The North Island doesn’t get quite as much hype as the South, but it’s home to some genuinely epic hikes: from an active volcanic crossing to a summit walk with sweeping ocean views. This guide covers 5 of my favourite North Island hikes in New Zealand, ranging from an easy coastal stroll to a full-day trek, so there’s something here for every type of traveller.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Statistics on Tongariro Crossing:

• Distance: 19.4km one-way (A to B hike, not out-and-back)
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Elevation gain: ~800m
• Difficulty: Hard

Despite its popularity, this was my favourite North Island Hike. It is such a unique place: it feels like you are walking on Mars. And you get the added bonus of being able to walk next to actual Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings which was pretty epic. As this is a hike from A-B, you will either need to arrange a shuttle to/from Taupo or drive to the end of the hike (Ketehi) and get this shuttle to the start point.

It isn’t the easiest of hikes as you gain 800m of elevation then go back down another 1200m. On top of that some spots can be very windy and the terrain can be uneven at times (especially when heading down to the sulphur lakes). However, I am a relatively unfit person and when I hiked it the first time in 2019 (my second ever day hike): I managed to do it in 6 hours. I matched this time when I did this hike again in 2026.

Top Tips:

• This hike is free to do until end of 2027.
• Book your shuttle bus well ahead in summer.
• If possible, arrange a backup day to do the hike as it can often be closed due to bad weather (even in summer).
• Make sure to register your hike with the DOC prior to the arriving. Don’t worry, it’s free, they just want to know how many people are hiking each day.

Pouakai Tarns

Statistics on Pouakai Tarns:

• Distance: 12.4km out-and-back
• Duration: ~4 hours (including a long photo stop at the Tarns)
• Elevation gain: ~700m
• Difficulty: Moderate-Hard

As I mentioned in my New Zealand Travel Itinerary, we were unable to do this hike due to bad weather whilst in the area. However, from this photo, I’m sure you can see why we are super excited to go when we return to New Zealand!

If you don’t get to do the hike, you can still get pretty photos of Mt Taranki from Lake Mangamahoe. This is what we ended up doing as there was very extensive winds and cloud cover our entire stay.

Top Tips:

• Once you reach the Pouakai Hut, you only have another 15 minutes before reaching the Tarns
• Going early morning or late afternoon will give you the best chance to get a good reflection of Mt Taranaki
• If possible, try and hike on a day with minimal cloud cover and low wind speeds (max 2mph)
• Always stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile ecosystem

Cathedral Cove

Statistics on Cathedral Cove:

• Distance: ~2.5-5km return depending on parking location
• Duration: ~1-2 hour
• Elevation gain: minimal
• Difficulty: Easy

This is more of a walk than a hike but I would still really recommend going as the beach is beautiful. The closest parking at Cathedral Cove Carpark is $15 per day. For free parking that’s slightly further away, go to Hahei Visitor Carpark & Park and Ride. I would recommend the free option as it’s just a 1.5-2 hour return journey with minimal elevation gain.

Top Tips:

• Check the tide times and make sure to go during low tide for best accessibility (you need to be at the rock arch 30-45 minutes before low tide).
• You are not allowed to stop/sit/picnic in the archway as the rocks are unstable and rockfalls do occur.
• It’s a pristine beach with no toilets or bins so please plan accordingly

Te Werahi Beach Track

Statistics on Te Werahi Beach Track:

• Distance: ~4km out-and-back
• Duration: 1h30 – 2h
• Elevation gain: 250m
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

This hike is situated on the most Northern Point of New Zealand: Cape Reinga. The views over the often-empty Te Werahi Beach are spectacular. This hike starts at Cape Reinga car park. After descending to the beach, you can walk along the sand for a bit before returning up the path to your car.

Top Tips:

• It can be very windy here so pack a windproof jacket
• Wear proper footwear as the hike back up is steep with loose gravel
• Check tide times if continuing along the beach itself. You want to plan to be down at the beach max 2 hours either side of low tide.

Mount Maunganui Summit Walk

Statistics on Mount Maunganui Summit Walk:

• Distance: ~3.4-4km depending on route chosen
• Duration: ~45min- 1.5 hours return
• Elevation gain: ~230m
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep despite short distance)

This extinct volcano is a 10 minute drive outside of Tauranga. There are 2 main routes you can take: The Waikorire Track (The Staircase): This is the most direct, fastest, and steepest route. The Oruahine Track (The Scenic Ridge): This path takes a gentler, winding route. I would recommend going up the staircase and down the scenic ridge to protect your knees.

Top Tips:

• Go for sunrise or sunset for the best views
• It is a very exposed hike so try to avoid the middle of the day and make sure to pack plenty of water, a hat and sunglasses.
• Parking around Adams Avenue/Marine Parade often fills up very early so to avoid the hassle, park 5 minutes from here around Pacific Avenue or the downtown Mount shops.

How to Get to the Trailheads of these North Island Hikes in New Zealand

As you can see, all these hikes are spread throughout the North Island so I would strongly recommend having your own vehicle. If you are deciding whether or not to buy a car or camper van, make sure to check out my guide. If you already know you want to rent whilst out in New Zealand, Motorhome Republic is a great comparison website for camper vans and Airport Rentals is your best bet for comparing car rentals.

Where to Stay Before and After These Hikes

All these links are places I actually stayed at or that have been recommended to me.

Tongariro Crossing:
The most popular options are to stay in Taupo or the slightly closer but very small town of Turangi.

Taupo Hotel: Sacred Waters Taupo

Taupo campsite: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Turangi: Riverstone Lodge

Pouakai Tarns:

Hotel: King and Queen Hotel Suites

Campsite: Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park

Cathedral Cove:

Hotel: Tahiti Lodge Beach Resort

Campsite: Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Te Werahi Beach Track:

Apartment: Taipa Coastal Retreat

Campsite: Pukenui Holiday Park

Mount Maunganui Summit Walk:

Hotel: Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Campsite: Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp

FAQs

Do I need to book anything in advance?
Yes, for Tongariro Crossing, you need to book a shuttle bus, and these sell out in summer so book in advance. The others are free to just turn up and hike.

Which of these hikes is best for beginners?
Cathedral Cove and Te Werahi Beach Track are both easy, short walks suitable for most fitness levels. Mount Maunganui is short in distance but steep, so worth being reasonably fit even though it’s quick.

What’s the hardest hike on this list?
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, by a good margin. It’s significantly longer and higher-elevation than the others, and needs a full day to complete.

Is the Tongariro Crossing really free?
Yes, the hike itself is free until the end of 2027- you only pay for the shuttle bus to and from the trailheads. However, you still need to register that you will be doing this hike with the DOC.

From walking beside Mount Doom on the Tongariro Crossing to watching the sunrise from Mount Maunganui, these North Island hikes in New Zealand are truly unforgettable in various ways. Whichever of these you choose, make sure to check the weather and tide times before heading out and always let someone know your plans if you’re tackling one of the longer trails.

If you’re working out how to fit these hikes into a big North Island road trip, check out my One Month New Zealand Itinerary.

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