Fancy spending a few hours – or perhaps a day – in New Zealand's Great Outdoors? Here's some ideas for enjoyable short walks in the North Island.
The Emerald Lakes of the Tongariro Crossing are spectacular.
Length: 19.4 km, 7-8 hours one way
Difficulty: Medium, two challenging inclines
Location: Starts at the end of Mangetepopo Road, Tūrangi
New Zealand’s greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km journey across a spectacular volcanic landscape. Experience bright turquoise crater lakes, alpine meadows, high volcanic peaks and stunning 360-degree views of the central plateau in this world-renowned hike. During the winter months this walk is only suitable for people with mountaineering skills. If you’re after something a bit shorter but still want to experience a similar landscape, there are easier hikes that leave from Whakapapa village.
Walk to the summit of Rangitoto Island
Length: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy-medium
Location: Starts at Rangitoto Wharf, Auckland harbour
Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland City when you climb to the summit of the dormant volcano island of Rangitoto. Dominating the Hauraki Golf with its conical peak, Rangitoto is an Auckland icon. This popular summit walk begins at Rangitoto Wharf and climbs through lava fields and forest to the island’s peak at 259m above sea level. The walk is easily accessible, with regular 25-minute ferries(opens in new window) leaving for Rangitoto Wharf from Auckland City's viaduct daily.
The Cape Brett Lighthouse is at the end of the walk
Length: 20 km, 8 hours one way
Difficulty: Difficult, hiking experience required
Location: Starts at Oki Bay in Rawhiti, Bay of Islands.
Winding through native bush and with vast ocean and island views, the Cape Brett Walkway is a challenging but rewarding coastal journey in the Bay of Islands. This iconic hike finishes at the old lighthouse, now a Department of Conservation Hut(opens in new window), where you can either stay overnight and walk back the next day or get a boat to pick you up once you complete the walk.
The magical Putangirua Pinnacles
Length: 4.15 km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy - medium
Location: Aorangi Forest Park. Entrance off Cape Palliser Road.
Known simply as “The Pinnacles”, this walk meanders through bush and takes you right into the Putangirua Pinnacles – large, crumbly rock stalagmites rising tens of metres into the air. The Pinnacles played a starring part in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, forming the backdrop for the eerie Army of the Dead scenes in The Return of the King. You’ll also enjoy excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke as you look out towards the South Island.
Enjoying the Coromandel Coastal Walkway
Length: 10 km, 7 hours return
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Location: Northern Coromandel Peninsula, between Port Jackson and Port Charles
The Coromandel Coastal Track follows easy-grade farmland, meandering through coastal forest and offering panoramic views of the Coromandel Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island, Port Charles and Cuvier Island. The track is a walkway between Stony Bay campground and Fletcher Bay campground, so there are options for accommodation also.
This easy walking loop circles Rotorua’s beautiful Blue Lake, taking in pristine beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest.
Length: 5.4km, 1 hour 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Begins from Blue Lake campground
This easy walking loop circles Rotorua’s beautiful Blue Lake, taking in pristine beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest. High points in the loop provide great views over both Blue Lake and nearby Green Lake Rotokakahi. This is a great option for an easy and picturesque walk if you’re visiting Rotorua.
Only 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD, Wenderholm Regional Park is known for its long, tranquil beaches and shady pohutukawa trees.
Length: 4km, 2 ½ hours
Difficulty: Easy – medium
Location: Wenderholm Regional Park
Only 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD, Wenderholm Regional Park is known for its long, tranquil beaches and shady pohutukawa trees. The Wenderholm Perimeter Track will reward walkers with long-range views up the Puhoi Valley and across the sea to islands across the Hauraki Gulf. When you visit, try to spot the rare North Island robin, and enjoy a swim at one of the pristine beaches to cool down.
