the-best-day-walks-in-the-north-island-new-zealand

The 10 best day hikes in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path)

Last updated on September 10th, 2026 at 03:59 pm

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I’m sharing my personal list of NZ North Island day hikes with you! As you probably know, I love to hike and have done hundreds of hikes in NZ.

There are soooo many fabulous walks that could go in this list of best day walks in the North Island, but I have gone for a selection of diversity off the beaten path and away from the madding crowds. You will find lakes, mountains, volcanoes, islands, cliffs, beaches and rivers, and a variety of distances from short to full day walks in this list.

All together, these 10 best day hikes in NZs North Island should give you a good taste of what’s on offer in the often overlooked island to the north :-).

Notes:

Timeframes are for average walkers, not fast fit walkers.
Some of these hikes have huts you can stay in to make it an overnight hike – its up to you but I recommend it when it is possible – enjoy the sunsets and sunrises!
I have skipped the “famous” Tongariro Crossing as this list focuses on lesser known tracks – more off the beaten path alternatives. There will be others on the walks most likely but you will be minus the large crowds!

Trip Planning Checklist

The 10 best day hikes in the North Island of the beaten track!

Things to pack when hiking in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions about walking and hiking in New Zealand

Trip Planning Checklist

These are the booking platforms I personally use for all my travels. If you book through these affiliate links, it helps support this site and keeps me producing free travel guides – at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for the support! Cheers!

All in one – if you want to book flights and accommodation as a package, use expedia

Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Accommodation – I use booking.com and expedia for hotels, Hostelworld for a hostel, and Vrbo for holiday houses.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Tours and Activities – book with Viator or GetYourGuide and in NZ always check Bookme as it has good discounts on many attractions.

Recommended options to for walks are:

Car rental – I usually use DiscoverCars

Insurance – I usually use EKTA , but another good option, especially if you are from the US is SafetyWing. EKTA works well as they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is often my first option for buses, ferries and trains – they are expanding worldwide but are very strong in Asia. They cover parts of Europe like Germany and France, and Australia and Latin America – especially Argentina.

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Thanks so much if you used one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!

The 10 best day hikes in the North Island off the beaten path

Now, lets get straight into it – from north to south…..

1. Cape Maria van Diemen & Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk

Time and distance: 8.5km – 2hrs 30 mins each way – allow at least 6 hours to spend time enjoying the scenery.
DoC Link: Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk

AllTrails Maps: Cape Reinga Lighthouse Walk and Te Araroa: Cape Reinga to Twilight Beach Campsite – this map goes a lot further than the Cape but you can use it to get you there and turn around .

The most northern of the 12 best walks in the North Island is literally at the top of the country. Watch two seas meet / collide at Cape Reinga from the short walk to the lighthouse. This is also the place where Māori believe their soul departs the land as they pass to the other side.

Then take this spectacular walk down to Te Werahi Beach, and along to Cape Maria van Diemen for stunning dunes and peachy sandstone landscapes. You can just go to Te Werahi beach (2km, 45 mins each way). But, to me anyway, the most stunning part is onward through the dunes and sandstone.

The walk starts with a long descent to the beach after which it is relatively flat until the dunes area. It is a little up and down but not strenuous. Note that if its hot and sunny you are fully exposed – so take plenty of water. The cape is definitely off the beaten path so you are unlikely to see many, or anyone, after Te Werahi beach.

If you are in Paihia or the northern area, you can also take this Cape Reinga, Sandboarding and Ninety Mile Beach combo trip which gives you time to walk at the lighthouse, but also to have fun sandboarding and time zooming along the 90 miles of nearby beach! This is a very similar tour – so check them out and pick which seems best for you!

Alternatively, take the walk to the lighthouse after a scenic flight from Paihia!! Way to go.

Stay in the far north at..

