Get outdoors: 14 must-do short walks

A steady climb through regenerating native bush to the summit of Mount Manaia rewards you with breathtaking views of the dramatic entrance to Whangārei Harbour.

Highlights:

• One of the most dramatic harbour entrances in New Zealand
• Spectacular view from the Bluff lookout to Bream Head and the Hen and Chicken Islands

The rugged beauty of New Zealand’s coast unfolds with panoramic views offering spectacular photo opportunities along this walk from the shoreline to the clifftops.

Highlights:

• Unique rock formations
• Opportunity to see passing whales and schools of sharks

An easy climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields gives way to panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit of this volcanic island.

• Well-formed paths through lava fields
• World's largest pōhutukawa forest to the peak at 259 m above sea level
• In the 1920s and 1930s, prisoners built 19 km of hand-packed tracks and roads
• Bach 39 Museum at Rangitoto Wharf, open by appointment

Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you on this well maintained/well-marked walk to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove.

• Distinctive coastal landform features with dramatic cliffs and archway
• Take a guided boat/kayak tour to see the amazing views and hear rich commentary about historical, cultural and ecological significance of the area. The tour includes the Te Whanganui-A-Hei marine reserve.

A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest and most accessible falls in Golden Bay.

• Giant snail (Powelliphanta)
• Wainui Falls

Scenery and history combine in this walk along a historic bush tramway, with spectacular vistas up and down the Ngākawau Gorge, alongside an unfolding view of the Mangatini Falls.

• Mangatini Falls
• Views of Upper Ngākawau Gorge
• Remnants of sawmilling and mining history

A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway.

• New Zealand fur seal/kekeno breeding colony, panoramic views of mountains and coastline
• Cape Foulwind lighthouse

Feel the full force and sound of fresh mountain water falling 131m down one of New Zealand's most stunning waterfalls.

• Spectacular waterfall
• Lush beech forest

Wander through majestic limestone rock formations and reflect on the significance of Kura Tāwhiti to Ngāi Tahu as the treasure from a distant land.

• Distinctive limestone rock formations
• Castle Hill buttercup

A gentle walk through native forest leads to the picturesque shore of Lake Matheson, with Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman brilliantly reflected in its still waters.

• Reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook on the lake

Get spectacular views of Fox Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe on this short, easy walk that's suitable for children – kids can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal here too!

• Views of the impressive glacier

A short walk that rewards with views of the dramatic alpine landscape, icebergs floating on the glacier lake and New Zealand's longest glacier, the mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier.

• The 27km Tasman glacier is the longest in New Zealand
• The rifleman, New Zealand's smallest bird

Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity.

• Views up the river gorge
• Listen for the yellowhead/mohua

Experience wild Fiordland as you wander through red beech forest, enjoying glimpses of the birdlife of the Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains.

• Majestic landscape of the Divide of the Southern Alps