Far North Trail

The Far North Trail is 169.96 km long, so it sits firmly in multi-day territory rather than as a weekend hike. A typical through-hike is about 10 days, although the exact pace depends on weather, transport logistics, and how long is spent in places such as Kaitaia and the Hokianga area.

The Far North Trail starts in the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community area in the Far North of New Zealand. Over its roughly 170 km length, it links a broad section of the district rather than a short out-and-back route, so start and finish logistics usually need to be planned as a point-to-point trip.

The Far North Trail is rated medium difficulty, making it more approachable than New Zealand’s toughest alpine tracks but still substantial because of its length. Total elevation gain is 1,336 m across 169.96 km, so the challenge comes more from sustained distance over several days than from one steep mountain climb.

The Far North Trail is long at 169.96 km, but it is not the longest hike in New Zealand. For comparison, Te Araroa runs about 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff, so the Far North Trail is better understood as a major regional multi-day route in Northland rather than the country’s longest trail.

The Far North Trail is in the Far North district of Northland, with Kaikohe-Hokianga named at the trail’s start area. Nearby places commonly associated with long-distance walking in this part of the region include Kaitaia and Ahipara, both well-known access points for northern Northland journeys and coastal trail logistics.

The Far North Trail is a strong option for hikers looking for a substantial North Island multi-day route without committing to a full end-to-end journey. Its 169.96 km distance, medium rating, and location in the Far North make it a serious regional hike that covers a large section of one of New Zealand’s most distinctive northern landscapes.