Mid Range – Mukies Apartments, or, Mangonui Waterfront Apartments

Budget – Mid Range – The Perch Northland, or, Private Olive Grove Studio

Budget – Kiwi Call Cottage or Gumdiggers Tiny House

te-werahi-beach-and-cape-maria-van-diemen — Te-Werahi Beach and Cape Maria Van Diemen

2. Urupukapuka Island loop track

Time and distance: 7.3 km loop – 5 hours

DoC Link: Urupukapuka Island loop track

AllTrails Map: Urupukapuka Island loop track

Urupukapuka is a great place for a mix of coastal cliffs, beaches, bush, swamps and ponds and birdlife. Get a ferry from Pahia or Russell and either camp or go early enough to do do the loop and return in a day. (I highly recommend camping.)

Expect ups and downs but its not strenuous hiking and there are plenty of shady areas. I found it quite astounding that I met almost nobody on this track in the height of summer. Clearly its off the beaten path which is good by me!

If time is short and you want to spend a day getting to see as much as possible, you can do this cruise, island hopping, plus walking on Urupukapuka, or this similar one, also from Paihia! Both are quite a good deal!

Stay in Paihia at..

High End – Tarlton’s Lodge, or, Sanctuary Palms

Mid Range – Rekindle Treehouses, or, Allegra House

Budget – Bay of Islands Lodge, or, ASURE Admirals View Motel

Backpackers – Bay of Islands Lodge, or, Centabay Lodge, or Haka House Bay of Island

For a small apartment style hotel – Edgewater Palms Apartments

urupukapuka-loop-walk-new-zealand — Urupukapuka Loop Walk

3. Rangitoto Loop and Summit

Time and distance: 12 km loop – 3-3.5 hours return (but allow more time to take in extra sidewalks and the views)
DoC link: Rangitoto Summit (for the summit not the full loop)

Alltrails Map: Rangitoto Loop

The only one of these 12 best day walks in the North Island that’s right in the city – well, sort of!

Walk up the stunning dormant island volcano in the middle of Auckland Harbour. You get to wander through lava fields and the beautiful pōhutukawa forest to the summit. (Go in December-ish when the pōhutukawa forest is in flower – magnificent!) At the summit there is another track around the crater which is worth some extra time. And on the way down take a short (15 min each way) side trip to the lava tunnels and caves. (Bring a torch or have your phone ready for that.)

Try and do this walk on a sunny day for the best views of Auckland City from the summit. Start from Rangitoto Wharf, a 25-minute ferry ride from Queens Wharf in Auckland City’s viaduct area. Not really off the beaten path although you would be amazed how many tourists and kiwis have never done this!

Notes:

Bring plenty of water – you may be in the city but there are no shops
Always book your tickets ahead as the ferry gets full and you often have to wait a day or two (as I discovered)!
A great alternative is to go on a kayak, walking trip – Rangitoto Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip

Stay in Auckland at..

Top end – the boutique style Oyster Inn or for more traditional hotels, the Park Hyatt Auckland, or, Horizon By SkyCity.

Mid range – Rendezvous Heritage Hotel or Hotel Grand Chancellor

Budget range and Backpackers – for a lovely homestay try Kiwi Heritage Homestay. For backpackers the LyLo Auckland and The Attic Backpackers are both top-rated!

climbing-to-the-rangitoto-island-summit-is-one-of-the-best-walks-in-auckland-city — The view of the city from the Rangitoto Island summit.

4. The Tarawera Trail

Time and distance: 15km – 5-6 hours one way (get a water taxi to make it a one way trip or camp the night.)
DoC Link: The Tarawera Trail

AllTrails map: The Tarawera Trial

Take a beautiful lakeside walk to natural hot pools from the Te Wairoa car park on Tarawera Road near Rotorua. This walk is still off the beaten path and I’m not sure why? I guess its popularity will grow as there is a convenient water taxi service to make it a one-way walk.

Follow a straightforward path through bush and forest – a little up and down but not difficult. Be careful at the beach as the water can get scalding hot – wear crocs or something similar to protect your feet.

