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

Last updated on July 21st, 2026 at 10:37 am

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you done any of the North Island great walks? Quite possibly, or you are planning to. They are on the ‘great’ list for a reason, so definitely go ahead and do them, but this post is about the lesser known trails. There are plenty of other fantastic hikes in the North Island that wont be crowded with others on the tourist trail. These are 12 of the best off the beaten path, overnight or multi-day hikes in the North Island that are stunning – volcanoes, sand dunes, lakes, dense forest all included!
Enjoy!! 🙂

Contents

Trip Planning Checklist

12 great off-the-beaten path multi-day hikes in the North Island

Things to pack when hiking in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions about hiking in New Zealand

Related Posts

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!

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 – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

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

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

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

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

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!!

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

Options for walking tours are limited but this Private Hawkes Bay Geothermal Hot Pools Hike (2 days) might be of interest! Or this Māori Guided Tour, Picnic & Transfer also in Whirinaki.

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

12 great off-the-beaten path multi-day hikes in the North Island

So here we go with the best off the beaten path multi-day hikes in the North Island – listed in order from north to south.

Things to note:

• Times given are for average walkers – not too slow, not too fit and fast.
• Many of these hikes could be day trips, but are included as there are huts available – and they are stunning enough to make it worth staying the night (or longer).
• The very popular and busy tracks are not included in this list!

1. Te Paki Coastal Track – Northland

Distance: 48km one way
Time: 4-5 days (3-6 hours a day)
Suggested start: Kapowairua / Spirits Bay Campsite Northland
Stay: Camping only
DoC Link: Te Paki Coastal Track

AllTrails map: Te Araroa: Cape Reinga to Twilight Beach Campsite

Current update: The track from Spirits Bay to Cape Reinga is closed – but its still worth doing the stunning walk from Cape Reinga Lighthouse to Twilight beach and on to the Te Paki dunes! There is a campground just before Cape Reinga you can stay at the night before your walk and walk part of the closed track from there.

Think sea and remote!

This is one of my absolute favourite tracks in NZ. The walk takes you up the Pacific Coast with stunning beaches and swimming spots to Cape Reinga at the tip of the North Island. You then turn and head down the West Coast alongside the Tasman Sea through incredible dunescapes and wild beaches. Its a gem.

Logistically it appears a little difficult but I had no problem with a short hitch or two. To get to Spirits Bay, you can drive if you have a car, or hitch. I got a ride to the Waitiki Landing Holiday Park where you can camp for a night, and then simply asked friendly looking souls that stopped for food or petrol if they could give me a lift if they were going that way. It took about 5 minutes!

Note: Cape Reinga to Twilight Beach campsite is the first day of the Te Araroa track that goes from the tip of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island (5-6 months)!

Before and after your hike, 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

For a small group – Bakery Cottage

2. Cape Brett

Distance: 16km (9.5miles) one way
Time: 8 hours one way (without a water taxi)
Suggested start: either Deep Water Cove (via water taxi) or Rawhiti Road
Stay / DoC Link: Cape Brett Track

AllTrails map: Cape Brett Track

How long it will take depends on what you do in terms of water taxis and how fit you are. I recommend taking a Bay of Islands Water Taxi part way to Deep Water Cove and walking the last 6km (2-3 hours) – and I definitely recommend taking a water taxi out after the walk! The walk is up and down and pretty tough, but the coastal views as you come to the second half of it and the stay at the old lighthouse keepers house absolutely make up for it!

Stay nearby in Paihia or Russell at..

Higher End – Tarlton’s Lodge or Sanctuary Palms or in Russel at Wahapu Lodge

Mid Range – Pioneer Waterfront Apartments or ASURE Admirals View Motel or in Russell at Aimeo Cottage or Wisteria Cottage

Budget – Ala Moana Motel or Raya Suites or in Russel at The Duke Of Marlborough or The Bothy on York Street

Backpackers – Peppertree Lodge or Haka House Bay of Islands

Villas and Houses – Paihia Lighthouse or Paihia Hilltop Villa or at Russell Harbour Apartment

3. Lane Cove Hut & the Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Track – Northland

Distance: 5.6km one way to the hut, 750m to the top of the Duke’s Nose
Time: 2-3 hours to the hut, 1 hour each way to the top of the Duke’s Nose
Start: Campbell Rd, near Totara North, Northland
Stay: Lane Cove Hut – must be booked (no camping)
DoC Links: Lane Cove Hut / Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rocks) Track

Alltrails maps: Wairakau Stream Track to Lane Cove Hut, and, Lane Cove Hut to Dukes Nose Peak

This hike is great for a bit of a challenge and adventure for the non-rock climbers amongst us!

