Our Top Picks for the 20 Best Short Walks on the North Island

Last Updated: 27 January, 2025

The Top Short Walks on the North Island of New Zealand

No Bots, Just Boots on the Ground

Want to see some stunning North Island scenery that doesn’t feel like a mission? Or perhaps you want a stroll that’s suitable for all fitness levels?

Try some of the amazing short walks on the North Island.

We’ve listed the highlights of the North Island short walks in this list, with each walk ranging from 10 minutes to two hours.

Coastal walks, waterfall walks, forest walks… It’s all here in the New Zealand North Island’s best short walks.

For the South Island equivalent, head to the 20 Best Short Walks in the South Island.

Side note: Our short walk recommendations are from writers who’ve experienced New Zealand firsthand – no AI-generated fluff here! Scroll down to learn more about us.

1. The Mount (Mauao) Summit Walk

Visiting Tauranga and Mt Maunganui for the first time needs to be commemorated with a walk up Mauao, otherwise known as “The Mount“.

Walk up the extinct volcano isolated at the end of Mt Maunganui’s beaches.

You’ll get expansive views of Tauranga city, the Bay of Plenty and the Pacific Ocean.

Learn more about the trail in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Tauranga.

Time: 30-45 mins one way / Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 mi) / Location: Tauranga, North Island

2. Rail Tunnel Loop – Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

While there are two walking at Karangahake Gorge, one is under an hour, making for an excellent short walk.

On the Rail Tunnel Loop, walk through a 1,100 m rail tunnel, over swingbridges and alongside mining relics.

For a longer journey, take the Historic Walkway (4 hours return) instead.

Time: 45 mins return / Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi) / Location: Paeroa, Waikato

3. Dawson Falls and Wilkies Pools Loop

Venture through the gnarling moss-covered trees of the “goblin forest” to Wilkies Pools on the 1h20min Wilkies Pools Loop.

While the trail makes a pleasant short walk on its own, we recommend combining it with the 1-hour Kapauni Loop Track to see the picturesque Dawson Falls.

Time: 1 hr 20 mins and 1-hour loops / Distance: 1.4 km (0.87 mi) and 1.9 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Egmont National Park, North Island

4. Deliverance Cove Track to Castlepoint

Walk to the iconic photo spot of the Wairarapa, Castlepoint Lighthouse, on this stunning coastal walk with two routes to choose from.

Either walk through pine trees above a lagoon or walk the southern route on the edge of the lagoon through coastal grassland. Both tracks lead to Castle Rock and the Castlepoint Lighthouse mounted on top.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins return / Distance: 3.6 km (2.2 mi) / Location: Masterton, North Island

5. Manginangina Kauri Walk

There is no lack of short, family-friendly kauri walks on the North Island – just take a look at the 10 Kauri Forests in New Zealand.

A real goodie, however, is the Manginangina Kauri Walk, which displays New Zealand’s largest trees along a boardwalk.

It makes a good pitstop on your way to the Far North.

Time: 15 mins / Distance: 350 m (383 yards) / Location: Kerikeri, North Island

6. Smugglers Cove Loop Track

Soak up the stunning coastal views of the Whangarei Heads and check out the World War II gun emplacements on the easy Smugglers Bay Loop Walk.

The walk also encompasses small tracts of coastal forest and chances to explore pebble beaches.

See more walks like this in the 10 Whangarei Walks You Can’t Miss.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins loop / Distance: 3 km (1.9 mi) / Location: Whangarei, Northland

7. Manawatu Gorge Tawa Loop Track

Although there are super-short and long hikes in Manawatu Gorge, the Tawa Loop Track provides a happy medium for those seeking a short walk on the North Island.

The Tawa Loop Track meanders through the forest, lining a dramatic river gorge, with a highlight being the Maori sculpture part-way through.

See more walks nearby in the 25 Best Hikes Around Palmerston North.

Time: 2-hr loop / Distance: 4.1 km (2.5 mi) / Location: Ashhurst, North Island

8. Muriwai Walk

Enjoy expansive ocean views and undulating pastures on this track on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Muriwai Walk also features a historic Maori pā site.

Note that part of the walk crosses an estuary to complete a loop, which is best done at low tide. Otherwise, you can return the same way.

See more walks in the 15 Best Hikes in The Coromandel.

Time: 2-hr loop / Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) / Location: Coromandel, Waikato

9. Taranaki Falls Walk

See the 20 m (65 ft) Taranaki Falls tumbling off the edge of a lava flow on this loop walk.

Features of the Taranaki Falls Walk include forest, ancient lava flows and views of the volcanoes Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe on a clear day.

We’re big fans of this loop track, as we’ve seen for ourselves how it showcases some of the best scenery in Tongariro National Park.

Combine this New Zealand walk with others in the 15 Best Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village.

