The Golden Stairs Track is named for the mass of yellow flowers that gild the kowhai trees on the sheltered hillsides of Whangape Harbour. Pawarenga Road, narrow and unsealed,…
Leading to a secluded beach on a headland with incredible coastal views, the Motutara Track is an excellent outing from the holiday hotspot of Whananaki. The start of the…
The pohutukawa trees spill down onto a crescent-shaped beach that is only accessible on foot. It’s Whale Bay, deservedly recognised as one of the best beaches in the country.…
The rock pillar of the Te Whara summit rises a near-vertical 476m above the sea. From this sheer vantage point, you get some of the best coastal views in…
Accessible from Cape Reinga or Tapotupotu Bay, Sandy Bay is a small, deeply set cove nestled in a valley of bristly native bush. It’s known for its itchy whale…
Beginning at Spirits Bay on the north-eastern coast, the 48km Te Paki Coastal Track passes through Tapotupotu Bay and leads on around Cape Reinga to finish at the giant…
For a relatively short walk, the Kerikeri River Track has a lot to offer, including waterfalls and historic sites. We started at the car park on Rainbow Falls Road…
The holiday begins before the ferry grinds to a halt at Otehei Bay wharf, scattering stingrays on its approach. Deeply set in its headlands, the gorgeous bay is a…
One of the north’s best kept secrets, Duke’s Nose offers royal views of Whangaroa Harbour for the price of a 5-6 hour return slog. Reached only by a near…
Two for the price of one There are several easily accessible walks along the Whangarei Heads and Ocean Beach roads, which run along the north side of the Whangarei…
A part-time island The Tutukaka coast has been described in National Geographic as one of the top-rated coastlines in the world, and one of the best spots to view…
The Papakauri Stream provides a four hour route through Russell Forest, as part of the Te Araroa Trail. The trail starts at the end of Waikare Valley Road and…
A walk full of high points… It is easy to bypass towns when looking for a good walk, but this one starts just a few minutes’ drive from the centre…
A walk through time ON CHRISTMAS DAY just over 200 years ago, Māori joined European missionary settlers to celebrate the first Christian service in New Zealand. At Rangihoua Bay…
The longest footbridge There is always added value or unforeseen reward when you hike a track that comprises part of the Te Araroa Trail. The Whananaki Walkway connecting the picturesque...
With its dramatic views, wind-swept cliffs, and rugged tracks, Cape Brett Peninsula is an escapist’s dream tramp. Or, for a group of nine-to-fivers from Auckland, it’s the perfect getaway…
Pukenui is a beautiful but under-utilised broadleaf forest, with perfect picnic spots by meandering streams. It’s a cool place to be on a roasting Northland day, but is accessible…
This track makes for an ideal short break: three days will cover the 48km and the Waitiki Landing Backpackers complex offers a shuttle service and car storage. The trail…
Cape Brett may be the jewel in the crown of Bay of Islands walks, but there are equally rewarding day trips in the vicinity. Crossing a stile onto farmland,…
The winding road to the reserve keeps most away, leaving those who make the journey with miles of rugged coastline and numerous beaches ranging from the easily accessible to…
Bream Head is one of those places that captures the imagination. The headland rises steeply out of the waters at the end of Bream Bay and cuts a jagged…
Manaia is an impressive-looking hill. Its numerous ‘turrets’ at the summit give it a castle-like quality and the sheer drop on the southern side looks imposing from the car…
A great option for a long weekend trip away – an easy-to-follow track that winds it way along the spine of the peninsula before dropping down into the scenic…