Walking
There is a really good selection of walking tracks in very close proximity to the Bay of Islands Lodge. You can walk out your door and a couple of hundred metres later you are on the Full Circle walking track! A short beachside stroll will get you into Paihia town and a little bit further will take you to Waitangi – go at low tide and it is almost all beach walking! Multiple options to choose from here are some of our favorites but ask we have plenty more to share with you.
There are many other walks closer and further afield so please ask and we will point you in the right direction!
Bay of Islands Full Circle Day Walk
Paihia – Opua – Okiato – Russell – Paihia
Can break this down and just do Paihia to Opua return. Or continue on to Russell if you have the energy and hop on the passenger ferry back to Paihia and the short walk back to the lodge.
Length: 17 km, Time: 5 – 6 hours
Following the coastline you explore mangrove boardwalks, native bush which can be challenging with many steps up and down, picturesque bays, beaches and points.
It is a great sense of accomplishment having completed the full circle that many think you can only circumnavigate either by car or ferry!
It does require a good level of fitness. You can take a detour as you walk to Omata Estate Vineyard as well.
View the map.
You can also do the shorter walk just to Opua and Back.
Haruru Falls
Length: 6 km (track) extra 4kms back on the road
Time: 2.5 hours
The track is about 6km and will take you 2.5 hours to walk one way. It’s a ‘there and back track’ or perhaps a loop back on the footpath along the road. The start of the track is approx 3 km walk from the Lodge.
It’s suitable for people with moderate fitness and abilities, although if you think you may be in this category, you may want to allow more than the suggested 2.5 hours to complete the track.
While the path has ups and downs, the gradient is not very steep and the majority of the walk is along a flat path that takes you through a mangrove forest.
The walk is clearly signposted, but sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended because the track can be rough or muddy in patches.
Haruru Falls is one of several beautiful waterfalls in the Bay of Islands.
In Te Reo Māori, ‘haruru’ means “big noise.” If you happen to visit after one of Northland’s big rains, you’ll understand how the place earned its name. The torrent of water raging over the horseshoe-shaped falls roars down the walking track that follows the inlet. You’ll hear Haruru Falls long before you arrive.
School Road Viewpoint Track
Length: 1.5 km (return)
Time: 30 Minutes
A short steep track accessed from School Road (700 metres from the Paihia township AND APPROX 1500 METRES FROM Bay of islands lodge), taking you through shady native bush with dappled light reflecting off the stream.
The track is well maintained and is a steady incline to the viewpoint – long enough to give you a bit of a workout, but with rewarding views of Opua Forest and the Bay of Islands.
Once at the lookout you will have stunning views westwards to Waitangi, across Motumairie (one of the islands off Paihia) to Russell then over the Russell Peninsula to Cape Brett and Ipipiri, the eastern Bay of Islands. You can walk longer and further and do the Oromahoe traverse – ask if you want some more details on this.
Local Kauri walk
Length: 0.24 km, Time: 6 Minutes
This is an easy short interesting forest walk off Oromahoe road to view a magnificent Kauri tree. You will need a vehicle to drive to the start point on Oromahoe road.
We go that extra mile
There are so many incredible walks in the area. Urupukapuka Island, Haruru Falls track, Rainbow Falls track, Puketi Forest – ask us!
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