Time: 2-hour loop / Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) / Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island

10. Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk

The Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk is just one of the amazing short walks along Te Anga Road from Waitomo.

Venture down a limestone gorge and through a 17 m (56 ft)-high arch on this stroller-friendly walk.

The top of the arch is studded with stalactites, where you can get better views by climbing the stairs. Continue the loop walk over farmland and back to the beginning.

Time: 20 mins loop / Distance: 700 m (766 yards) / Location: Waitomo, Waikato

11. Mangakara Nature Walk

Learn about New Zealand’s native trees on this example of a fantastic nature walk on the North Island.

The Mangakara Nature Walk in the Pirongia Forest near Hamilton features illustrated signs to identify trees.

While the stroll is particularly popular with families, it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Time: 1 hr loop / Distance: 1.8 km (1.1 mi) / Location: Pirongia, Waikato

12. Huka Falls Walks

There are two ways to experience Huka Falls and the views of its raging rapids from the walkways.

The short version is parking at the Huka Falls car park and viewing the falls from multiple lookouts on both sides of the river.

Alternatively, enjoy the 1 hr 30 mins walk from Spa Park in Taupō where you can also bathe in the free hot pools of Otumuheke Stream.

See more of the 10 Best Walks in Taupo.

Time: 10 mins to 1 hr 30 mins one way / Distance: 167 m (183 yards) to 3 km (1.9 mi) / Location: Taupo, Waikato

13. Limestone Creek

A real hidden gem, Limestone Creek might be a short walk but you’ll want to take your time with all there is to see.

Admire glowworms and towering caves covered in moss.

Be prepared to get your feet wet as you walk through a shallow stream.

Learn more about Limestone Creek in the 5 Best Things to Do in Apiti.

Time: 10-20 mins / Distance: 600 m (656 yards) / Location: Apiti, Manawatu-Whanganui

14. Rangitoto Summit Track

After taking a ferry from Auckland city centre, walk the Rangitoto Summit Track across lava fields and through New Zealand’s largest pohutukawa forest to the crater summit of this island volcano.

We highly recommend taking the 15-minute one-way side trip on the Lava Caves Track to find caves to scramble through.

Take a ferry from Auckland city centre to hike the Rangitoto Summit Track.

See more islands with short walks in The 10 Best Islands in Auckland to Visit.

Time: 2 hours return / Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) / Location: Auckland, North Island

15. Mt Manaia Track

The Mt Manaia Track is a steady climb through nikau palm and kauri forest on the way to a rocky summit with breathtaking views of Whangarei Heads.

Find more walks nearby in the 10 Whangarei Walks You Can’t Miss.

Time: 2 hrs return / Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) / Location: Whangarei, North Island

16. Cathedral Cove

One of the most visited natural attractions on the North Island, Cathedral Cove is known for its white cliffs arching over the beach.

The walk is an easy one to do. Note that parking is not permitted where the track officially starts at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins / Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi) or 3.5 km (2.2 mi) / Location: Hahei, North Island

17. Redwood Memorial Grove Track

One of the many walks and bike trails in Rotorua‘s Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as The Redwoods, the Redwood Memorial Grove Track is a pleasant little walk through the forest’s towering Californian Redwoods.

Another feature is an old thermal pond with crystal clear water.

See more walks nearby in the 10 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.

Time: 30 mins return / Distance: 2 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

18. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Dubbed the top of the North Island (although it’s not quite the northern point), the Cape Reinga Lighthouse is accessed on an easy stroller and wheelchair-friendly walk, but note that there are some steep sections.

There are interpretation panels indicating the site’s cultural significance, as well as views of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding.

Time: 10 mins one way / Distance: 300 m (328 yards) / Location: Cape Reinga, Northland

19. Lake Rotopounamu

For those of you heading in or out of the Tongariro National Park or perhaps wanting to break up the journey across the central North Island, Lake Rotopounamu is a picturesque short walk worth stopping for.

Walk around the perimeter of a green lake (when the sun is shining on it) and through dense forest alive with birdsong.

Find more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Tūrangi.

Time: 2-hr loop / Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi) / Location: Tūrangi, Waikato

20. Te Mata Peak

Get some of the best views in the Hawke’s Bay region from the top of the 399 m (1,309 ft) Te Mata Peak.

In fact, the whole area is a park with both mountain biking and walking trails to embrace the enchanting countryside scenery and exotic forest.

There are five walking trails, ranging from a 40-minute loop on the Piwakawaka Track to the 2 hrs 15 mins Giant Circuit.

Time: 40 mins-2 hrs 15 mins loop / Distance: 1.3-5.5 km (0.8-3.4 mi) / Location: Tuki Tuki, North Island

More About Short Walks on the North Island

That’s it for our guide to short walks on the North Island; for more information about hiking trails and outdoor activities, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in 10 Mind-Blowing Mt Ruapehu Walks.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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