Explore the Bay of Islands on foot. Whether it’s a 30 minute stroll along the coast or a 3 day hike, there are a variety of walks to suit all ages, fitness levels and interests.

Full Circle Walkway – PAIHIA – OPUA – OKIATO – RUSSELL

Full circle walk, with many options for start and end points. Do as much or as little as you choose. Good level of fitness required on hilly sections. Find out more

Cape Brett Walkway

This is a challenging 8 hour walk, one way, between Oke Bay and the tip of Cape Brett. Organise a water taxi to the Cape to avoid the return trip. Book a night in the DOC hut, once the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage, and enjoy the breathtaking views before setting off the next day. Find out more

Puketi and Omahuta

Choose from a number of day walks winding through these beautiful kauri forests. Take a guided night walk and hear kiwi calling. Find out more 

Waipoua Forest

Head to the Waipoua Forest for a sheltered, easy walk amongst some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring, ancient kauri trees. The mighty Tane Mahuta is estimated to be 2,000 years old. Find out more

Whangaroa Harbour

St Pauls Rock and the Dukes Nose are volcanic domes with spectacular views of the lush coves and deep green waters of Whangaroa Harbour – a worthwhile reward for these short but steep climbs.

Island walks

A short walk past the twin lagoons to the summit of Motuarohia Island will reward you with spectacular 360 degree views. A choice of walks on .Urapukapuka offer dramatic cliffs, idyllic bays and fascinating interpretation of early Maori history

Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway

Following the beaches and bays from the Pahia Wharf to Opua, this track is a perfect half-day walk with time for a swim along the way. Return transport is easily organised by taxi or tuk tuk. Find out more

Haruru Falls

This 3 hour return walk along the Waitangi River will take you from the Treaty Grounds to a beautiful horseshoe shaped waterfall. Other walks include:

• Russell Forest Kauri Grove & Twin Bole Kauri
• Long Beach Walkway
• Flagstaff – Beach And Bush Walk
• Tapeka Point Historic Reserve
• Waihihi Bay Walkway
• Whangamumu Harbour And Whaling Station

Te Araroa Trail

The Te Araroa Trail stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It passes through Waitangi and Paihia so spend a day enjoying one of the sections and you can say you’ve walked part of New Zealand’s Long Pathway. Find out more