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A fantastic way to see Northland is on foot, exploring one of many walking tracks. Hug a giant tree, take a sheltered leisurely bush walk, follow a coastal pathway or challenge yourself with a steep climb to pinnacles with views that take your breath away. Here are some of our favourite walks…
Te Paki Coastal Track
3-4 days / 48km one way
This stunning track follows the coastline from Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) on the North Eastern Coast, past Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) and Cape Maria van Dieman, and finishes at Te Paki Stream on the West Coast.
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AH Reed Kauri Park
Return from 10 minutes
This remnant of original kauri forest contains a waterfall, walking tracks and a spectacular tree-top boardwalk passing by 500 year old kauri trees.
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Hatea Loop & Sculpture Trail
1 hour
An easy access harbour-side walkway from the Whangārei Town Basin, through the city’s Sculpture and Heritage Trails, onto the dramatic Waka and Wave stone sculpture, and over the new footbridge.
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Mangawhai Clifftop Walkway
2-3 hours return
This beach and cliff-top walkway takes you through farmland and bush areas. Enjoy outstanding views of the Hen and Chicken Islands, down to the Hauraki Gulf including the Great/Little Barrier Islands.
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Mangonui Heritage Trail
1.5 hours
Beginning and ending at the historic Courthouse, this trail provides a glimpse of the great wealth of Māori and European history associated with the area (JBrew©).
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Boulder Valley Walk
1 hour
‘One of a kind, on the planet’ – The loop walk takes you around a unique valley of fluted basalt boulders, some up to 30m high and thought to be 2.8 million years old.
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Duke's Nose
2 hours
The Wairakau Stream Track follows the stream behind the hut towards the top of Duke’s Nose. Enjoy spectacular views of Whangaroa Harbour. Pre-arrange a water taxi to collect you and return you to your car.
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Tokatoka Peak
Return 40 minutes
The stunning 360 degree views from Tokatoka Peak near Dargaville make you feel like you’re on top of the world and the climb was well worth it (karliewillmot©).
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Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway
Return 8 hours
This full circle follows the coastline over beaches and bays across mangrove boardwalks and through areas of bush and wetland – includes ferry trips between Opua and Okiato.
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Kerikeri Walks
2-6 kilometres
Kerikeri's network of tracks form a series of bush walks that pass five waterfalls. The tracks are within the town and vary in length from 2 to 6 kilometres. They make an ideal family walking holiday or a walking weekend.
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Cape Brett Track
7-8 hours /16.5km each way
Beginning in Rawhiti, the track traverses rugged terrain for 16.5km through native bush ending below the lighthouse at Cape Brett Peninsula. Expect dramatic coastal views; steep cliffs and drop-offs. Pre-arranged water taxi options are available.
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Te Araroa Walking Trail
A 3,000 km-long scenic walking and tramping trail stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The trail is one of the world's longest! Down the coastline, through the forest, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, on green pathways and through seven cities. Read more
Department of Conservation
Best Short Walks
New Zealand-wide
From the far north to the deep south, through lush native bush, ancient forests and along rugged coastlines, these walks may be short but the memories will be long-lasting.
DoC Short Walks Download BrochureDepartment of Conservation – Most Popular Walks
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Bay of Islands
Akeake Historic Reserve Track 13-30 min one way Easy Flagstaff Hill Track 30 min Easy Hongi Hika Walk 1 hr Easy Kerikeri River Track 1 hr 30 min Easy Kororipo Pa Historic Walk 20 min Easy Motuarohia (Roberton) Island Track 15 min Easy Moturua Island Track 2.5 hr Easy Nancy Fladgate Track 15 min Easy Rainbow Falls Walk 10 min one way Easiest Ruapekapeka Pa Track 30 min Easy Tapeka Point Track 15 min one way Easy -
Top of the North
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua
Lighhouse Walk10 min Easiest Karikari Bay Walk 5 min Easiest Lake Ngatu Track 1 hr Easy Rarawa Beach Walk 20 min Easiest Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve Walk 40 min Easiest Te Paki Coastal Track 3-4 days Easy -
Kauri Coast & Hokianga
Four Sisters Walk 10 min one way Easiest Manginangina Kauri Walk 15 min Easiest Signal Station Track 1 hr Easiest Tane Mahuta Walk 5 min one way Easiest Te Matua Ngahere Walk 20 min one way Easiest Yakas Walk 40 min one way Easiest -
Whangārei & Tutukaka Coast
Otaika Valley Walk 2-3 hr one way Easy Peach Cove Track 3 hr return Easy Piroa Falls Track 10 min Easiest Smugglers Bay Loop Track 1 hr 30 min Easy Te Whara Track 5-6 hr Advanced Waipu Caves Track 1.5 hr return Easy