{"id":689,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:14","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:41:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:41:24","slug":"day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Awesome Day Hikes on the North Island of New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#1_Pouakai_Crossing\" >1. Pouakai Crossing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#2_The_Tongariro_Crossing\" >2. The Tongariro Crossing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#3_Mount_Maunganui_Summit\" >3. Mount Maunganui Summit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#4_Cathedral_Cove\" >4. Cathedral Cove<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#5_Te_Werahi_Beach_Track\" >5. Te Werahi Beach Track<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#6_The_Kahami_Loop_Track_The_Goblin_Forest\" >6. The Kahami Loop Track (The Goblin Forest)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#7_St_Pauls_Rock\" >7. St Paul&#8217;s Rock<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#8_Karioi_Summit\" >8. Karioi Summit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#9_Sunrise_Track\" >9. Sunrise Track<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#10_The_Pinnacles_Lookout_Kauaeranga_Kauri_Trail\" >10. The Pinnacles Lookout (Kauaeranga Kauri Trail)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/#Support_my_site\" >Support my site<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a>New Zealand\u2019s North Island has many interesting topographical and geographical features and from a hiking perspective, it is somewhat overlooked in favour of the more mountainous South Island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve spent a considerable amount of time on both islands and whilst\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\">the day hikes I&#8217;ve done on the South Island<\/a><\/strong>, are some of my favourites. The tracks on\u00a0<strong>the North Island tend to be quieter and more rugged.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The day hikes on this list range in length from a full <\/strong><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><strong>day to a few hours or even less.\u00a0<\/strong>Many of these spots are<\/span> on the route of my\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/27\/new-zealand-two-week-road-trip-itinerary\/\">New Zealand North and South Island itinerary.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042649599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Pouakai_Crossing\"><\/span>1. Pouakai Crossing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 19km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6 &#8211; 8 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Mount Egmont National Park&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13696\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Pouakai-Circuit-8-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13696\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Pouakai-Circuit-8-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Pouakai-Circuit-8-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Pouakai-Circuit-8-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Pouakai-Circuit-8.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12289\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12289\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12286\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The Best Day Hikes On The North island of New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-12286\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Close to New Plymouth&nbsp;<strong>the Pouakai Crossing is a 19km relocation hike<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery&nbsp;Mount Egmont&nbsp;National Park has to offer. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several variations of the crossing some of which include a night spent at the Pouakai Hut. One of several great chances to tick off &#8216;stay in a mountain hut&#8217; on your New Zealand Bucket List. If you\u2019re doing it in a single day however expect to spend between 6 \u2013 8 hours on the trail, depending on your fitness level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>highlight of the crossing is the Pouakai Tarns<\/strong>&nbsp;offering reflections of Mount Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont). They are&nbsp;<strong>15 minutes away from the Pouakai Hut,<\/strong>&nbsp;one of&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-backcountry-huts-in-new-zealand\/\">the best backcountry huts in New Zealand<\/a>,<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;just in case you need any more convincing to stay the night there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>northern trailhead starts at the end of Mangorei Road.<\/strong>&nbsp;A 25-minute drive from New Plymouth.&nbsp;The eastern trailhead is located at the Egmont Visitor Centre&nbsp;a 35-minute drive from New Plymouth. The trail can be walked in either direction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of February 2018, the crossing has been diverted due to a landslide but a route via the Pouakai Tarns is still possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042652199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Tongariro_Crossing\"><\/span>2. The Tongariro Crossing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 19.4km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6-8 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Tongariro National Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13698\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13698\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13699\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13699\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-16.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13701\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-22-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13701\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-22-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-22-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-22.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12170\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12170\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tongariro-Northern-Circuit-19.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>most popular day hike on the North Island!<\/strong>&nbsp;the Tongariro Crossing is a&nbsp;<strong>19.4km relocation hike<\/strong>&nbsp;across the volcanic plateau of the central highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few major landmarks offer guidance along the way such as the&nbsp;<strong>Devil\u2019s Staircase, the three Emerald Lakes, the Red Crater&nbsp;and of course, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The more favoured direction is from north to south but I have done the relocation from south to north and found it excellent.&nbsp;<strong>In the summer it\u2019s a busy hike<\/strong>&nbsp;with people breathing down your neck most of the route and in my experience, there are much better and quieter hikes on this list. Saying that it\u2019s still beautiful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to get away from the crowds, consider doing&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/tongariro-northern-circuit\/\">the complete 44km Tongariro Northern Circuit.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The northern trailhead is near Lake Rotoaira and the southeastern is in the Mangatepopo Valley. Make sure to arrange the transport to the start of the crossing and once you finish so you don&#8217;t get stranded at either end.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042654899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Mount_Maunganui_Summit\"><\/span>3. Mount Maunganui Summit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 3.4km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 1-2 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Tauranga<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12260\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12260\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12261\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12261\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12259\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12259\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Maunganui-Sunrise-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my favourite hikes on the North Island, this short 45-minute stroll up Mount Maunganui unquestionably boasts one of the&nbsp;<strong>best views to effort ratio.