Walk through regenerating bush (always a good thing) over a hill down to the valley with the Wairakau Stream where I found a wonderful swim spot on the way to the Lane Cove hut.

The highlight is the walk that you can do from the hut to the top of the Duke’s Nose. Its a simple walk through the bush until you get to the cliff face. Use the steel bars and chains to scale the rock. The views from the top across the Whangaroa  Harbour are fab-u-los!

Note: If you have a problem with heights, don’t even think about going up the Duke’s Nose!

Before and after your hike, 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

For a small group – Bakery Cottage

4. Aotea Track – Great Barrier Island

Distance: approx 25km depending on which way you go and which parts you do.
Time: 2-3 days (I recommend taking your time and doing 3)
Recommended Start: Various starting places but I suggest starting at Windy Canyon
Stay / DoC Link: huts on the Aotea Track

AllTrails Maps: Aotea Track

I love this hike! Its a great one for the summer as on the second day you can relax in the river after your hike, and if you plan it right, there is a hot pool to soak in at the end of the hike. There are all sorts of ways of walking this track but I highly recommend starting from Windy Canyon and walking to Mt Heale hut from there. The canyon is fabulous and the views from Windy Canyon to the hut are excellent – including a little side walk to the top of Mt Hobson! (It takes about 3-3.5 hours.)

The next day walk about 4 hours to Kaiaraara Hut which has a perfect swimming hole or two in the river by the hut. You can also walk out to Port Fitzroy for a burger, mussel fritter or seafood chowder as you will have all afternoon free! Head to the Kutai Shack for this delicious feed – they are open either Wed or Thurs, and Fri-Sun!

The final day walk to the hot pools via the old tram line. Talk about a great way to finish the trip!

Note – There are other route options for this walk – its entirely up to you how you tackle it, but whichever way you go its a great walk!

Before and after your hike, stay on Great Barrier Island at any of these great places.

5. Whirinaki’s Moerangi Track

Distance: 35km
Time: 2-3 days (3-5 hours a day)
Recommended start: Okahu Valley Rd
Stay: Huts – must be booked
DoC Link: Whirinaki’s Moerangi Track

AllTrails map: Moerangi Track

If you want deep green forest, this is it. Moerangi track is deep within the stunning, and off the beaten path, Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. It is dense mossy green forest, with bird and river sounds all the way. It’s the forest that makes the walk so worthwhile.

Ohh, that and one other thing. Not only is it one of the best off the beaten path multi-day hikes in the North Island, it also has Rogers Hut – one of the top contenders in my ‘favourite huts in New Zealand’ list. (The list that I haven’t even written yet – but its definitely in there!)

There are a lot of options for walks here. My favourite is an almost loop – the Moerangi track. Walk into Rogers Hut from the Okahu Valley Rd. Stay the night there enjoying my hut highlight with its stained glass window and history – being one of the few slab beech huts around. You might also see whio / blue duck in the river. Carry on the next day for an easy walk to Moerangi hut, often with hunters present who may share some fresh venison with you. Walk out the next day finishing by joining the very pretty Whirinaki Waterfall loop track.

Note: You can also do a larger loop track or a one way through track. Whichever way you do it, you can arrange shuttle service transport to get you back to your car so there are no worries there!

An alternative is to do a day walk on this Māori Guided Tour, Picnic & Transferwhich will give great insights to the area.

Before and after your hike, stay in Rotorua at..

High End luxury – On The Point – Lake Rotorua or Solitaire Lodge

Mid Range – Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel, Quest Rotorua Central

Budget – Lake Ōkāreka Retreat

Backpackers – Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua, or, Crashpalace Backpacker Rotorua

6. Sandy Bay Hut – Te Urewera, Hawke’s Bay

Distance: 11km each way
Time: 4 hours each way
Start: 200 m from the visitor center on the road to Rotorua from Lake Waikaremoana
Stay: Sandy Bay Hut – must be booked (no camping)
DoC Link: Sandy Bay Hut – Te Urewera

AllTrails map: Lake Waikareiti Track

Does lake and beach sound good to you? Walk uphill for about an hour through prime beech and rimu forest to beautiful Lake Waikareiti.

From here, walk another three hours around the lake to the hut which is perfectly located on a sandy beach at the other end of the lake.

You can arrange to hire a row boat on the lake with the Holiday Park if you get your timing right. The boats are located at the beginning of the lake part of the walk – but note it does often get windy in the afternoons making it difficult to get the boat back to base!

