Celebrations and sunshine for 25th Rotorua Walking Festival

International and local walkers have hit the streets and trails of Rotorua to enjoy internationally accredited walks as part of the 25th Rotorua Walking Festival.

For Betty Simpson, from Taranaki, this was the 16th year in a row taking part and she was loving it.

"I haven't missed one since I first started," she said.

"It's a great weekend away and I really enjoy all the walking."

The Rotorua Daily Post caught up with Simpson on a 10km track this morning, which wound its way along the edge of the Redwood forest, along the Puarenga Stream.

It was a fantastic weekend for the 25th Rotorua Walking Festival. Photo / Ben Fraser

"There were lots of good bush walks on Saturday," she said.

"I love going through the Redwoods, these walks just have a nice, relaxed atmosphere."

The festival isn't about racing, it is a recreational and social event, focused on the health benefits of walking.

Simpson said she meets up with the same people every year, even those who come from overseas.

Organising committee chairman Deryck Shaw said it had been a fantastic weekend.

"The weather has been very good and we've had a really good group of walkers here."

Today the team celebrated the 25th birthday with a "huge birthday cake", he said.

"We've had really positive feedback and it's gone really well, all the way through from the mayoral welcome on Friday to all of our walks."