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Northland

Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga, Northland

Too few tourists venture past the Cape Reinga lighthouse which is a pity; the track leading to Tapotupotu Bay is one of the finest coastal walks in the country. …

Distance
5km return
Time
4hrs
Grade
Easy

Te Whara Track, Northland

If Bream Head is pictured as a great dragon slumbering on its belly, walking the Te Whara Track is to traverse its spine from snout to tail. Te Whara…

Distance
7.5km return
Time
5-6hrs
Grade
Moderate

Pouto Lighthouse, Kaipara Head

The old lighthouse is hidden in high sandhills 7km down the beach, on the northern shore of Kaipara Harbour.  Set your face westward and begin the tramp from the…

Distance
14km return
Time
4-5hr return
Grade
Easy

Golden Stairs Track, Hokianga

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,…

Distance
5.6km to Tuapeke Point
Time
3hr return
Grade
Easy

Motutara Track, Motutara Recreation Reserve

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…

Distance
4.5km loop
Time
2hr
Grade
Easy

Matapouri Headland Track, Otito Scenic Reserve

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.…

Distance
3.61km
Time
1.5hr
Grade
Easy

Te Whara Track, Bream Head Scenic Reserve

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…

Distance
7.5km
Time
5.5hr (allow an extra hour if detouring to Peach Cove)
Grade
Easy/Moderate

Sandy Bay/Otangawhiti, Northland

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…

Distance
1.5-2.9km
Time
30-60min
Grade
Easy

Tapotupotu Bay, Cape Reinga

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…

Distance
3.7km
Time
3hr
Grade
Easy

Kerikeri River Track, Kerikeri

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…

Distance
4.78km
Time
2hr one way
Grade
Easy

Urupukapuka Island, Bay of Islands

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…

Distance
9.4km (including loop to Cable and Sunset Bay)
Time
5h
Grade
Easy

Kairara Rock (Dukes Nose), Northland

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…

Distance
5.23km
Time
5-6hr return
Grade
Moderate

Mt Aubrey and Reotahi Coastal walkways, Northland

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…

Distance
4.78km
Time
2hr
Grade
Easy

Tutukaka Lighthouse Track, Tutukaka

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…

Distance
1.15km to lighthouse
Time
90min return
Grade
Easy

Papakauri Stream, Russell Forest

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…

Distance
10.5km
Time
Four hours to Russell Road
Grade
Moderate

Mt Parihaka via Whangarei Falls, Whangarei

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…

Distance
7.34km one way
Time
4-5hr return
Grade
Easy

Marsden Cross Walk, Rangihoua Heritage Park

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…

Distance
1.01km
Time
80min return
Grade
Easy

Whananaki Walkway, Whananaki South

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...

Distance
9.44km one way
Time
2-3hr each way
Grade
Easy

Cape Brett Hut, Northland

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…

Distance
16.3km
Time
6-8hr to hut
Grade
Moderate

Taraire Ridge and Pukenui Loop tracks, Pukenui Forest

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…

Distance
10.3km
Time
4-5hr
Grade
Easy

Whangamumu Te Toroa Track loop, Cape Brett

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,…

Distance
12.4km
Time
5-6hr
Grade
Easy/Moderate

Te Paki Coastal Track, Cape Reinga

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…

Distance
45.2km
Time
Three days
Grade
Easy/Moderate

Peach Cove Hut, Bream Head Scenic Reserve

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…

Distance
5.55km
Time
5hr
Grade
Easy/Moderate

Manaia, Whangarei Heads

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…

Distance
1.57km
Time
2hr
Grade
Easy

Cape Brett Track, Northland

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…

Distance
27km return
Time
14-16hr
Grade
Easy/Moderate