Note: The Papakorito Falls are near the track entrance and definitely worth a look!

Before and after your hike, stay in Napier at..

Higher End – 415 Marine Parade or Cobden Garden Bed And Breakfast

Mid Range – Motel de la Mer or MnM’s BnB

Budget – Bestern on Mohaka or 54 on Charles at Westshore

Backpackers – Crash palace Napier

7. Pouakai Circuit – Egmont National Park

Distance: 25km loop
Time: 2-3 days (3-7 hours a day)
Start: Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) 
Stay: Huts – must be booked
DoC Link: Pouakai Circuit

AllTrails map: Pouakai Circuit

Important Note: This track can be impassible and dangerous in winter so check with the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre before you go.

Try this for a stunning and incredibly varied loop track. Sidle around the volcano, walk through swamps, tussocks and forests and along ridgelines with stunning views. See the insta-famous Pouakai tarns at sunset and sunrise. Enjoy views across to Mt Ruapehu and beyond.

I cannot decide which way round to recommend! If you go to Pouakai Hut first you get the longest day completed first (5-7 hours as compared to 3-4 hours the other days).

But if you go to Holly Hut first, it is safer in that you will know what the weather is doing that day on the alpine section, and I feel like the scenery unfolds in a better way – but I might just be imaging that!

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

8. Round the Mountain Track - Tongariro National Park

Distance: 66km loop
Time: 4-6 days
Recommended start: Whakapapa Village
Stay: Huts and camping – one must be booked, others on first come basis
DoC Link: Round the Mountain Track

AllTrails map: Round the Mountain Track

A great alternative to the Northern Circuit, think moon or mars desert landscapes, volcano, alpine forest and flowers, swing-bridges over glacial rivers, and bubbling springs and waterfalls. This track leaves nothing to the imagination. I suggest taking 6 days – 5 if you’re in a hurry as there are literally so many landscapes and so much stark wild beauty you need time to take it all in.

You can walk either way. Anticlockwise, you get the hardest day done first or second. Clockwise, you carry less on the hardest day. In reality if its summer, you will be limited by the availability of space at the Waihohonu Hut and campsite. And by the way, there is a fantastic river for swimming right by the hut so don’t forget something to swim in!

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

High End – The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge or River Birches

Mid Range – Braxmere Lodge or The Quarters 

Budget – Creel Lodge

Backpackers – The Crossing Lodge & Backpackers, or, Tongariro River Retreat

9. Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs – Hawke’s Bay

Distance: 19km return
Time: 2 days+ (4 hours each way but you might like to linger!)
Start: Makahu Road, 75 km north-west of Napier
Stay: Hut (no booking, on first come basis) or camp (camping highly recommended).
DoC Link: Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs

AllTrails map: Te Puia Hut Track and Mangatainoka Hot Springs

Do you like the sound of hot water springs off the beaten track, with a great walk as a bonus?
If yes, then this is the walk for you!

Follow the Mohaka river all the way – up and down the cliffs and flatlands next to the river. After about three hours arrive at Te Puia Hut. Look for whio / blue ducks and have a swim if you are hot, although I recommend waiting for that swim! Walk another 45 minutes to the Mangatainoka Hot Springs campsite and – well, welcome to heaven!

A sandy beach beside a beautiful river swimming hole awaits, and alongside…? You guessed it – hot springs! The springs are conveniently fed into three big wonderful hot tubs on a terrace above the river. Spend the rest of the day, and night, running from the hot pools to the river and back again. Bliss!
I recommend taking enough food and your book to have an extra night – its perfect!

If you do not have the vehicle, or would like to learn as you go and be guided along the paths this 2 day Private Hot Pools Hike will take you to all on this track!

This is always going to be one of my top of the top walks in this list of hikes in NZ North Island – and even in all of NZ. Yes, definitely because of the hot pools!

Before and after your hike, stay in Napier at..

Any of the hotels or BnBs listed under 6. above – Sandy Bay Hut.

10. Sunrise Hut – Hawke’s Bay

Distance: 4.6km each way
Time: 3-4 hours each way
Start: North Block Rd, 100km from Napier
Stay / DoC Link: Sunrise Hut – must be booked

AllTrails map: Sunrise Track

If you like a good sunrise – this is a beauty!
Walk uphill through varied and changing forest to the hut sitting high above the Hawke’s Bay in a perfect tussock setting. The path is well maintained, but I would note that although DoC says it is an easy track, it is completely relentless uphill!

