Fancy spending a few hours – or perhaps a day – in New Zealand's Great Outdoors? Here's some ideas for enjoyable short walks in the North Island.

Ruapehu
Tongariro Crossing, Ruapehu

The Emerald Lakes of the Tongariro Crossing are spectacular.

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Ruapehu

Length: 19.4 km, 7-8 hours one way
Difficulty: Medium, two challenging inclines
Location: Starts at the end of Mangetepopo Road, Tūrangi

New Zealand’s greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km journey across a spectacular volcanic landscape. Experience bright turquoise crater lakes, alpine meadows, high volcanic peaks and stunning 360-degree views of the central plateau in this world-renowned hike. If you’re after something a bit shorter but still want to experience a similar landscape, there are easier hikes that leave from Whakapapa village.

Auckland
Rangitoto Island, Auckland

Walk to the summit of Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Summit, Auckland City

Length: 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy-medium
Location: Starts at Rangitoto Wharf, Auckland harbour

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland City when you climb to the summit of the dormant volcano island of Rangitoto. Dominating the Hauraki Golf with its conical peak, Rangitoto is an Auckland icon. This popular summit walk begins at Rangitoto Wharf and climbs through lava fields and forest to the island’s peak at 259m above sea level. The walk is easily accessible, with regular 25-minute ferries(opens in new window) leaving for Rangitoto Wharf from Auckland City's viaduct daily.

Northland & Bay of Islands
Cape Brett Lighthouse, Northland & Bay of Islands

The Cape Brett Lighthouse is at the end of the walk

Cape Brett Walkway, Northland

Length: 20 km, 8 hours one way
Difficulty: Difficult, hiking experience required
Location: Starts at Oki Bay in Rawhiti, Bay of Islands.

Winding through native bush and with vast ocean and island views, the Cape Brett Walkway is a challenging but rewarding coastal journey in the Bay of Islands. This iconic hike finishes at the old lighthouse, now a Department of Conservation Hut(opens in new window), where you can either stay overnight and walk back the next day or get a boat to pick you up once you complete the walk.

Wairarapa
Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa

The magical Putangirua Pinnacles

Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa

Length: 4.15 km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy - medium
Location: Aorangi Forest Park. Entrance off Cape Palliser Road.

Known simply as “The Pinnacles”, this walk  meanders through bush and takes you right into the Putangirua Pinnacles – large, crumbly rock stalagmites rising tens of metres into the air. The Pinnacles played a starring part in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, forming the backdrop for the eerie Army of the Dead scenes in The Return of the King. You’ll also enjoy excellent views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke as you look out towards the South Island. 

Coromandel
Coastal Walkway, Coromandel

Enjoying the Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Coromandel Coastal Walk, The Coromandel

Length: 10 km, 7 hours return
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Location: Northern Coromandel Peninsula, between Port Jackson and Port Charles

The Coromandel Coastal Track follows easy-grade farmland, meandering through coastal forest and offering panoramic views of the Coromandel Pinnacles, Great Barrier Island, Port Charles and Cuvier Island. The track is a walkway between Stony Bay campground and Fletcher Bay campground, so there are options for accommodation also.

Rotorua
Blue Lake Track, Rotorua

This easy walking loop circles Rotorua’s beautiful Blue Lake, taking in pristine beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest.

Blue Lake Track, Rotorua

Length: 5.4km, 1 hour 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Begins from Blue Lake campground

This easy walking loop circles Rotorua’s beautiful Blue Lake, taking in pristine beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest. High points in the loop provide great views over both Blue Lake and nearby Green Lake Rotokakahi. This is a great option for an easy and picturesque walk if you’re visiting Rotorua.

Auckland
Wenderholm Regional Park, Auckland

Only 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD, Wenderholm Regional Park is known for its long, tranquil beaches and shady pohutukawa trees.

Wenderholm Perimeter Track, North Auckland

Length: 4km, 2 ½ hours
Difficulty: Easy – medium
Location: Wenderholm Regional Park

Only 30 minutes’ drive from Auckland CBD, Wenderholm Regional Park is known for its long, tranquil beaches and shady pohutukawa trees. The Wenderholm Perimeter Track will reward walkers with long-range views up the Puhoi Valley and across the sea to islands across the Hauraki Gulf. When you visit, try to spot the rare North Island robin, and enjoy a swim at one of the pristine beaches to cool down.