10 minute read
9 TOP WALKS IN CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
© AA Traveller 2021
1. HAMILTON LAKE WALKWAY
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Where is it? In the very heart of Hamilton city and 1.5km from the CBD.
Hamilton Lake © Adobe Stock
Terrain: Flat boardwalks and open pathways with toilets, bins and water fountains.
Good to Know: The walkway can be accessed from various points, with the main car parks situated by Ruakiwi Rd and Lake Crescent (Innes Common).
Need to Know: 1hr; 3.8km. Walk to suit every fitness level. Easy walking. Dogs on a leash.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Hamilton Lake, or Lake Rotoroa as it’s officially known, welcomes every visitor. A huge playground and waddling ducks are always a big hit with children, while the flat walkway won’t tax little legs. Over the course of one hour you’ll pass vast, tree-dotted parkland on the western side and a bustling café and covered picnic area on the east. Dogs are also welcome, although they need to be on a lead. There is a small off-lead space near the yacht club, and the café’s alfresco area is a favourite hangout for canines. Whether you escape here for an hour or spend the entire day by the water, Hamilton Lake is the ideal option for an easy walk in the heart of Hamilton city.
2. WAIRĒINGA/BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls © Adobe Stock
Where is it? 28km from Raglan, turn off at SH 23 and on to Kauroa-Kāwhia Rd and enter the Wairēinga Scenic Reserve.
Terrain: The track has been upgraded at the top and includes a wide flat section so wheelchairs and strollers can gain access. To get to the lower viewing platform, follow the wooden steps, covered with mesh to prevent slipping.
Good to know: There is a pretty picnic area at the top of the falls and toilets too.
Need to know: 10min to lookout; 0.5km. Basic fitness required. 300 steps to bottom of falls. No dogs. No swimming.
TRACK OVERVIEW: An easy walk to an impressive waterfall that plunges 55m into the pool below. Two viewing platforms at the top of the falls, accessible for wheelchairs, provide excellent views across lush tawa forest to rural Waikato. From the bush-lined track stairs descend steeply to a midway viewing point. Carved out by centuries of falling water, the sandstone pools form a natural amphitheatre, while the hard ring of basalt rock is a souvenir from an historic volcanic eruption.
3. CAMBRIDGE TO KARĀPIRO TE AWA WALK
Waikato countryside © Adobe Stock
Where is it? This walk sets off from the Avantidrome in Hanlin Road, Cambridge and ends at Lake Karāpiro.
Terrain: Easy walk that is mildly undulating in parts and suitable for all fitness levels.
Need to Know: 3hr 30min; 15.2km. Walk to suit every fitness level. Mostly easy walking. Dogs on a leash.
TRACK OVERVIEW: It all begins at the international Velodrome – New Zealand’s finest cycling facility. This section starts with a short 3.5km section into Cambridge which is a good place to refuel. There is a short on-road section through Victoria Street, winner of the 2020 Most Beautiful Street award, until you cross historic Victoria Bridge to the other side of town onto the Trail to the lake. It is all sign-posted so you can’t get lost. Once you’re on the other side in Leamington, Te Awa takes you past the homes to some of the country’s finest thoroughbreds – past and present – with many horse studs along Maungatautari Road. You then arrive at Lake Karāpiro, where its now all about boats.
4. MT PIRONGIA SUMMIT VIA MAHAUKURA TRACK
Where is it? Just north of Pirongia, turn off SH 39 onto Te Pahu Rd, then Hodgson Rd, then Grey Rd. There are two car parks, lower and upper; at the latter you’ll find an info kiosk with maps.
Mt Pirongia Summit © Adobe Stock
Terrain: Bush paths, some clay and gravel, steep-sided ridges, rough at times, boggy after rain.
Safety first: This mountain can be unpredictable so you need to be prepared for all conditions.
Need to Know: 4-6hr one way; 9km. Strong fitness required. Challenging hike. No dogs, this is kiwi and kōkako country.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Setting off from the Grey Rd car park, the trail climbs pretty steadily through forest, including some impressive stands of tawa. Follow the track to Wharauroa Lookout, stop for photography, then press on for another 30min to Mahaukura. The track undulates as it goes and is often uneven under foot so take special care. From Mahaukura, the track descends a way before climbing towards the Pirongia summit viewing tower which is found 959m above sea level. This track can also be accessed off O’Shea Rd via the Wharauroa Track.
5. RUAKURI WALK
Exploring the caves in Waitomo © Discover Waitomo
Where is it? Four kilometres from Waitomo Village, turn left at the roundabout into Tumutumu Rd, then head to the well sign-posted Ruakuri car park.
Terrain: Well-maintained bush paths, some steps.
Good to know: Take a torch and do this walk at night when you’ll see glowworms along the banks.
Need to know: 45min loop; 1km. Easy fitness required. Easy walking. No dogs.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Setting off from the car park, follow the stream and admire the amazing limestone walls before descending to the trail known as Ruakuri Natural Bridge Walkway. Walk to a platform that reaches out into a large cavern-like tunnel where you can search for stalactites and stalagmites. If you want to make the walk longer, start the trail in the Waitomo Village and go along the 3.3km Waitomo Walkway. Look for a variety of native birds including tūī, pīwakawaka/fantail and kererū, the native wood pigeon.
