If you’re planning a visit to New Zealand, and especially if you love the outdoors, you’ve likely heard of the Great Walks. These premier hiking trails take adventurers through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, offering a chance to connect with nature in a deeply immersive way. While many associate New Zealand’s Great Walks with the dramatic fjords and mountain ranges of the South Island, the North Island offers equally captivating experiences, brimming with volcanic wonders, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through two of the most iconic Great Walks of the North Island: the Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit: Hiking Across a Volcanic Wonderland
Located in the heart of the North Island, the Tongariro Northern Circuit is nothing short of breathtaking. This 43-kilometer loop, which typically takes 3-4 days to complete, weaves its way through the Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance.
From the moment you set foot on the trail, it feels like stepping into another world. The Tongariro National Park is home to three active volcanoes: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe (which you might recognize as “Mount Doom” from The Lord of the Rings), and Mount Ruapehu. As you hike across barren volcanic landscapes, past ancient lava flows and rugged craters, you’ll feel like you’re walking on the surface of Mars.
One of the highlights of the circuit is the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often described as the best one-day hike in New Zealand. While the Northern Circuit offers more of the park’s beauty over several days, the crossing is a must-do section of the hike. Along the way, you’ll pass the Emerald Lakes, their bright turquoise waters shimmering in stark contrast to the surrounding red and black volcanic rock. The Blue Lake and the stark Red Crater further intensify the otherworldly atmosphere.
But it’s not all about the scenery—this area is rich in Māori culture and history. Mount Tongariro is sacred to the Māori people, and walking these lands gives you a sense of their deep connection to the natural world. As you traverse the circuit, you’ll feel the stories of the land echoing in the wind, the mountains rising like guardians over the landscape.
After a long day of hiking, you’ll find refuge in one of the Department of Conservation huts that dot the trail. Nothing feels quite as rewarding as watching the sunset behind the mountains while sipping a hot drink at the end of a day’s trek.
Lake Waikaremoana Track: A Journey Through the Ancient Forest
In contrast to the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro, the Lake Waikaremoana Track takes you through a mystical forest, rich in biodiversity and steeped in Māori history. This 46-kilometer hike around the shores of Lake Waikaremoana (which translates to “sea of rippling waters”) is typically completed over 3-4 days.
The lake lies within Te Urewera, a land that holds deep significance for the local Māori iwi (tribe) Tūhoe, known as the “Children of the Mist.” As you begin the track, you’re immediately greeted by dense native forests, towering rimu and beech trees, and a chorus of birdsong. This region is one of the most biodiverse in New Zealand, home to rare species like the kiwi, kākā, and kōkako.
The track takes you around the shores of the lake, up through ridges that provide panoramic views over the serene blue waters and surrounding forest-clad hills. The Panekire Bluff, a high point along the trail, offers one of the most breathtaking vistas of the entire hike. Standing atop the bluff, the entire lake stretches out before you like a mirror, reflecting the sky and surrounding forests. It’s one of those views that makes the effort of the hike feel incredibly worth it.
While the scenery is awe-inspiring, what makes the Lake Waikaremoana Track truly unique is the connection to Tūhoe culture. Throughout the hike, you’ll see signs and hear stories of the iwi who have lived in this region for centuries. There’s a spiritual sense to the place, a feeling that the land itself is alive and breathing with history.
At night, you’ll stay in huts along the lake, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest. It’s an experience that feels both raw and revitalizing, a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and the past.
Which Walk is Right for You?
Both of these Great Walks offer unique experiences that highlight the diversity of the North Island’s landscapes. If you’re drawn to dramatic volcanic scenery, challenging hikes, and a bit of alpine adventure, the Tongariro Northern Circuit will blow you away. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more tranquil, forested journey with an emphasis on Māori culture and wildlife, the Lake Waikaremoana Track is an ideal choice.
For those with time, why not do both? Each walk provides a different perspective of the North Island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, and together, they make for a truly unforgettable North Island adventure.
Tips for Hiking New Zealand’s Great Walks
- Plan Ahead: Great Walks require booking in advance, especially during peak seasons (November to April).
- Pack Smart: Weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so pack layers, rain gear, and good hiking boots.
- Respect the Land: Both Tongariro and Lake Waikaremoana are culturally significant to the Māori people. Show respect by staying on designated trails and following local guidelines.
Whether you choose the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro or the ancient forests of Waikaremoana, New Zealand’s Great Walks offer some of the best hiking experiences in the world. As you step onto these trails, you’ll quickly understand why these journeys are not just about walking through nature—they’re about immersing yourself in the stories, history, and spirit of Aotearoa.
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