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s only a&nbsp;<strong>10-minute drive out of <\/strong>Tauranga on the east coast&nbsp;and is a superb spot for sunrise. Looking south over the luxurious beachside properties and curvaceous beaches it makes you want to buy a house nearby. If only I could afford one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each year, on Anzac Day, the summit is used for a dawn ceremony to remember those who fought at the Battle of Gallipoli and other conflicts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I celebrated the morning of my 29th birthday on the top of these mountains and was greeted by the most incredible cloud inversion of that day, which completely covered the city below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042656099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Cathedral_Cove\"><\/span>4. Cathedral Cove<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 5km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 3 hours (including beach time)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Coromandel<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cathedral-Cove-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12248\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cathedral-Cove-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cathedral-Cove-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cathedral-Cove-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cathedral-Cove-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only a great hike but also one of the best photography spots on the North Island of New Zealand. The Cathedral Cove walk&nbsp;<strong>starts from the car park 10 minutes outside the little town of Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The track undulates through the native forest along a concrete path broken up by sections of boardwalk and stairs. The&nbsp;<strong>route climaxes upon descent to Cathedral Cove where you arrive at the beach.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the bottom of the stairs, a right turn will take you to some interesting offshore rock formations and several small caves. Turning left will take you below the famous cave where you can snap a&nbsp;shot for your Instagram Feed by standing on a nearby rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042659199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Te_Werahi_Beach_Track\"><\/span>5. Te Werahi Beach Track<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length:&nbsp;2-5 kilometres&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 1-3 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Northland\/Cape Reinga<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13702\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-8-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13702\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13704\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Northland-North-Island-11-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13704\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Northland-North-Island-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Northland-North-Island-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Northland-North-Island-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Northland-North-Island-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13703\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-11-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13703\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Cape-Reinga-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated at Cape Reinga,&nbsp;<strong>the northernmost point on New Zealand\u2019s mainland<\/strong>, the track starts with a phenomenal view over Te Werahi Beach. A long crescent-shaped beach,&nbsp;<strong>usually devoid of human presence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you reach the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, start heading downhill following the ridgeline toward Tarawamamaomao Point. The trailhead is well-marked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After a steep descent through native bush, you\u2019ll be on the beach.<\/strong>&nbsp;Now depending on your energy levels you can walk the entire beach,&nbsp;continue further toward Motuopao Island (you can\u2019t reach the island by foot) or start heading back to the car park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042661699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_The_Kahami_Loop_Track_The_Goblin_Forest\"><\/span>6. The Kahami Loop Track (The Goblin Forest)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 600m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 30 minutes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Mount Egmont National Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12288\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-3-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12288\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Pouakai-Circuit-3.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13707\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13707\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13708\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13708\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Goblin-Forest.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the hike up to the Pouakai Hut goes through patches of forest very similar to the Goblin Forest, the Kamahi Loop Track is the real deal. Well, it&#8217;s not exactly the real deal as the Goblin forest used in Lord Of The Rings was shot in Fiordland National Park but in my eyes, this walk looks more like the Goblin Forest than the one I remember from the films.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The soft golden hourlight breaking through&nbsp;<strong>interwoven branches covered in a veil of hanging lime green moss<\/strong>&nbsp;is a breathtaking sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route begins just above the Stratford Mountain House, 15km down Pembroke Road. A 15-minute drive from Stratford, on the West Coast of the North Island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is more of a walk than a hike and it&#8217;s a perfect option for those who are looking for excuses not to exercise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042662899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_St_Pauls_Rock\"><\/span>7. St Paul&#8217;s Rock<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 2km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 1-2 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Bay of Islands<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/StPauls-Rock-NZ-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13710\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/StPauls-Rock-NZ-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/StPauls-Rock-NZ-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/StPauls-Rock-NZ-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/StPauls-Rock-NZ-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>lesser-known hike amongst tourists<\/strong>&nbsp;but wildly appreciated by the locals of Whangaroa. St. Paul\u2019s Rock is a cross between a hike and a scramble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several steep sections involve the use of chains and ladders and it takes around half an hour to get to the top. Yes, you read that right, only half an hour!&nbsp;<strong>You can easily spend an hour at the summit admiring the views though, just like I did!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will be treated with a&nbsp;<strong>360-uninterrupted view of Waitapu Bay and the Whangaroa Harbour.