On the way to Hot Water Beach there are other hot pools which personally I prefer. About 3.5km before the beach is a hut – there is a pool just further on from this hut. There is another pool on a sidetrack not far from the Te Wairua Stream. These pools are not marked so you might have to explore a bit.

Alternatives to the day walk are to camp the night at Hot Water Beach, or, take a water taxi both ways and walk the 3.5 km to the hot pools and back. Whatever you do make sure you leave time to soak in the pools. Its blissful.

Note: If you enjoy the area, this is another highly rated hiking tour you can take. I was going to include it as a hike, but didn’t as you need to go on a tour to do it! The mountain is considered a sacred site and is under the guardianship of Ngāti Rangitihi, who will be your guides. It is highly rated by not just me, but plenty of people!

Stay at the lake or in Rotorua at..

Any of the places mentioned in 7. Kuirau Park and Rotorua Lakeside below in the Rotorua area, or also consider Te Whare – Lake Tarawera tree-top Nest, or The Cabin.

Soaking-in-the-Hot-Pool-on-the-Tarawera-Trail-in-the-North-Island-of-New-Zealand — Soaking in the Hot Pool on the Tarawera Trail in the North Island of New Zealand

bubbling-mud-pools-in-rotorua-new-zealand — A mudpool boils and bubbles in Rotorua, New Zealand.

5. SkyLine Walk and other Whakapapa Short walks

Time and distance: 5km – 2-2.5 hours (summer only for the skyline walk)
DoC Links: SkyLine Walk / Whakapapa Short walks

AllTrails maps: Skyline Track from Sky Waka Gondola Station

Ok so I couldn’t chose just one of them – so I have options – including a guided walk where you will learn a lot about the area as a bonus!

The Skyline walk is steep but great for photo ops with its rugged volcanic terrain. Note that it is a summer only track. It is marked with white posts to guide you but it’s not a structured track and can be slippery and rocky i.e it can be tough. To get there, take the gondola to the top or walk from the bottom of the gondola on the Waterfalls Descent track. (Thats an extra 2 hours each way.)
Because this is a steep, unformed track, requiring the cost of a gondola ride I have alternatives.

Tongariro Alpine Half Day Guided Group Walk – you walk amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs waterfall, and you have the option to continue for a full day hike to the Emerald Lakes or just enjoy your half day!

Meads Wall – 20 minutes return. A short track from the ski-field carpark. Rocky but easier than the Skyline walk for pretty dramatic rewards. Also a Lord of the Rings site. Check this map to see these options.

Tama Lakes – 17km – 5-6 return. A volcanic, tussock and alpine herb strewn walk to two beautiful lakes (not accessible for swimming).

Silica Rapids – 7km – 2 hours 30 minutes return. A lot of variety and easy walking through beech forest, streams, tussock, bogpine, daisies and the creamy-white Silica Rapids terraces.

Taranaki Falls – 6km loop – 2 hour return. Walk through volcanic gullies covered in tussock, beech forest, to a riverside walk and of course, the falls.

Stay in the Tongariro National Park or at Turangi at..

Any of the places mentioned in 8. Lake Rotopounamu above!

mt-ruapehu-north-island-new-zealand — Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand has many varied walks on its slopes.

6. Pouakai Crossing

Time and distance: 19 km- 8-9 hours (one-way)
DoC Link: Pouakai Crossing

AllTrails map: Pouakai Crossing

As an alternative to the famous, but way too overcrowded for my liking, Tongariro Crossing, try the less crowded Pouakai Crossing in Egmont National Park. It makes for a long day but you can also do it as part of an overnight or multi-day walk. It is as varied as it is beautiful and well worth the effort.

The path winds around the perfectly shaped conical (dormant – don’t worry) Taranaki volcano. Walk through goblin forest, a huge sphagnum bog, stunning waterfalls and lakes, and verdant green rainforest. You can arrange transport from New Plymouth to drop you and pick you up from either end.

Your other option is to walk up and back to the insta-famous Pouakai tarns on this Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut. This option saves a lot of the walking but gives spectacular views and will take about 6 hours return. Note that the tarns are not on the crossing walk but are a 15 min sidetrack each way.

