Author: Torpedo7 & Robert Bruce | Published: 10 JULY 2019
Ditch the couch and get outdoors in New Zealand with these easy day hikes around New Zealand as selected by Torpedo7 Ambassador, Robert Bruce (Got To Get Out). The best news is you don't need to be overly fit to reap the rewards of these hikes. All you need is a little time, willingness to go somewhere new, and courage to switch off to properly reap the rewards of being outdoors.
Here are some top picks for easy day-hikes around New Zealand.
Photo credit: Miles Holden | Location: Lake Wainamu, West Auckland.
1. Sledge Track, Palmerston North
The Sledge Track has everything one could want from a hike: nice and close to town (25 minute drive), waterholes, rivers, a swing bridge, waterfalls, lush ferns and a well-formed walking track.
An easy to medium difficulty track, the first 30 minutes is a nice and easy trail, perfect for the whole family + doggo. For those wanting a bit more of an excursion, the track continues uphill towards the Platinum Mines, through native bush and boasts some pretty spectacular scenery.
The birdsong from Kereru, Piwakawaka (fantail) and Tui is magical, and you can easily feel like you've gone back in time on this trail - phone signal is a distant memory.
There and back (summit return) is about 5 hours, 10km. Well worth a looksie.
Photo credit: Got to Get Out | Location: Sledge Track.
2. Kitekite Falls, Waitakere Auckland
Recently reopened after being closed for upgrades for a year, including boot clearing station installation(s) to help stop the spread of Kauri Dieback, the Kitekite Falls track is one of Auckland's hidden gems.
Located in the Waitakere Ranges, the track is an easy hour long-walk each way, but it's enough to get a decent sweat on. Suitable for hikers of all ages, and a great spot for a picnic beneath the immense 40m high multi-step waterfall.
There and back (Glen Esk Road car park to falls return), is about 2 hours, 5km.
Photo credit: Got to Get Out | Location: Kitekite Falls..
3. Mt Cargill. North Dunedin
Better known for its student life, Dunedin doesn't usually feature on the 'places to hike' list, but Mt Cargill in North Dunedin is well worth the visit.
Like other hikes on our list, this walk is super accessible, only a short car trip from Dunedin City, and offers panoramic views of the greater Dunedin area. Hikers can get plenty of greentime walking through the established native bush-belt on the ascent to the summit (home to a large transmitting station) with foliage including Rimu, Manuka, Kawakawa, fern and other regenerating endemic bush.
90 minutes each way, or if you feel like a bit more, the side-trip to the 'Organ Pipes' (rocky outcrops of columnar jointed basalt created by the volcanic formation of the Otago Peninsula) is pretty special.
Put aside 3-4 hours return from Bethunes Gully car park, including lunch on the summit. 4.23km return.
Photo credit: TWG | Location: Nelson.
4. Wenderholm Regional Park (Perimeter Track), North Auckland
Unlike the dense bush of the Waitakere Ranges (West Auckland), the Perimeter Track of Wenderholm Regional Park (40 minutes drive North of Auckland city) provides incredible coastal and island views - a totally different experience to what you would typically think of in NZ.
Super insta worthy; from the lookout, the Wenderholm Regional Park Perimeter track offers a full smorgasbord of views - the Hauraki Gulf, Kawau Island and many smaller islands including Motu Korora/Te Haupa (Saddle Island).
The Perimeter Track itself is listed as a three hour loop on the signage but those with reasonable fitness can complete it in far less. The track is well marked and offers a mixed bag in terms of terrain including boardwalk, steps, gravel, grass and elevation, with a few fairly steep sections. Pop into the manicured grounds of the Couldrey House on the way back to the carpark to check out the original family homestead from days gone by.
2-3 hour loop, 4.6km return, and a 45 minute drive from Auckland City.
Photo credit: TWG | Location: North Auckland.
5. Queenstown Hill, Queenstown
Only have a couple of hours to get outside? Queenstown Hill is just for you. Also known by its M?ori name Te Tapu-Nui (the mountain of intense sacredness), Queenstown Hill is a perfect 'get into hiking' walk, providing incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and breathtaking surrounding mountains. Tip: pack a lunch for the top of the hill, or enjoy near the 'basket of dreams' sculpture.
Two hour loop, about 5km return, and reasonably central.
