Walkabout
Discover the magic of subtropical Northland by foot, where beautiful breathtaking bush, coastal walks, rivers, lakes, volcanic cones, caves and unique flora and fauna all await you!
Northland is a nature-lover’s paradise, from its sunswept golden beaches fringed by New Zealand’s own Christmas tree, the crimson-flowered Pohutukawa, to its ancient forests - home to our unique birdlife and some of our country’s oldest residents, the giant kauri trees.
But what many people don’t realise is that up here we also lay claim to some of the country’s most stunning walks amid some pretty spectacular scenery.
90 mile beach
We’re spoilt rotten in Northland, and we don’t mind admitting it. We have it all - mountains and hills to climb, lush native forests to explore, rivers and endless coastal tracks to follow, as well as some of the country’s richest historical sites to discover.
We’ve even got a 90-Mile Beach which, strangely enough, is only about 55 miles long, but who’s counting when you’re having fun?
And just imagine the freedom of exploring our land without the worry of poisonous spiders and snakes in the bush – or crocodiles along the riverbanks. So make the most of it - kick off your thongs and really feel the earth beneath your feet!
Northland is an oasis of ever-changing landscapes and what better way to get up close and personal with it than to plant your footprints on the land.
Enjoy the tranquil solitude of a stroll by yourself or join a guided group and immerse yourself in the magic of its natural beauty.
Cape Brett Track
If you’re an avid hiker, then a spectacular eight-hour tramp across seven peaks, through native forest and along dramatic cliffs on the Cape Brett Track will really get the heart pumping or a 3 hour walk will gets you to the Whangamumu whaling station.
Or if you prefer a gentler amble, then a 15-minute stroll through a mature stand of kauri and swamp forest on the Manginangina Kauri Walk should be just the ticket.
It’s amazing what you can miss from the comfort of a car; so take the time as you travel to head off the beaten track. After all you wouldn’t want to miss out on the picturesque Piroa Falls off SH1 south of the Brynderwyn Hills or the views from atop Ruapekapeka Pa, 16 km south of Kawakawa, the site of the last Northland land war between Ngapuhi warriors and the British.
Experience the majesty of the wild west coast with a 20-minute walk across sand dunes and low cliff at Baylys Beach, where you may even spot seals, dolphins or whales, or enjoy a one-hour return hike through stunning virgin native forest at Harrison’s Bush Scenic Reserve in Opua.
Bushman’s Friend
Better still, why not just go the whole nine yards and keep walking … along the 5.8km Opua to Paihia coastal walkway, rewarding yourself afterwards with a well-deserved cold beer on the Paihia foreshore!
Tune into our unique birdlife on a guided two-hour Adventure Puketi Rainforest Tour, where on twilight you can listen to the birdsong change from day to night calls and hey, if you’re really lucky, you may even spy, or hear, our national bird, the Kiwi.
Their Omahuta Sanctuary Night Tour is a good choice for those with limited mobility, its "drive-walk' excursion taking you on a magical experience into the subtropical rain forest on dusk.
Further up the coast, team up with Bushman’s Friend for a personalised 5½ hour guided bush walk-cum boat trip, following the beautiful Wairakau stream track and immersing you in the rich flora of Northland's native bush.
Mount Manaia
Spread your wings, climb a little and get a real feel for where you are with a bird’s eye view from atop Mount Manaia at the Whangarei Heads, which at 403 metres above sea level, is not for the faint-hearted.
Or for the real adventurous, trek across dunes, along idyllic beaches, over dramatic headlands and around swamps filled with birdlife and pasture on the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway - along the way experiencing a variety of beautiful and unique landforms offering spectacular views of the Cape region.
Cape Reinga is the northernmost point of New Zealand and is where the spirits of our loved ones are said to depart.
Learn of legends, gods and myths as the Maori guides from Footprints Waipoua take you on a spiritual journey through the beautiful Waipoua Forest by night, or explore the forest’s many trails and discover our country’s native birdlife and trees, including the giant kauris, on your own.
Experienced trampers can venture deeper into the forest, especially in the high plateau and ranges, but make sure you are well prepared. New Zealand bush is very dense in its natural state, and we don’t want you getting lost!
Leave only footprints
There are way too many treks, trails and hikes in Northland to mention, so be sure to stop off at any i-Site Information Centre and check the best ones to suit your holiday.
Our sun is strong here – even in winter - so no matter what time of the year it is, remember to wear a hat and slip slop slap with the sunblock!
If you do prefer walking alone, at least let someone know where you’re headed and when you’re due back. Take drinking water and light refreshments with you and for those contemplating full day or overnight tramps, well then the obvious rules of hiking apply – make sure you get all the information you need before heading off.
And remember, take only information, leave only footprints and remove only rubbish. We love Northland, and we want to ensure it stays beautiful so everyone else can enjoy it too.
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