Dukes Nose Lookout Track

Dukes Nose - on a stunner of a day

Check out this hidden gem of a track located in Northland. A relatively unknown four to five-hour return climb, not many people are willing to give Dukes Nose a shot. Yes, you will need a reasonable amount of fitness, but trust us, it’s worth the effort!

It is a diverse walk that starts in gorgeous and immersive native bush. You will emerge in an open field next to a river where you can also follow a cave stream. Finally, climbing the rock formation will get you to the summit.

The views are breathtaking, providing a look over Whangaroa Harbour. It looks like you could be in Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam!

Pinnacles Walk

The Pinnacles are a must for anyone visiting the Coromandel. You can finish this track in a day with an 8-hour return or stay overnight at the DOC hut. Either way, the hike is not for the faint of heart, with a hardy upwards climb for pretty much the entire first half.

The walk will take you through lush bush, past streams, and across swing bridges. By the time you reach the top (as if you’re not puffed enough already), the unique rock formations will take your breath away.

We recommend the overnight stay. With the hut sitting just below the peak, you can drop your bags off and complete the final stretch of the climb to watch the sunset over the Coromandel Harbour. If you’re feeling dedicated, get up early to see the sun come up, too! Seriously, it’s worth it.

The hut is serviced with cooking facilities, lighting, and 80 bunk beds. You can have a nice hot meal when you get back from the top. Make sure you book a spot well in advance, especially in the summer.

Tongariro Crossing

One of the most popular day hikes in NZ, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a beloved hike by many adventurers. This challenging but rewarding trek requires a fair amount of fitness and is best in the summer. Only do the crossing in the winter if you have special skills.

Hikers traverse the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom), before descending to the spectacular Emerald Lakes. It takes about 8 hours to complete the track, and you can book a shuttle to get to and from the park.

The Tongariro Crossing is so popular because the dramatic volcanic alpine landscape is incredible to witness. You’ll pass steaming vents and prehistoric lava flows in a desert scape that feels nothing like what you would think New Zealand’s nature is like, making you feel like you’re on Mars.

Make sure you pack plenty of water, food, and sunscreen for this intense day out!

Bell Rock Loop Track

If you’re looking for a more peaceful walk with fewer people, try the Bell Rock Loop Track in the Boundary Stream area of Hawkes Bay. Find yourself among rock formations that were once part of the seafloor before tectonic plate movement thrust it up to land.

The track climbs through a forest full of native birds such as tui and kereru. The beginning climb is steep and intense before emerging onto the rolling farmland near the peak of the Maungaharuru Range. You will be exultant by the views that greet you at the top: the rock formations hanging off the side of the cliff are truly spectacular.

Be extremely careful when you reach the top of this track. If the three-hour return isn’t quite enough for you, check out some of the other walks in the same area, such as the Shine Falls walk.

Putangirua Pinnacles Track

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Choose between three easy walks to reach the spectacular Pinnacles tower. Either going up the streambed, through the bush or directly up the steep Ridge Walk track will take you about 45 minutes. Each of these options will give you a glimpse of a beautiful scenic reserve with native wildlife.

Emerge at the peak among unique and awe-inspiring rock formations that date back 120,000 years. They have star quality, too - having featured in some scenes in the third Lord of the Rings film. Some of the most amazing geological structures you’ll ever see, the Pinnacles maintain a sense of ancient majesty with a touch of fantasy.

Despite the short walk, be aware that among the rocks, a hot day can affect you! Make sure you bring plenty of water, wear a hat and lots of sunscreen.