Top North Island hikes

While it may be the South Island that’s more famed for its hikes, the North Island has some true stunners, too – if you know where to look. Hikes range from Easy to Advanced levels, and from a few hours to week long plus trips. We’ve hunted out a few of the top tramps as recommended by people from all over the world, so have a squizz to see where to head to next…

Tongariro Northern Circuit – 43.1km loop – 3-4 days – 3 huts & 4 campsites – Intermediate

Tongariro National Park is well known for its dazzling volcanic landscapes, steam vents, streams, forests and rocky ridges, all of which you will get to take in while trekking the Tongariro Northern Circuit. This circuit is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks for good reason! Bookings are required for huts and campsites along the way.

Highlights:

• Emerald Lakes
• Taranaki Falls
• Waihohonu Stream
• Tama Saddle
• Tama Lakes (side trek)

Whirinaki Track – 2-5 days – 3 huts – Easy to Intermediate

Making its way through Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, the Whirinaki Track is the perfect route for those who are not as experienced with tramping. While the route isn’t the longest, there are some gorgeous places to stop along the way for lunch or picture taking. Make sure to book huts in advance.

Highlights:

• Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi Canyon
• Whirinaki Waterfall
• Kakanui Stream

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk – 46km one way – 3-4 days – 5 huts & 5 campsites – Intermediate

Lake Waikaremoana is one of the North Island’s most beautiful lakes, and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk takes hikers along its shores and across the Panekiri Range for gorgeous, elevated views at the top. Bird watching in the area is highly rated, and hikers may even hear the kiwi calling. Stay at the Waiharuru Hut for the best chance to hear them out at night. Both huts and campsites should be booked in advance.

Highlights:

• Panekiri Bluff
• Korokoro Falls
• Puketukutuku Peninsula
• Hopuruahine suspension bridge

Coromandel Coastal Walkway – 10km return – 1-2 days – 2 campsites – Easy

For a short walk, suitable for beginners, or those that aren’t in great fitness, the Coromandel Coastal Walkway makes for a postcard perfect waterside hike. From Stony Bay, hikers take 3 to 4 hours to walk the track, along to Fletchers Bay, taking in the sights of the stunning coastline and Mt Moehau. For those wishing to stay, there are campsites, and those who only want to walk one way can take advantage of shuttle buses at either end.

Highlights:

• Stoney Bay
• Poley Bay
• Fletchers Bay
• Stunning island views

Interested in hiking in the South Island, check out our top tracks here.