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route starts at the top of Old Hospital Road, Whangaroa. There\u2019s only enough room for about 4\/5 cars so you might have to park further away and walk the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042663399\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Karioi_Summit\"><\/span>8. Karioi Summit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 12km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5 &#8211; 7 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Raglan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13713\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13713\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13714\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13714\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Kairoi-Summit-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13712\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Karioi-Summit-Raglan-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13712\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Karioi-Summit-Raglan-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Karioi-Summit-Raglan-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Karioi-Summit-Raglan-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Karioi-Summit-Raglan-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>tough hike near Raglan on the West Coast,<\/strong>&nbsp;the Karioi Summit Track should take around 3 \u2013 4 hours one way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first lookout is around 2.5 \u2013 3 hours one way and although views from here are good, they are nothing compared to the ones at the summit. The route&nbsp;<strong>can be turned into a loop using the Wairake Track.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>path is very uneven with twisting tree roots consistently underfoot<\/strong>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<strong>trail also makes use of chains and ladders in steep sections<\/strong>. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. When I emerged from the forest onto the ridgeline my legs were covered in mud and I looked like Rambo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trailhead is the car park of the Te Toto lookout which is located a&nbsp;<strong>30-minute drive west from Raglan<\/strong>&nbsp;on a well-maintained gravel road (Whaanga Road).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042664699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Sunrise_Track\"><\/span>9. Sunrise Track<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 6km<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 4 &#8211; 6 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Ruahine Forest Park<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"627\" data-id=\"13716\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13716\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-2.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-2-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13677\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-Hut-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13677\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-Hut-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-Hut-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-Hut-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-Hut-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13717\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13717\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-3.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Sunrise-hut-3-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ruahine National Park is&nbsp;<strong>surprisingly unfrequented by international visitors<\/strong>. School trips often walk the pathway as it is adorned with many informative placards about the native fauna and flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the hut, you\u2019ll be a 5-minute walk away from a spectacular ridgeline and a short walk up to several nearby peaks. The path is wide and&nbsp;<strong>well maintained<\/strong>&nbsp;and if you pack light, it shouldn\u2019t cause you much trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest town of any merit is Hastings at just over an hour away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The road to the car park goes over private land which holds livestock. Please close all gates behind you and be considerate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12042666599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_The_Pinnacles_Lookout_Kauaeranga_Kauri_Trail\"><\/span>10. The Pinnacles Lookout (Kauaeranga Kauri Trail)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Length: 16km&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6 &#8211; 8 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: Coromandel<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>long day of hiking<\/strong>&nbsp;will lead you steeply, with the&nbsp;<strong>use of ladders<\/strong>, to the Pinnacles Lookout via the Pinnacles Hut. The view over the eastern Coromandel Peninsula is sublime but the main attraction of this hike is the pinnacles themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail is an old packhorse trail constructed in the early 1900s used for transporting natural resources through the thick native forest. Until you get to the lookout the views are very limited but the&nbsp;<strong>vista at the summit platform<\/strong>&nbsp;more than makes up for it. The path is&nbsp;<strong>well maintained and easy to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route starts 9km past the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor\u2019s Centre at the&nbsp;<strong>car park at the end of the unsealed road.<\/strong>&nbsp;Take the route Webb Creek Route for the fastest path to the Pinnacles and the Pinnacles Hut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, I had a card malfunction on my trip to the summit, but you can google the photos of the track to give you a good idea of what the views are like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When hiking in New Zealand always remember to check in with the DOC beforehand to familiarise yourself with the track and any changes or closures that are currently in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Department of Conservation have offices in most cities and tourist towns in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#24ad9936\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_my_site\"><\/span>Support my site <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found the articles in my <a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand Guide<\/a> useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:22px\">\n<li>Book a rental car with<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Discover Cars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserve a campervan with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Motorhome Republic<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find hotels with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Booking.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book your tours &amp; activities with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Get Your Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>P.S<\/strong>. If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Zealand\u2019s North Island has many interesting topographical and geographical features and from a hiking perspective, it is somewhat overlooked in favour of the more mountainous South Island.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve spent a considerable amount of time on both islands and whilst\u00a0the day hikes I&#8217;ve done on the South Island, are some of my favourites. The tracks &#8230; <a title=\"10 Awesome Day Hikes on the North Island of New Zealand\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/day-hikes-north-island-new-zealand\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 10 Awesome Day Hikes on the North Island of New Zealand\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13700,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28044,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689\/revisions\/28044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}