Ten of the Best Hikes in Northland
Northland is often an underrated destination when it comes to walking and hiking holidays but you’ll find turquoise bays, towering outcrops, ancient kauri giants, and tracks that'll leave your legs humming in the best way. Whether you’re looking for a short walk to stretch the legs on a road-trip or a multi-day challenge, these hikes showcase Northland at its absolute finest!
The Duke’s Nose (Kaiaraara Rock)
It’s sometimes hard to believe this one is actually in Northland, with scenery more akin to somewhere like Hạ Long Bay, but you’ll find this gem in Whangaroa, not too far north of the Bay of Islands. The actual hike to the top of the The Duke’s Nose (aka Kaiaraara Rock) is short and steep, but unless you are taking a water taxi to the start point, you’ll need to tackle the Wairakau Stream Track first. Prepare for at least half a day, and leave plenty of time at the top to soak in the spectacular panoramic views.
Cape Brett Track
If you’re after a multi-day adventure loaded with jaw-dropping views (and an epic sunrise), Cape Brett needs to go on your bucket list. It’s rugged, hard work, and worth every moment of it. Book the Lighthouse Keepers Hut and if you’re not inclined to do the 16km return hike, also book a water taxi for pick up at Deep Water Cove.
Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway
Rated one of the best short walks in Aotearoa, this clifftop stunner serves up coastal views that stretch for miles! If the tides are right, you can walk back along the beach at low tide, otherwise take the same track return, and enjoy a dip at the beach at the end.
Tokatoka Peak
This hike is short, sharp, and epic. Tokatoka Peak is the remnant plug of an ancient volcano, rising high above the flat farmland and winding Wairoa River. It’s a steep and sometimes slippery 20-minute climb, but the views are worth it, and it’s definitely a bit of a hidden gem (in plain sight) in this part of the region.
Kerikeri Waterfall Network
If you’re chasing waterfalls, Kerikeri is your destination. The town is surrounded by a connected network of tracks offering up to five waterfalls, including the iconic 27m high Rainbow Falls. You could spend a weekend meandering the whole network or pick a couple of the main tracks which are all just a few km long.
Urupukapuka Island Loop
This 7.3 km loop takes five hours and circles the largest island in the Bay of Islands via beaches, pā sites, archaeological features, cliffs, and regenerating native bush. Getting to Urupukapuka Island is easy too, many of the Hole in the Rock cruises stop over at Otehei Bay, and Explore Bay of Islands has an Otehei Bay Ferry too. Adventurous hikers might even enjoy staying overnight in one of the three DOC campsites.
Te Whara Track
If you’re up for a proper leg‑burner, Te Whara Track is one for the books. Following an ancient Māori trail between Ocean Beach and Urquharts Bay, you’ll find some of the most spectacular views over Whangārei Heads and beyond. The hike is 7.5km one way, so you’ll need a good level of fitness, plenty of daylight, and ideally a car at each end, or a pick up organised.
Maunganui Bluff
This is one of the truly underrated hikes in Northland. Located on the west coast, the Maunganui Bluff track starts at Aranga Beach, zigzags up an ancient volcanic remnant, and climbs to an epic lookout across the Tasman Sea and Ripiro Beach. There is no road access to the northern end of the track so you must plan for a return trip.
Waipu Coastal Walkway
This beauty of a coastal walk links Waipū Cove and Langs Beach, winding past pancake limestone rocks and picture‑perfect sea views. Take your time to navigate the varied features of the track, from scrambling over rocks, over stiles, and up and down stairs, and enjoy this classic Northland hike.
Tāne Mahuta Track
You can’t have a list of top Northland hikes without including this super short but incredible walk to Tāne Mahuta, the world’s largest kauri tree. Although the boardwalk only takes about 5 minutes, you could easily spend an hour inside the forest, mesmerised by the giant kauri trees, listening to the knowledgable ambassadors share facts and legends, and simply soaking up the ambience of the forest.