News and Notices

Walking Festival Coming to Nelson in October - 'Step into Spring' Seeking Community Organisers


Step into Spring is a new initiative which promotes the benefits of walking on wellbeing, with a festival held in October 2022 across Nelson and Tasman.

Step into Spring 2022

A diverse range of locally organised activities hosted by community groups, organisations and individuals will make up the festival, providing an opportunity for people to connect with each other and the environment.


Did you know?...

Studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb chocolate cravings and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations?
Or that a study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less! And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder?


Long story short: walking is great for the body and mind, great for community connection and given the increase in the cost of living, great for the budget too.


We would love to provide the opportunity for as many Community Groups to run their own events under the Step into Spring banner. We are seeking Expressions of Interest from passionate Community Partners who would like to host an event or activity. An activity/programme doesn’t need to be primarily a walking event, as long as it has a walking component to it.


Some ideas:

  • An organised walk to a rugby match
  • A heritage walk around important locations within your area
  • A beach clean-up
  • A neighbourhood walk
  • A guided nature walk


Community-led events will be promoted and supported under the Step into Spring umbrella. While organisers will take ownership of their own events, Step into Spring will provide a framework and will support event organisers with promotional support.

Step into Spring is a new initiative led by the Health Action Trust, Top of the South Neighbourhood Support, Te Whatu Ora - Nelson Marlborough and both Nelson and Tasman Councils. The festival will take place annually and is a part of a long-term strategy to get people connecting and moving more. Offering guided walks will increase the confidence of the community to start exploring our region, whilst creating meaningful connections.

If you'd like to be involved, we'd love for you to be involved, please reach out via the appropriate form below, we are excited to hear from you:


If you're interested in hosting an activity/programme:

Fill out the Application Form

If you're interested in being involved, but not completely sure how:

Fill out the Expression of Interest Form