Walking Journeys

Northland walks

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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…

More on Te Paki Coastal Track
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. Read more

More on AH Reed Kauri Park
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. Read more

More on Hatea Loop & Sculpture Trail
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. Read more

More on Mangawhai Clifftop Walkway
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. Read more

More on Mt Manaia
Mt Manaia

3 hours return
Start with a steady climb then a steep gradient on a track through native bush to the summit, 403 metres above sea level, with spectacular views over one of the most dramatic harbour entrances in NZ. Read more

More on Mangonui Heritage Trail
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©). Read more

More on Boulder Valley Walk
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. Read more

More on Duke's Nose
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. Read more

More on Tokatoka Peak
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©).
Read more

More on Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway
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. Read more

More on Cape Brett Track
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. Read more

More on Te Araroa Walking Trail
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 Brochure

Department of Conservation – Most Popular Walks

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