The 8 best day hikes on the North Island, New Zealand

The 8 best day hikes on the North Island, New Zealand

We check the best day hikes on the North Island. No tents, sleeping bags or bulky backpacks required

New Zealand is one of the best hiking destinations in the world and although the South Island steals the headlines for long -distance hikes, the North Island has a lot to offer in terms of shorter distances.

Berg Taranaki

distance: 13km duration: 7-8 hourly difficulty: Very difficult information: doc.govt.nz

Alt = “Best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand Mt Taranki”> Dream time The summit of Mt. Taranaki is 2,518 m (8.261 ft) high

Although the distance may be relatively short, it is the height that is obtained during this hike in the Egmont National Park that the killer is. The route begins at 1,492 m (4,895 ft) and increases high peak of Mt. Taranaki in just under 6.5 km 1,600 m (5,250 ft) up to the 2,518 m (8,261 ft). The priceless view on the summit, high above the cloud border, makes the wheezing and wheezing absolutely worthwhile.

This is by far the most demanding of the day hikes on the North Island. If you are not an experienced hiker, this steep and challenging hike is probably best to do with a local guide.

Tongariro Alpine crossing

distance: 19.4 km duration: 5-7 hourly difficulty: difficult information: doc.govt.nz / tongarirocrosing.org.nz

alt = “best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand“> Dream time The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was chosen one of the best day hikes in the world

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was described by National Geographic as one of the best day hikes in the world and is a spectacular hike through a unique volcanic Alpine landscape.

The steep but hilly path in the oldest national park in New Zealand, Tongariro, crosses a number of dramatic landscapes with steaming chimneys, glacier valleys, cooled lava flows, alpine vegetation and lively crater lakes.

cape board sidewalk

distance: 16.5 km (simple journey) Duration: 5-7 Hours of Hour: Medium to Heavy Information: Doc.govt.nz / capbrett.co.nz

alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 1 ″> Dream Zeit Cape Brett Lighthouse in the Bay of Islands

This challenging but rewarding day hike on the coast in the Bay of Islands ends at the famous lighthouse of the same name. The area is known for its early Maori history, steep, exposed cliffs and extensive views of the sea.

on the way there is the possibility to take a side path (one hour back and forth) down to Deep Water Cove to take a refreshing bath. Spend the night in the house of the old lighthouse keeper that was converted into a sleeping barrack, or organize a boat that you pick up for the return trip. During the hike, keep an eye out for dolphins that play in the surf.

Putangirua-Pinnacles

distance: 4.6 km duration: 1-2 hourly difficulty: easy to medium information: doc.govt.nz

Alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 2 ″> Dream time The Putangirua Pinnacles are exceptional

The hike through the Putangirua Pinnacles is exceptional. The winding Felsstalagmites, which shoot up from the rocky terrain, played a leading role in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and formed uncanny scenes in "The Return of the King". Apart from the bizarre peaks, there are wonderful views of Palliser Bay and the Lake Onoke along the way.

Coromandel Coastal Walk

Distance: 20 km duration: 5-7 Hours of Hour: Easy to Means Information: Doc.Govt.nz / Thecoromandel.com

Alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 5 ″> Dream time The Coromandel Coastal Walk houses several sparkling bays

The Coromandel Coastal Walk is probably one of the best coastal hiking trails in New Zealand and houses beautiful beaches, quiet coastal forests and sparkling bays. The hilly route is largely moderate, crosses arable land and nestles to the coast during its entire course.

This return hike can be shortened to a simple hike if you organize a local driver who picks you up at the end of the path. It is also possible to split the trip by spending the night on one of the campsites that line the way.

Blue Lake (Tikitpu) route

Distance: 5.5 km duration: 1-2 hourly difficulty: Light-wing information: Doc.govt.nz

alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 3 ″> Dream time The walk around the Blue Lake (Tikitapapappean) is gentle, but picturesque

This is a gentle but picturesque circular hike around the pretty and quiet blue lake (Tikitpu) from Rotorua. The coniferous forest Whakarewewa Forest borders on a large part of the way to the shore and is occasionally interrupted by an untouched beach or a piece of grassland. The easy walk is a perfect way to interrupt the activities during a full visit to Rotorua.

rangitoto summit

distance: 7km duration: 2 hourly difficulty: easy to medium information: doc.govt.nz

Alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 7 ″> Dream time Rangitoto Island seen from Auckland

The island of Rangitoto, which dominates the Gulf of Hauraki with its cone -shaped summit, is an icon of Auckland and houses several hiking trails. The summit path is far the most popular, and thanks to the excellent panoramic view of the city from the summit, it is easy to see why. The path begins at the Rangitoto Wharf and leads through the Pōhutukawa forest and Lavafelder on the way to the summit to 259 m (850 ft).

The daily Rangitoto ferry drives from the city center of Auckland to Rangitoto Wharf (25 minutes per route), where the summit path begins.

Wenderholm edge railway

Distance: 4 km duration: 1-2 hourly difficulty: Light-wing information: Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

alt = “The best day hikes on the North Island of New Zealand 4 ″> Dream time Wenderholm Perimeter Track is a cozy daily hike

The quietest of the day hikes on the North Island is the tame Wenderholm Perimeter Track in the Wenderholm Regional Park, about 30 minutes by car from the city center of Auckland.

The regional park, known for its quiet beaches and Pōhutukawa trees, is an excellent retreat from New Zealand's largest city. There are no peaks, battlements or rock edges here. Instead, enjoy a cool bath or just laze on an untouched beach.

day hikes on the North Island: The most important

What: Discover the best day hikes on the North Island, New Zealand.

Where: We have explored the North Island of New Zealand in an Apollo residential mobile. We loved the flexibility and spontaneity of the #Vanlife, as we did not have to plan or book Transport or accommodation in advance. We simply selected where we go and what we want to see at the beginning of every day.

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Atlas & Boots

Our Euro Tourer Campervan was designed and included heating and air conditioning, shower and toilet, a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, gas stove and refrigerator as well as a double bed that could be converted into a seat and a desk or dining table during the day. Book a place on a top 10 campsite for additional amenities.

When: The best travel time for New Zealand is Sep-Apr. Summer (December to February) offers excellent hiking weather and a variety of festivals and events. The secondary seasons autumn (March-Apr) and spring (SEP-Nov) have nice weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. like: Book a motorhome at Apollo MotorHome Holidays. Driving in New Zealand is extremely easy in view of the broad streets, the excellent infrastructure and the relatively few cars - perfect for exploration with the motorhome.

We flew from Great Britain via Singapore and Australia to New Zealand. For longer stays at the Changi Airport in Singapore, we recommend the Plaza Premium Aerotel Transit Hotel for those who need sleep and the Plaza Premium Lounge to relax away from the fray. We used both during our 19-hour stay, as well as the free city tour!

Book flights at the best prices via Skyscanner.

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