Once you get to the hut there is more walking to be done so you can make a longer day of it exploring the tops of the hills. Be careful of wind.

Before and after your hike, stay in Napier at..

Any of the hotels or BnBs listed under 6. above – Sandy Bay Hut.

11. Mt Holdsworth and the Jumbo Circuit

Distance: 24km loop
Time: 2-3 days (4 hours per day for 3 days)
Start: Holdsworth Road end near Masterton
Stay: Mt Holdsworth and the Jumbo Circuit huts – must be booked ahead

AllTrails Map: Mt Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

If you’re looking for a good mix of tough, easy, views and deep forest – with a bit or river thrown in, this is a good one and one of the best unknown multi-day hikes in the North Island.

Start with the classic walk through dense forest up into tussock country and the Holdsworth Hut. (You can just do this as an overnight trip as well.) The following day enjoy fantastic ridgeline walking through the tussock with 360 views and down to Jumbo Hut. Note – you have to be sure of the weather here – especially if there is likely to be strong wind or white outs. You also might want to skip this hut and carry on.

Finally, you have a couple of hours of very tough downhill terrain through the forest, before reaching either a hut or a very welcome easy riverside walk back to the start.

Before and after your hike, stay in Masterton at..

High End – 5 o’clock Somewhere

Mid range – Le Grá Vineyard and Winery

Budget – Gateway Motor Inn

12. Ōrongorongo Track to Turere Lodge or Haurangi Hut

Distance: 6.5 to Turere each way
Time: 3.5 hours each way
Start: At the Ōrongorongo Track entrance at the end of Catchpool Valley Road
Stay / DoC links: Turere Lodge or Haurangi Hut – must be booked (locked huts)

AllTrails map: Ōrongorongo Track

Its an easy walk to the end of the Ōrongorongo Track on a well marked path. Forest and streams the whole way – with nikau palms and tree ferns as well as beech and rata forest. Beautiful! At the end of this track you come to the wide Ōrongorongo riverbed. There are swimming holes in the Turere stream here (not in the river). Carry on to the huts using the Big Bend track – you effectively follow the river. The huts have some great views up the river beds.

Notes:
You must book these huts in advance as they are sole occupancy huts / rooms (for groups) and are locked. You need a group of you to share the cost. Or you can do this as a day-walk.

There are two routes to the Haurangi Hut from the Turere Bridge – either up the Ōrongorongo River, or via the Big Bend Track. Do not use the river route if you are inexperienced, or, when there has been a lot of rain or it is in flood as you will have to cross often.

Before and after your hike, stay in Wellington at…

Higher End – Ohtel Wellington, the Boulcott Suites, or for luxury – The Residence Suite at Bolton Hotel

Mid Range – The Intrepid Hotel, or Quest 256 Lambton, or Sojourn Apartment Hotel

Budget – Gilmer Apartment Hotel, or, Adina Citylife Wellington

Backpackers – Worldwide Backpackers, or, The Marion

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
• 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 – like these Merino socks
• Wind and water-proof jacket with hood
• Waterproof over-trousers – optional but I always take them!

Frequently asked questions about 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: Do I need to book DOC huts and campsites in advance?
A: Yes, especially for the 10 Great Walks and other very popular walks. Book in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC) Booking System.

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: Do I need heavy hiking boots?
A: It depends on the trail. Good trail runners are perfectly fine for graded tracks (like the Abel Tasman Coast Track in the South Island), but good hiking boots are recommended for most tracks.

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: Can I get food at the hiking huts in New Zealand?
A: No definitely not. Always bring your own food. Some huts have cooking facilities, others only have fires or beds. DoC give details of the facilities when you book the huts.

Q: Can I hike the Great Walks without a guide?
A: Yes absolutely. Independent hiking / tramping is the standard for New Zealand’s trails.

Q: What should I pack for changing weather?
A: You can easily experience “four seasons+ in one day.” See the packing list above, but packing a waterproof and windproof jacket, thermal base layers, a fleece mid-layer are essential.

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.

Summary

When you’re making your New Zealand North Island hikes bucket list, add these 12 great off the beaten path multi-day hikes in the North Island. You will get a great variety of scenery and definitely see some of the best parts of the island. Let me know how your hiking went, or if there are others you think should be in this list!

Related Posts

30 Best Short Walks in the North Island (Top NZ Hikes)

The 12 best day walks in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path)

Which New Zealand Great Walk should I choose?

The 8 best day walks in the South Island New Zealand

10 great multi-day hikes in the South Island New Zealand that are not “Great Walks”

Walk the Te Paki Coastal Path – a North Island hidden gem