Best walks in New Zealand North Island
From volcanic plateaus to coastal trails, New Zealand’s North Island is packed with walks that serve up seriously epic views. We’ve rounded up some of the best walks, from quick weekend wanders to full-blown day hikes that are proof that you don’t need to travel far to find adventure.
1. The Pinnacles Track, Coromandel
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Distance: 12km
The Pinnacles Lookout is one of the most popular overnight walks in the North Island, albeit challenging. Located upriver from Thames, the walk follows an old packhorse trail constructed in the early 1900s and takes you through dense native forest and ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges in the Coromandel. While day 1 offers views of the east coast, on day 2, you can climb to the very top of the Pinnacles for spectacular 360-degree views of both coasts of the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, and the Hauraki Gulf and Plains.
2. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Distance: 20.2km
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing isn’t just popular; it’s iconic. The 20.2km trail cuts through volcanic landscapes (it’s as epic as it sounds): steaming craters straight out of a sci-fi movie, emerald lakes, and sweeping alpine views. The full-day hike is challenging but equally rewarding, with every step worth the ‘did-I-just-walk-on-Mars?’ moment.
A quick note: the weather can change drastically even in a day’s time, so hikers are advised to pack accordingly (think both bucket hats and warm layers).
3. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: 5km
Cathedral Cove is perhaps one of the most iconic and photographed walks in New Zealand’s North Island. Famed for its appearance in The Chronicles of Narnia, the Cathedral Cove feels like a storybook setting brought to life, with its dramatic archway framing the stunning beach and bright emerald waters. Set within the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, this stunning walk takes about 1.5 hours to complete and passes through native trees, cliff-tops overlooking the coastline, before finally descending as it nears the beach.
4. Pouākai Crossing, Taranaki
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 19km
Your one-stop adventure for some of the most breathtaking scenery Mount Egmont National Park has to offer, the Pouākai Crossing offers several routes to explore the dramatic landscape of the region, including an option to stay overnight at the Pouakai Hut. The one-day walk is a good teaser of the longer two- to three-day circuit, showcasing towering lava columns, red water at Kokowai Stream, and views of Taranaki Maunga.
5. Karioi Summit, Raglan
Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: 10km return
While Raglan is best known for its quaint cafes and surf spots, the Karioi Summit offers a wilder side to this coastal town. Combining rugged forest trails with ocean views, the hike is a steady (and sometimes steep) climb through farmland, native forest, and what sometimes feels like an obstacle course (you’ll spot chains installed to help you navigate gnarly tree roots). Proper hiking boots, a decent grip, and good fitness are non-negotiables, but the payoff is huge, with beautiful views from the summit.
After the climb, unwind with an overnight stay in a beautiful Raglan holiday home.
