It’s been a while since I updated this site, so while reorganizing, I noticed that I have yet to post a “Top Picks” for New Zealand’s North Island. Bri and I ended up spending eight months on the North Island last year, and while we remained active hikers year-round, we didn’t bag nearly as many “peaks” as on the South Island. A lot of the high points we hiked to are considered ‘Trigs’ which are usually the official geographical high points along a long range or ridge. Often we got rained out given that it was winter/spring on said trips. Anyway, of those trips that remained dry and under relatively clear skies, here’s my top pick, starting with the cream of the crop:
1) Mount Ruapehu / Takino Peak
Well I mean, this is a peak-bagging blog after all! I feel extremely lucky and privileged to have partaken on this overnight ascent of the North Island’s highest mountain (and volcano cone nonetheless). From a solid crew to solid weather conditions, could not have asked for a better experience. Though probably should have worn better boots on that trip, my toes haven’t been the same since. Full trip report is available at Mount Ruapehu / Tukino Peak (NZ) .
2) Tongariro Crossing
Yes that is correct! I seldom write-up on high points that are this popular without sneaking in a sly remark or two, but in this case it was all positives. Yes, it was busy, but from what I’ve seen online we still figuratively beat the crowds by going in late Spring before the summer level crowds. That all aside, this was one of those times that something actually lived up to all the hype surrounding it. We resisted the urge to bag some of the peaks that are adjacent to the main path and stuck to the main route. The lingering snow added to the dramatic landscape and we were even treated to some bizarre cloud formations. We completed the crossing at a leisurely six hours, and any active hiking party could quite easily shave an hour or two off that time. But why rush when there’s so much scenery to take in!
3) Coromandel Pinnacles
This is another popular high point and is best done as a two day trip. Not because its overly long or challenging (a meager 3 hours one way) but to view the Pinnacles at both sunset and sunrise. I personally felt sunset to be the more spectacular out of the two times, but you’d have go for yourself to make a decision! Mildly comparable to the Grampians in Australia. Side note – I found that while the views from the summit are impressive, the sunset / sunrise can be viewed pretty well much anywhere along the route for dramatic lighting. You’re far enough from major towns to have a starry night too, assuming you get a clear night.
4) Belmont and Canon’s Head
We spent a grand total of five months living in Wellington, and thoroughly explored the surrounding ranges within the city. Lacking a car, we never made it to the Tararuas, otherwise this whole list might look completely different. Of the highlights from our Wellington area trigs, Belmont and Canon’s Head were our favourite. So much so that we ended up doing them twice. The views aren’t any different from other high points within the city proper, but the approach from Korokoro Stream made this loop an epic half day venture that earns you two ‘Trig’ high points.
5) Tauhara Peak
A short and sweet trek, almost a scramble, up an ancient volcano cone topping out at just under 1100m. This would be a great warm-up before tackling the Tongariro crossing and rewards those who have summited with a grand panorama of Lake Taupo and of Tongariro National Park to the south. Better yet we made a friend along the way! There’s a slight path that deviates south from the summit; it is a bit exposed so carefully follow it to a rocky outcropping for even more stellar views (as seen in this photo):
6) Wellington Skyline
The Wellington Skyline track takes you up two local trigs: Mount Kaukau at 445m and Makara Peak at 412m. While there were views to be had of Wellington Harbour and of the ranges surrounding Wellington, it was the company that made this outing stand out. We somehow recruited nine fellow back packers from the hostel we were staying at, and managed get the entire group across the skyline in one piece 😉 though it may have taken some peer pressure to encourage a few up the final leg to Makara Peak.
Steep Sheep 