Chris
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
Te Puia Hut Track to Mangatainoka Hot Springs
5.0/5
This walk is a hidden gem (at least on a fine day as when I did it) - one of the top day walks in NZ in my opinion.
River and bush covered steep hill scenery is stunning. Gravel road to get there a bit dodgy and not for motorhomes. I walked to the hot pools and back in 7.5 hours (including an hour at the hot pools for a swim and lunch) where you can also camp if you wish - terrific place to camp. Do note there are a lot of hunters using this track (one I passed carrying two deer heads) and DOC for some reason putting the dead stoats and rats on the top of the traps all along the way, but don't let any of that put you off - this is a stunning walk.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Mount / Mt Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit
3.5/5
Was a hard 12 hour 20 minute daywalk (in excellent weather) for me (over 65'er).
Went anti-clockwise. Walk to Atiwhakatu Hut was easy and pleasant - would be good to take kids on. Walk to Jumbo Hut from there was very steep. Walk from Jumbo to Powell Hut via Mt Holdsworth was initially steepish then along the tops rather difficult - muddy and sometimes vegetation covered the track so hard to see dips in the track. Vegetation up there was quite interesting and views very good though not stellar. Path passes past Powell Hutt (I went the wrong way for a bit). Track from Powell Hutt first steepish down tho lots of steps, then a long walk (in my case in the dark) back to the carpark. Tbh I wasn't blown away by the walk - Pouakai Circuit (which I also did in a day) was better.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
Mount Taranaki Summit Track
5.0/5
Been up twice - first time up took 8 hours up and down, second time with slower companion 12 hours.
You need to be fit but doable by most (am a senior). Scree is slippery and hard going, both up and down. Coming down took me and us nearly as long as going up both times. Fantastic views up top and along the way. One of the best day hikes in NZ on a good day (-just remember the weather is very changeable!).