Road tripping around Aotearoa this summer? Short walks while on a road trip are the best way to explore nearby gems while stretching the legs. The NZ Mountain Safety Council share their top North Island road trip short walks on their new Plan My Walk app to help inspire you this summer season.
They are perfect for beginners and young families to feel a sense of adventure within a short time and can be anything from a simple boardwalk loop in the native forest just off the main highway to an amazing lookout.
Te Matua Ngahere Walk: Northland
View the second largest living kauri tree in New Zealand, Te Matua Ngahere. Adventuring the tropical Northland and the land of ancient kauri trees, this less than an hour forest walk is a rewarding treat and a fun option for the family. Find it just 60km north of Dargaville on SH12 in the Waipoua Kauri Forest.
Lake Rotopounamu Track: Cental North Island
This loop track circles a beautiful lake surrounded by native forest and is a special favourite for tree lovers, birdwatchers, and families. Passing through the Central North Island, and not far from Turangi is lake Rotopounamu off SH47.
Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve: Hawkes Bay
Take a break from the sun and enjoy a sheltered short, easy walk to discover the Tangoio Falls. If you’ve got some time up your sleeve, take a longer walk-through native bush on the Tangoio Walkway. In and around Hawkes Bay, and on your way to Gisborne, you will find this gem on SH2.
Mount Damper Falls Walk: Taranaki
More off the beaten track is the North Island’s highest waterfall at 74m high. It’s an easy walk to the falls once you reach the carpark, only 60km from New Plymouth on SH3.
Te Ara Tirohanga/Remutaka Trig: Wellington/Wairarapa region
Those making their way between the Wairarapa and Wellington regions will reach the Remutaka Summit, and see the amazing vistas. But less than an hours’ walk takes you to the Remutaka Trig offering regionwide views out to Lake Wairarapa and beyond. This track isn’t to be tackled in strong winds.
Aotearoa’s tracks can differ dramatically and require different levels of fitness, equipment and planning, so it pays to do some research first before you hit the track
The NZ Mountain Safety Council have developed a handy new web app, Plan My Walk, designed to help you get out there safely. You can search for tracks and filter them to your needs and either build a plan around them or save them in a wishlist. It pulls through the relevant track conditions, weather and gear list for you to gear up and get out.
So wherever you might be travelling to around New Zealand this summer, with a few pit stops along the way, there are plenty of places to stop by and safely soak in the scenery!
Not sure where to start? Check out the NZ Land Safety Code to help you prepare for a walk of any length:
- Choose the right trip for you
- Understand the weather
- Pack warm clothes and extra food
- Share your plans and take ways to get help
- Take care of yourself and each other
Thanks again to the NZ Mountain Safety Council for the awesome blog and great recommendations.