KEY POINTS:
If you need a break from the beach this summer, head for the bush.
Here are a selection of the best and easiest short walks near popular holiday destinations in the North Island.
Ruapekapeka Pa Walk, Bay of Islands
Where: Ruapekapeka Rd, off SH1, 16km south of Kawakawa
How long: 1.5km, 30 minutes
The scene of the last battle of the Northern Wars between the British and Maori, this is one of the country's most significant historic sites. The track is level and easy going, with few slopes or steps, suitable
for all levels of fitness. The nearby Kawiti glow-worm caves are also worth a visit.
Kaitoke Hot Springs Track, Great Barrier Island
Where: Off Whangaparapara Rd
How long: 5.4km, 90 minutes return
Though there are many scenic short walks on Great Barrier, with varying
degrees of difficulty, this is a great idea for keeping the kids entertained on a cooler summer day. A flat, easy track, it's even suitable for sturdy pushchairs and wheelchairs. The path crosses the Kaitoke Stream and follows the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp to sulphurous hot springs where a series of pools lie in a fork in the creek. Just
watch the stream water as it can be hot, and don't put your head under in the pools.
Totara Walk, Pureora Forest Park, south Waikato
Where: Barryville Rd off SH30, Pureora
How long: 1.9km, 30 minutes
Pureora Forest Park cuts across the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto Ranges
between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti. It has a large network of varied walking tracks among tall trees and sparkling rivers. This loop walk is on an easy, even track, with some steps and slopes. There are several
camping areas in the park as well, so it's a great place to base yourself for a few days.
Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi Canyon Track, Whirinaki Forest Park, Bay of
Plenty
Where: River Rd, east of Rotorua off SH38
How long: 2km, 30 minutes
This is a short, well-graded walk from the Whirinaki carpark, which takes visitors along the first portion of the Whirinaki track to the spectacular Te Whaiti Nui-A-Toi canyon. This is a sacred area for the
Ngati Whare iwi and the forest floor is rich with precious plant species, so walkers are not permitted to stray from the path.
White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve
Where: 29km north of Napier on SH2
How long: 0.8km, 30 minutes return
This extremely pretty, easy-to-navigate track in Hawkes Bay meanders through tall white pines (kahikatea), but walkers will also see nikau
palms and other native plants. It's an easy walk, so carry a picnic with you and sit among the trees watching and listening for native birds. The only thing to watch out for is stinging nettles, but stick to the path
and you'll be fine. There's another, similar White Pine Bush reserve in Bay of Plenty, 20km south of Whakatane, which also features an easy, short walkway.
Hinerau Walk, Lake Waikaremoana
Where: Northwest of Wairoa
How long: 1.3km, 30 minutes
While Lake Waikaremoana is probably best known for the Lake Walk (see sidebar), the area is also filled with easier, shorter walks that
can be completed inside a day. The Hinerau Walk begins and ends near the
Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre and is an easy stroll suitable for all fitness levels. The highlight is the three waterfalls known as Aniwaniwa Falls. Continue along the track, past a view of the lake, to end up back at
the visitor centre.
Spa Park to Huka Falls, Taupo
Where: Spa Park, County Rd, off Spa Rd, Taupo
How long: 5.6km, 120 minutes
This is an easy walk that takes in beautiful views over the Waikato River gorge and the mesmerising Huka Falls, as well as steam vents, rainforests and dramatic cliffs. You can return via the same path or
arrange to be collected from Huka Falls carpark.
Potaema Walk, Egmont National Park, Taranaki
Where: Pembroke Rd, off SH3,
How long: 1.1km, 30 minutes
This wheelchair-friendly track starts at the Potaema picnic area about 3km in from the park boundary on Pembroke Rd. Raised boardwalks take you
through lush lowland forest made up of rimu, rata, kahikatia and mountain totara. The track leads to a large lowland bog that sustains a wide variety of plant and bird life. There are also beautiful views of
the mountain across the swamp from the viewing area.
The Lake Waikaremoana Track, Te Urewera National Park, Eastland
If you're looking for something a little more challenging than a short
walk, try this beautiful and moderately difficult four-day/three-night tramp around Lake Waikaremoana. One of DoC's nine official Great Walks of New Zealand, it runs from from Onepoto to Hopuruahine (but can be walked in either direction), around the lake edge, through beech and native forests and past stunning waterfalls, such as Korokoro.
The toughest part of the trip is the climb over Panekiri Ridge, on
the first leg of the trip if you depart Onepoto. In summer there's not a
lot of water about in this stretch, so take plenty. Be sure to pack for all weather conditions - it can even snow in summer - and be sure to
book your hut and campsite accommodation ahead.
Information provided by the Department of Conservation and AA Travel. For more information on other short walks, pick up a copy of DoC's Easy Access 30 Minute to 120 Minute Walks brochure, or visit www.doc.govt.nz. For more must-do ideas in New Zealand, visit www.aatravel.co.nz
