Hikes on New Zealand's North Island
Say hiking in New Zealand and most people picture the South Island and its Great Walks. But the North Island has hikes that rank among the best in the country too: over active volcanoes, past crater lakes and along cliffs above the Pacific. Here's my pick, from day hikes to multi-day trips.
- Cape Brett – Northland 35.170° S, 174.330° E
- Rangitoto – a volcano in Auckland 36.787° S, 174.861° E
- Pinnacles – Coromandel 37.050° S, 175.680° E
- Mauao – Mount Maunganui 37.632° S, 176.172° E
- Lake Waikaremoana – a Great Walk 38.770° S, 177.100° E
- Tongariro Crossing – volcanoes and lakes 39.141° S, 175.581° E
- Pouakai Crossing – Taranaki 39.213° S, 174.018° E
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Length: 19.4 km · time: 6–8 h · difficulty: moderate to hard
New Zealand's most famous day hike. Volcanoes, steaming craters, the Emerald Lakes and a view of Mount Doom. In detail in the Desert Road and Tongariro.
The Pouakai Crossing
Length: 19 km · time: 7–9 h · difficulty: moderate
A hike along the flank of Mount Taranaki through rainforest, wetland and plateau to the Pouakai Tarns with the volcano's reflection. Maybe the island's best hike for photos. More in three days at Mount Taranaki.
The Pinnacles (Coromandel)
Length: 12 km return · time: 6–8 h · difficulty: moderate
The trail follows historic kauri loggers' tracks and ends on rock towers with a view over the whole peninsula. There's a big DOC hut on the route (Pinnacles Hut): a popular plan is to walk up in the afternoon, stay overnight and climb to the top for sunrise.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
Length: 3.5 km loop · time: 1 h · difficulty: easy
An extinct volcano above the beach at Mount Maunganui. A climb to the summit (232 m) and a loop around the base. My favourite morning outing when I was working on the kiwifruit harvest. Ideal for sunrise.
Rangitoto (Auckland)
Length: 7 km return · time: 2–3 h · difficulty: easy
Auckland's youngest volcano, an island 25 minutes by ferry from the centre. The path crosses black lava fields to the summit crater with a view of the city. More in Auckland.
The Cape Brett Track (Northland)
Length: 16 km one way · time: 6–8 h · difficulty: hard
A demanding hike along the ridge of a peninsula above the Bay of Islands to a lighthouse and a hut at the very end. The views of the Hole in the Rock arch and the ocean are amazing. You can come back by water taxi.
The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Length: 46 km · time: 3–4 days · difficulty: moderate
The only Great Walk on the North Island (apart from the Whanganui Journey on the water). Around a lake in the remote Te Urewera, sacred to the Tūhoe people. Rainforest, beaches and peace. The huts must be booked.
Tips for hiking in New Zealand
- Weather: it changes fast. Always carry a waterproof layer and warm clothes.
- Water: there's no water on the volcanic hikes (Tongariro): carry at least 2–3 litres.
- Tell someone: leave your route plan with someone close or through the Adventure Smart system.
- Boots: well-worn hiking boots; the ground is often stony and muddy.
- Watch out for Didymo: clean your boots between rivers so you don't spread the invasive alga.
More hikes are in New Zealand through a photographer's eyes and time to move to the South Island.
Faq
What's the best hike on the North Island?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most famous. For photos and peace, I recommend the Pouakai Crossing below Mount Taranaki.
Is there a Great Walk on the North Island?
Yes, the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk (46 km), and the Whanganui Journey, which is a canoe trip.
Do I need to book huts on the hikes?
On the Great Walks and some popular huts, yes. Most other huts are first come, first served.
