached here http://can.org.nz/waiheke


Driving habits

 


The way we drive and care for our cars really affects how much fuel we use. By making a few small changes to your driving style and keeping your car well-tuned you can easily reduce your fuel bill. Using 20% less fuel over five years is like saving an entire year's worth of fuel - which means savings for you and good news for the planet.

  • Drive smoothly: Accelerate smoothly. Change gear early, but don't labour the engine. If you drive an automatic, switch overdrive on as this will keep the engine speed down.
  • Watch your speed: Reducing your speed by 10 km/hr can knock around 10% off your fuel consumption.
  • Look ahead: Look ahead, maintaining a safe following distance and you'll keep at a more constant speed. This uses less fuel than constantly accelerating and braking. 
  • Care for your car: Keeping your tyres at the right pressure saves fuel, as does regularly getting your wheel alignment corrected. Keeping you engine well tuned helps inprove your fuel economy. 
  • Watch your air conditioning: Only use air conditioning when you really need it - in older cars, running it uses around 10% more fuel.
  • Keep your load down: It sounds obvious, but a heavier vehicle uses more fuel. Leave heavy items from the boot at home when you're not using them.
  • Reduce Drag: Take roofracks or luggage boxes off your car when you aren't using them.
  • Limit idling time: If you are going to be stationary for more than 30 seconds, switch off your engine.

Waiheke Walking Festival


The island celebrates walking and our beautiful island with a nine-day festival of free guided walks.

Feature walks include: 

  • Coastal Classic - follows the route of the annual Coastal Classic race, this four-hour walk takes in the best of the rugged southern coastline. If you liked Sculpture on the Gulf you will love this. 
  • The Big Day Out - this stunning walk, with self-guided notes, is an eight-hour circumnavigation of the coastline around Oneroa. 
  • Big Bush Tramp - bush tramping in every sense. This route has big hills, narrow trails, no toilets but big trees, bellbirds and awesome views. Optional overnight camping. 
  • Nordic Walking, Green Prescription walks, children's story walk with international storyteller Tanya Batt.
  • The recently opened track from Awaawaroa to Passage Rock.

For more information contact go to www.waihekewalkingfestival.org