Exotic destinations might be out of the question this summer but our own backyard has so much to offer! We’ve collected 10 jaw-dropping North Island hikes under 10 km.
Images ALEX SPODYNEIKO
OROKAWA BAY WALK
Where: Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
Distance: 1.3 km
Intensity: easy
This iconic local walk is only 45 minutes one way and can easily be done at any age. It takes you along the gorgeous coastline of Waihi Beach to one of the most scenic beaches. Swimming in Orokawa Bay is not recommended due to the steep grade of the seafloor but a long and relaxing lunch under the shade of the giant pōhutukawa trees on a hot sunny day is nevertheless a very enjoyable experience.
WINDOWS WALK
Where: Karangahake Gorge, Bay of Plenty
Distance: 2.5 km
Intensity: easy
150 years ago, this place used to produce 60% of the gold in New Zealand. Now it’s the coolest location to explore with kids – they’ll love walking through the old gold mining tunnels with their torches and climbing all around the abandoned buildings and machinery of the Talisman battery. Look down through the windows of the tunnels and enjoy the views of the picturesque gorge!
MAHINEPUA PENINSULA TRACK
Where: Kerikeri, Northland
Distance: 3 km
Intensity: medium
The track begins from the carpark at the gorgeous Mahinepua beach and takes you up the hills of the scenic reserve with million-dollar views of the Cavalli Islands and all the luxurious houses and accommodations. There is a secluded beach right out of some action movie on the way, a couple of scary-looking rocks far below and even a set of stairs clinging for dear life to the narrow ridges of the hills. A great adventure for the entire family!
TE WAIHOU WALKWAY
Where: Putaruru, Waikato
Distance: 3.7 km
Intensity: easy
Though the entire Te Waihou Walkway is 10 km both ways, if you park at Leslie Road and complete only the Blue Spring loop, it’s a shorter stroll along the well-maintained walkway and covers the main highlights of the track. It’s very exciting to see the source of around 70% of all New Zealand bottled water so up close and personal! The water is crystal clear and full of life.
WAIRERE FALLS
Where: Matamata, Waikato
Distance: 5 km
Intensity: easy to advanced
The tallest waterfall in the North Island is hiding deep inside the forest that might’ve been an inspiration for every enchanted forest in each and every kid’s book, what with its huge moss-covered stones, humpback bridges over ice-cold streams, and mysterious rivulets oozing through the rocks here and there. The first part of the track bringing you to the lower viewing platform is very easy but that’s also the place where most visitors turn back, since the climb to the viewing platform at the top of the 153m waterfall can be very challenging even for the fittest of us.
BELL ROCK LOOP TRACK
Where: Napier, Hawke’s Bay
Distance: 5.3 km
Intensity: medium
The name speaks for itself – the focal point of this track is an enormous rock shaped as a bell. Perched atop the high cliff, it’s exposed to crazy winds but boasts breathtaking views of Mahia Peninsula and the Kaweka mountain range. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the Bell Rock and, apart from a short part right by the carpark that winds through native bush, you’ll be surrounded by picturesque views all the time. Walking up and down the endless hills is nothing outside the average person’s fitness level, though this walk is definitely a touch more demanding, so make sure you have enough water.
TE MATA PEAK
Where: Hastings, Hawke’s Bay
Distance: 5.5 km
Intensity: medium
Ok, ok, we know you can drive all the way up to Te Mata Peak but where’s the fun in that? Pick one of the five tracks that will take you to the summit and enjoy the 360 degree views of the region at your own pace instead. Our favourite track is the blue Rangokako Loop that takes you from the carpark to the summit via the famous Goat Track, then descends through the steep hills all the way to the gorgeous Redwoods Forest.
THE CATHEDRAL COVE WALKWAY
Where: Hahei, The Coromandel
Distance: 6 km
Intensity: easy
Half a million visitors per year can’t be wrong – Cathedral Cove is a place to be visited! There is a shorter walk from the carpark on Grange Road but if you’re staying in Hahei, we recommend you chuck in an extra 20 minutes one way and start right from the local beach. You’ll be rewarded with very pleasant coastal views. After all, scenic beaches are what this peninsula is famous for! Bring your lunch and towels and have a swim at one of the Chronicles of Narnia filming locations.
TE HENGA WALKWAY
Where: Auckland
Distance: 8 km
Intensity: medium
Have a look at the famous Muriwai and Bethells beaches from a different perspective! Instead of driving right to the beach, take Te Henga Walkway – the walkway known for its solitude and unsurpassed rugged beauty. Though there are several entry points to this track, starting from Bethells Beach might be the smartest decision since you’ll get the steepest climb of the track out of your way while you’re still full of energy.
POUAKAI TARNS TRACK
Where: New Plymouth, Taranaki
Distance: 10 km
Intensity: advanced
The hike starts from Mangorei carpark and takes you to the famous Pouakai Tarns, or ‘Mirror Lakes’, named for their reflections of the picture-perfect Mt Taranaki. Be prepared to conquer loads and loads of steps. Basically, the entire track until you reach the Pouakai Hut is one long set of stairs through the bush. From there, it’s another 15 minutes of flat and easy walking to the lakes, on a sunny day accompanied by unobscured views of our very own Mt Fuji doppelgänger in its full glory. Honestly, this track offers probably the best and the closest views of Mt Taranaki and is so worth the effort!