The Pouakai Crossing and tarns walks are becoming more and more popular but you wont get the crowds of the Tongariro Crossing.

Stay in New Plymouth at..

Mid range – King And Queen Hotel Suites or The Dawson Motel

Budget and Backpackers – Ariki Backpackers, or, Ducks and Drakes

pouakai-crossing-new-zealand — Sunrise at Pouakai tarns

7. Syme Hut – Egmont National Park

Time and distance: 3 hours each way, 4km each way
DoC Link: Syme Hut

AllTrails map: Fanthams Peak Track

Try this as a day hike or a shorter day overnight hike. You get great sunsets from this small hut on top of Fanthams Peak just below the summit of Mt Taranaki! It is definitely one of the best overnight places in the park.

However, for these views you do have a tough walk. Its not so far, but after starting off in the forest and with a well laid path and stairs you then get into a lot of scree. Gaiters are recommended to keep the scree out of your boots!

Before and after your hike, stay in New Plymouth at...

Higher End – King and Queen Hotel Suites or Nice Hotel

Mid range – Beachside studio or Beach Street Motel Apartments

Budget and Backpackers – Ariki Backpackers, or, Ducks and Drakes

one-of-the-best-multi-day-hikes-in-the-north-island-of-new-zealand-is-to-syme-hut-which-gives-you-this-view-of-mount-taranaki — View from Syme Hut on Mount Taranaki

8. Rangiwahia Hut Track

Time and distance: 2-3 hours each way, 4.5km each way
Start: Renfrew Road-end car park. (Get there from Rangiwahia, turn on to Te Parapara Road and continue on to Renfrew Road. There are gates and livestock. Leave gates as you find them.)
DoC Link: Rangiwahia Hut Track

AllTrails Map: Rangiwahia Hut Track

Take an easy uphill walk through beech forest into tussock country where the hut is located. Great views over to Mt Taranaki on a good day, a pretty waterfall, and a gorgeous arched bridge all add up to a pretty good off the beaten path hike. This can be done as an easy overnight hike – the hut has great views and there are more walks on the top of the hills through the tussock country, but it is also a great day hike – have lunch at the hut!

the-rangawahia-hut-track-is-one-of-the-best-off-the-beaten-path-multi-day-tracks-in-the-north-island — Bridge on the way to the Rangiwahia Hut

9. The Remutaka Rail Trail

Time and distance: 17.5km one way – 5-6 hours
DoC Link: Remutaka RailTrail

AllTrails map: Remutaka Rail Trail

I really enjoyed this track – after not expecting too much from it, it really delivered! It is not only a hike but also a cycle track so you can do it either way. if you are in Wellington it can be made very easy by going on this From Wellington: Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Tour.

The walk includes beautiful forest, swimming holes in the river (and you can camp half way if you want to make it a really fun walk), historic buildings and old rail tunnels as well as swing bridges! Its a real beauty. There is a lot more information in this post “Walk or bike the Remutaka Rail Trail” so I will let you read that instead of repeating here!

Mid range – Chambre Damis or The Saddlery

Budget – Greytown Campground – I stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely great.

the-escarpment-track -new-zealand — Swing bridge on the Escarpment Track

10. Paekakariki Escarpment Track

Time and distance: 9km one way – 4 hours
DoC Link: Paekakariki Escarpment Track

AllTrails map: Paekakariki Escarpment Track

Try this wonderful walk that is easy to get to from Wellington.

Take the train to Pukerua Bay from Wellington train station and walk to Paekākāriki via this track. The views across to the South Island and to Kapiti Island are absolutely worth the walk. Aside from that there are cool swing bridges, great train spotting points, and some stands of beautiful bush.

Walk from Pukerua as that makes for more downhill than theopposite direction. The walk is steep in places with a lot of steps en-route but quite do-able. It is probably not good for people that have vertigo or really don’t like heights and swing bridges! Take the train back to Wellington from Paekākāriki.

