About the Event

Cure Kids’ Walk on the Wild Side is a fun yet challenging walk, where teams and individuals walk or run a 17km course along the spectacular coastline of the West Coast of Auckland.

In its second year, competitors in this stunning event navigate a loop track beginning and ending at Bethells Beach, crossing private farmland, skirting marshland and showcasing the dramatic scenery of this area of NZ.

We would love you to join us! Whether you’re an individual or part of a team; a fitness fanatic or a novice at all things outdoors, this is a fantastic opportunity to get off the couch and welcome spring. You’ll also be a part of something special, making a difference for children who live with a life-threatening illness.

Teams are invited to dress up and get into the spirit of the occasion, and to join all other competitors at our finish-line lunch and prize giving celebration.

Event Categories

There are three event categories, a 17km Walk, a 17km Run, and a 5km Walk.

17km Walk/Run: This course is a physical challenge, getting off the beaten track, heading up hill and down dale. We encourage competitors to take advantage of the 6 week training programme, and practical training seminar offered (see more info here).

5km Walk: This shorter course is designed for those who feel the 17km is a little too far this year! An equally spectacular course, the 5km short-cuts the beginning of the longer course but loops back to catch the most dramatic scenery along the coastline.

Event Entry

Entry fees start at $75 (plus GST) per person. There is also an additional $300 fundraising target per person.

Included in registration is access to an optional 6 week training programme, and the opportunity to attend a practical training session.

For more information on costs and the training session, please click here.

The Course

The 17km off-road course is based at Bethells Beach in the Waitakere Ranges and features exclusive access to three beautiful private properties over a circuit, including the spectacular Te Henga Walkway coastline track, a superb section of the Hillary Trail.

The course starts at the Bethells Beach Reserve and follows a route through farmland and pockets of native bush, skirting the region’s largest wetland and climbing 207 metres to the clifftops above the dramatic coastline south of Muriwai. The return section contours above the exposed volcanic coastline, revealing glorious views to the south as far as Whatipu, before returning to Bethells Beach.

Walkers can expect to complete the course in around five to six hours and there is a run category for those in a hurry. There is also an alternative 5km walk course for people wanting to take an introductory step into fitness and the wilderness.

The course will be marked throughout and monitored by our volunteer officials from Land Search & Rescue. An Aid Station including St John first response services will be established half-way through the course.

Leave only Footprints

The Waitakere Ranges is an outstanding natural environment that complements our event superbly. In return the area deserves our respect and protection. “Walk on the Wild Side” is committed to leaving only footprints and has developed a zero impact event programme. Initiatives include individual responsibility for any potential rubbish on the day, provision for toilets on course, advocating car-pooling for participants and the provision of bus transport. We seek all participants’ support of this programme.

Don’t forget – it’s all about the Kids!