Top Things to do in North Island
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The 10 Best Historic Walking Areas in North Island, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Old Kent Road, Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, Active Outdoor Adventures, Port Taranaki Walkway, Ohakune Old Coach Road, Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve Walk, Sapper Horace Moore-Jones commemorative statue, Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk, Karori Cemetery Tour, Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway - Okiato to Russell.
Restaurants in North Island
1. Old Kent Road
2. Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By V2902SYrebeccaw - Wellington, New Zealand
Follow the Napier Taupō Highway (SH5) 17 km from Taupō. The highway bisects Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, with car parks on both sides of the road. Two walks, on each side of the road. We enjoyed walking in the cool, a pleasant relief from the hot summer temperature of the day! Although we could hear the cars from the busy highway not far away, it felt peaceful and serene. Northern Track - Time: 30 - 45 min Distance: 1.5 km loop. Southern Track - Time: 1 hr - 1 hr 30 min Distance: 3 km loop The well maintained tracks take you through the bush, and in the case of the Northern Track mature podocarp forest. DOC has labeled some of the trees ( totara, rimu, matai) and bird life is prevalent. Opepe is noted for the 1869 New Zealand Land Wars engagement between the Bay of Plenty Calvary and a band of Maori warriors led by Te Kooti. A side track brings you to the cemetary where the nine soldiers were buried. Later, residents of Opepe township and the Armed Constabulary were also buried there. Opepe was a small township with a hotel, a store and homes for up to 120 people. Relics of this settlement remain. Dogs are allowed, under control.
3. Active Outdoor Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
Active Outdoor Adventures provides a shuttle service to the famous Tongariro Crossing which is considered one of the best one day hikes in New Zealand. 19.4 kilometers or 6-8 hours of pure drama and beauty. Walking over a volcanic landscape & passing colored lakes, springs and steaming vents with outstanding views is what attracts thousands of visitors to the Tongariro National Park on a daily basis during summer. Not only do we transport, we emphasize how important the area is to us as Maori with a bit of cultural history & stories when you depart our shuttle all from genuine local drivers.
Reviewed By codykohler - Hong Kong, China
The best part was the driver who explained a bit of history about the hike and the mountains, also sent us off with a traditional prayer before we exited the van. Be sure to have everything packed before you leave your car (including water) once you enter the van hike is on. The parking lot was convient at the end of the hike,
4. Port Taranaki Walkway
5. Ohakune Old Coach Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip
Reviewed By kiwitreks - Masterton, New Zealand
My partner and I hired bikes and did the return journey which is about 30km. Definitely more difficult/uphill on the way there compared with the return back to ohakune. It was manageable for 2 people with 0 mountain biking experience on conventional bikes within 3 hours, but if I were to do the whole 30km again I’d opt for an e bike. Scenes are beautiful and the downhill is a great rush. I’d recommend starting early so that the track is alot quieter, after 10am it started to get busy with people dropped off at the other end.
6. Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve Walk
7. Sapper Horace Moore-Jones commemorative statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Guess_13 - Hamilton, New Zealand
The work was created by New Zealand Defence Force artist Captain Matt Gauldie to celebrate the life and heroism of Sapper Horace Moore-Jones and to commemorate the centennial of the WW1 Gallipoli battle. It is a touching rendition of a hero.
8. Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By DiannaC308 - Melbourne, Australia
This is a stunning walk and worth seeing the small Grove of Waiomu Kauri trees. It follows a creek along an old pack saddle route used by miners. NOTE. 1) the initial causeway crossing is likely to have water on it. We waded through as water was only 5cm deep. There are some unstable stepping stones . 2) parking is possible closer to the track start. Drive a further 500m past the sign. Pull off on the left.
9. Karori Cemetery Tour
10. Bay of Islands Coastal Walkway - Okiato to Russell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By CaneloLeche - Australia, null
Great coastal walk with lovely views. Parts rough and steep but well manageable. Depending on tide timea you can walk parts along the beach but the full track is accessible regardless. Look out for Terry as he has been maintaining the paths for years and is doing a fine job of it.