6. BLUE LAKE TRACK
Blue Lake © Mark Smith
Where is it? Start at the Blue Lake car park at the Lake Tikitapu Scenic Reserve, where you’ll find bathrooms, a playground and barbecues.
Terrain: Easy bush paths, a few ups and downs, it can be muddy in winter.
Handy to know: There’s a shop, a playground and toilets at the Top 10 Holiday Park.
Need to know: 90min return; 5.5km. Basic fitness required. Easy bush paths, few ups and downs. Dogs on a leash.
TRACK OVERVIEW The native bush is filled with birds and the beaches are perfect for picnics. This is a walk that offers beautiful views and fabulously fresh air and the loop that circumnavigates the lake is perfect for warming up before taking a dip in the cool, clear water. The signage from the car park is excellent; most people set off to the right. Featuring ample quantities of quintessential Kiwi bush and stands of towering trees, this charming trek is popular with locals and out-of-towners, thanks to the quiet sandy beaches and pretty views of the Blue Lake and Green Lake (Rotokakahi). The track features a few stairs, some rocky surfaces and boggy patches after rain; the final leg takes you along the roadside so take special care because the road is narrow. Of course you can go the other way round, in a clockwise direction, thus doing the road section first.
7. GREAT LAKE WALKWAY
Where is it? Start at Taupō Boat Harbour, at the intersection of Redoubt St and Ferry Rd or set off from the other end at Five Mile Recreation Reserve.
Terrain: The easy undulating path is mostly paved, making it perfect for strollers, wheelchairs and bikes.
Need to know: Dogs are permitted. Basic fitness required. Easy walking. 2hr one way; 10km one way.
TRACK OVERVIEW Also known as The Lion’s Walk, the Great Lake Walkway sets off from the Taupō Boat Harbour, heading in the direction of the Three Mile Boat Ramp. This is a relaxed and scenic track for all ages, and as you head further out of town, the world takes on a most tranquil and picturesque quality and features show-stopping views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe. With several places along the way to stop for swims,picnics and ice creams, the walk concludes at Five Mile Bay Recreation Reserve.
8. TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Mt Ngāuruhoe © Adobe Stock
The Tongariro National Park provides the backdrop for your alpine adventure with a landscape of stark contrasts and amazing views at every turn.
Where is it? Located in the Central North Island, the Tongariro National Park is the closest national park to Auckland. It’s easily accessed from Ōhakune, Tūrangi, Taupō and SH 1. The circular Great Walk starts near Whakapapa Village.
Terrain: Moderate-to-high level of fitness and clothing suitable for alpine conditions required.
Need to know: No dogs. 3-4 days; 43km. Moderate-high fitness required. Can be steep at times. Season: Late Oct to late Apr.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Tongariro Northern Circuit is a Great Walk and a loop track that can be walked in either direction. The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Starting at Whakapapa Village, hike to the Mangatepopo Valley. See Pukekaikiore, one of the older vents of the Tongariro Complex of explosion craters, lava flows, and volcanic cones. On the second day, hike through the valley and then climb up to the Red Crater (1868m) before descending to the Emerald Lakes and down into the Oturere Valley. The next day follow the track along the foothills of Ngāuruhoe. After crossing the Waihōhonu Stream, continue through beech-forested valley, then climb over the ridge to reach Waihōhonu Hut in the next valley. On the last day, hike alongside the Waihōhonu Stream and up to the Tama Saddle. Take an optional side trip to Tama Lakes, then continue to Whakapapa Village.
9. TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING
Described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, Tongariro Alpine Crossing features crater lakes, sweeping views and alpine majesty. This is a walk to do at least once in your life.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing © Graeme Murray
Where is it? Start at either Mangatepopo car park on the west of the mountain or Ketetahi car park to the north.
Terrain: The climbs can be steep and the terrain includes gravel, scree, boardwalks, bush and alpine paths.
Need to know: This is alpine territory so be prepared for all weather conditions and ensure you have all the essential equipment to handle alpine conditions. Start the walk by 8am or 9am as you do not want to be finishing after dusk. 7-9hr one way; 19.4km one way. No dogs. Strong fitness required. Steep with many steps. If you want to avoid peak season, walk in November when there are only two or three hundred people on the track each day.
TRACK OVERVIEW: Leaving from the Mangatepopo car park, the trails begins with gravel and boardwalks as it makes its way steadily up to Soda Springs. You will find toilets there. Next comes the steepest part of the walk, known affectionately as The Devil’s Staircase; this takes you up to the Mangatepopo Saddle. If you’re feeling frisky, do the Extra for Experts and trot up to Mt Ngāuruhoe before returning to the main track to continue on to the saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe. Follow the markers to the South Crater where you’ll find the crossing’s highest point; the Red Crater is 1887m above sea level. From here walk on past the Emerald Lakes, then it’s around the side of the Blue Lake where it’s pretty much all downhill to the Ketetahi Shelter. The last two hours, give or take, lead you through native forest before letting you out at the Ketetahi car park.