Note: There is a guided walk option for this track – Kāpiti Coast: Escarpment Track Guided Hiking Tour, Coffee and Lunch.

Stay in Wellington at..

High End – Bolton Hotel or for luxury – The Residence Suite at Bolton Hotel

Mid Range – The Intrepid Hotel, Quest 256 Lambton, Ohtel Wellington, or Sofitel Wellington

Budget – Sojourn Apartment Hotel – Ghuznee, or, Adina Citylife Wellington

Backpackers – Worldwide Backpackers, or, The Marion

Apartment or BnB on the coast – Pacific View Bed and Breakfast

Things to pack when hiking in New Zealand

Apart from your backpack and food, these are the things I never go hiking without:

Collapsible hiking poles
Blister pads – an absolute lifesaver!
A lightweight water bottle and filter – I personally use the Katadyn BeFree
Merino socks
An emergency survival blanket
A headtorch
A lightweight first aid kit and whistle
A PLB (personal locator beacon) – this means search and rescue just becomes rescue and saves hours or days – especially essential if you hike alone!
My downloaded AllTrails map on my phone
A lightweight powerbank or solar charger for my phone
Waterproof pack liner

Plus – your basic clothing:

Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip
Sun hat and / or warm beanie
Sunglasses
Base layer: top and leggings in polypropylene or wool, quick dry shorts or pants
Mid layer: long sleeved top in wool or polar fleece
Gloves in polypropylene/wool
Socks in polypropylene or wool
Wind and water-proof jacket with hood
Waterproof over-trousers – optional but I always take them!

Frequently asked questions about walking and hiking in New Zealand

Q: What is “tramping” in New Zealand?
A: Tramping is the kiwi (NZ) word for hiking. Its fine to talk about hiking or bushwalking – they are all interchangeable.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike in New Zealand?
A: The warmer and dryer months are between November and April but the peak season is from December to the end of March. They also have longer daylight hours, and trails that are closed in the winter tend to be open by November.

Q: Are there dangerous animals or snakes in New Zealand?
A: No. New Zealand has no snakes, bears, or large dangerous land predators. Your biggest worry is meeting up with masses of sandflies near the coast, and maybe wasps during late summer.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone in New Zealand?
A: Yes, solo hiking is common and generally safe. However, you should know what you are doing – overseas travellers often underestimate the tracks and often rugged conditions in New Zealand. And because weather conditions can change dramatically, you should always check the forecasts, pack thermal layers as well as high quality water and wind proof gear, and leave your trip intentions with a friend or relative. I always take a PLB (personal locator beacon) as well – that saves the search if you need rescuing!

Q: Can I drink water directly from streams and rivers?
A: You should still filter, boil, or chemically treat backcountry water to avoid illnesses like giardia. Always carry water – and I always take a water filter with me – just in case. I use the Katadyn BeFree.

Q: Are DOC track times accurate?
A: Take the DOC estimated trail times with a grain of salt. The walking times are based on an average hiker’s pace but you can be slower or faster than that. Its a rough guide.

Q: What is an emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and do I need one?
A: A PLB is a lightweight safety device that emits a distress signal via satellite. If you get lost or are injured you can set it off and your position will be received by the appropriate services. I highly recommended you carry one whenever you hike – especially for remote or multi-day backcountry hikes – but I still carry mine for short walks unless they are heavily trafficked!

Summary

That’s it – my curated list of the 10 best day walks in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path). Let me know in the comments below if you tried any of these walks. I’d love to hear what you thought of them!
Happy hiking 🙂

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12 great multi-day hikes in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path)

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The 8 best day walks in the South Island of New Zealand

Walk or bike the Remutaka Rail Trail

and for other fun stuff in NZ….

Where to find 10 weird and wacky New Zealand animals in the wild!

Exactly where to see glow-worms in New Zealand!

Where to soak in the 11 best natural hot pools in the North Island of New Zealand!