Best Trails in Northland — 5 Unforgettable Walks

Te Tai Tokerau – Northland is full of trails that highlight its spectacular coastline, native forest and ancient cultural landscapes. Whether you’re in for a day-walk or multi-day tramp, these five hikes are among the very best: dramatic views, peaceful wild places and paths that make your heart beat just a little faster. Below are five of our favourite trails worth lacing up boots for.

Cape Brett Track

Perched on the edge of the Bay of Islands, the Cape Brett Track is one of Northland’s most dramatic journeys. The trail weaves along rugged ridgelines where the sea crashes below and seabirds wheel overhead. Every step brings a sense of both adventure and remoteness — the feeling of walking out toward the end of the world.

• Distance & Difficulty: ~16.3 km one way, advanced tramp.
• Time: Expect about 6–8 hours (depending on start point, fitness & weather) to reach the old lighthouse.
• Highlights: Sweeping coastal views, steep cliffs, ridge walks through native and regenerating bush. The drop-offs to the sea make for dramatic scenery.
• Extra: A side-track to Deep Water Cove is beautiful for a swim or snorkel with abundant marine and bird life.
• Access & Notes: Start from Rāwhiti (Ōke Bay) via Rāwhiti Road. The initial section crosses private land, so permits/fees apply. Good fitness, plenty of water and solid preparation are essential.

Bream Headland / Te Whara Loop Track

Few walks capture Northland’s wild energy like the Bream Headland Track. Climbing steeply through lush coastal forest before breaking out to panoramic views, this track offers a mix of challenge, history and natural beauty. Standing at the ridgeline, you’ll feel the raw power of the Pacific stretching endlessly in front of you.

• Distance & Difficulty: The loop is about 8.4 km; rated hard.
• Time: 2.5–3 hours for the loop if fit; allow extra for views, breaks and photos.
• What to Expect: Coastal Forest, ridge climbs with steep sections and panoramic views from peaks looking across to islands and the Pacific Ocean. The area has wāhi tapu (sacred sites) and is home to rare species and rich birdlife.
• Access & Tips: Starts from Ocean Beach or Urquharts Bay carparks. Can be muddy and slippery after rain — best in dry conditions. Respect conservation work and stay on track.

Kerikeri River Track

Right in the heart of Kerikeri, this river walk feels like a green escape. The Kerikeri River Track meanders past waterfalls, mossy trees and quiet streams, blending history with nature. It’s a trail where you can slow down, listen to the birds and end with the roar of Rainbow Falls.

• Distance & Difficulty: About 1.5 hours one way, easy to moderate.
• Highlights: Walk alongside the Kerikeri River, through lush forest, past streams and smaller cascades.
• Highlights: Ends at the spectacular Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa), a 27-metre drop into a deep pool.
• Extra: Starts near the historic Stone Store precinct, making it easy to combine nature with local history. Family-friendly and great for birdwatching.

Waitangi to Haruru Falls Walk

Walking from Waitangi to Haruru Falls connects past and present in a beautiful way. The estuary trail passes through mangroves alive with birdsong, before reaching the horseshoe-shaped falls that tumble dramatically into the pool below. It’s a gentle walk with deep cultural roots — a reminder of Waitangi’s significance and the timeless flow of water.

• Distance & Difficulty: Around 2.5 hours return, easy walking.
• Highlights: Starts from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, following a tranquil estuary lined with mangroves.
• Highlights: Ends at the horseshoe-shaped Haruru Falls, one of the most photogenic small waterfalls in Northland.
• What to Expect: A mix of history, natural beauty and cultural connection — a walk that feels both peaceful and significant.

Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is all about big horizons and salty air. Rising quickly above the shoreline, the track rewards with sweeping views that reach as far as the eye can see. With every step along the cliffs, you feel both small and alive — the ocean stretching out beneath your feet.

• Distance & Difficulty: 2–3 hours return, moderate.
• Highlights: Climb to dramatic clifftops with sweeping ocean views — on a clear day you can see as far as Great Barrier Island.
• What to Expect: A mix of native bush, clifftop ridges and beach walking (at low tide).
• Tip: One of the most rewarding short walks in Northland, combining scenery, fresh sea air and a good workout.

Closing Thoughts

These trails are just a snapshot of Northland’s variety, from coastal ridges and river tracks to waterfalls and historic routes. Whether you’re after challenge or relaxation, each walk is a chance to connect with the land and enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural depth.

Te Araroa Trail – Walking the Length of Aotearoa

Northland is also the starting point of the Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand’s epic long-distance walk that stretches all the way from Cape Rēinga to Bluff. Covering more than 3,000 km, it begins with days of walking through the wild landscapes of the Far North — along Ninety Mile Beach, through forests of kauri and across quiet rural backroads.

Even if you don’t plan to tackle the whole country, walking a section of the Te Araroa in Northland gives you a taste of its spirit. It’s a journey that combines raw nature with cultural depth, linking small communities and iconic landscapes. For many, the first footsteps at Cape Rēinga are both a beginning and a blessing, setting the tone for the adventure of a lifetime.