Bay of Islands Walk – 5 Days

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs. If you do not have access to hills, it it essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible via a treadmill or stair climber. Prioritizing resistance training assumes heightened significance in this context, emphasizing the incorporation of stair climbing whenever feasible. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels ( this may not be possible). Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

MIXED TERRAIN

UNEVEN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritize options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

MOUNTAINOUS

As terrain associated with Mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and or rocky balancing and core exercises are vital. Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills or up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is often the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. So concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

AVAILABILITY OF THE BAY OF ISLANDS WALK

This trip is almost always available, but we don’t suggest the winter months of June, July and August. We suggest that if you can avoid January and February when the area gets more crowded with holidaymakers. The walking temperatures are also higher but then you can also take a swim. There is a surcharge at this time (as well as during the holiday period of December and of course in January and February). Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are good times to walk.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY

There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.

Travelling to the Start of the walk

You are required to get yourself to the start and from the end of this walk which starts and finishes in Russell. Make sure you have some new Zealand cash it will make things easier and less costly than using your credit card for small purchases.

There are two main ways to get to and from the walk.

You can fly to Kerikeri from Auckland, where one of our transfer providers will meet you for a 30 min transfer to Paihia, from Paihia you will need to catch a 15-minute ferry to Russell. Your accommodation is a short 200m from the Russell ferry jetty. Please note the ferry is an additional $9 which you will need to pay in cash on the day.

Alternatively, you can self-drive. The drive to Russell is around 3.5 hours from Auckland. The roads from Auckland are excellent and there are ample opportunities to explore on the way by taking the more scenic routes. Your vehicle can be left safely at your accommodation in Russell.

Travelling from the End of the walk

The walk finishes in Russell after breakfast on the last day if you drove.

Or we will transfer you from Paihia to Kerikeri airport. Flights are available back to Auckland from Kerikeri a few times a day.

Try google flights or skyscanner.com.au  to book flights

WALKING

The tracks are well-graded, with some ascents and descents. There are some potentially difficult bits if you have a fear of heights. The walk distances average about 16 kms a day, allowing you to explore the many isolated beaches. You will also have the option of undertaking additional walks should you wish to further explore the region.

The Cape Brett walk is challenging, and you’ll need to be ready for it. A shorter option is available, but it comes with another water taxi transfer, which you will need to pay directly to the water taxi company.

WEATHER

From December through February it is usually warm to hot with excellent swimming weather. You will need to book well in advance for January and February due to the summer school holidays. March through May and September to November is usually cooler, with long sunny days, perfect for walking.

See the New Zealand Meteorological Service information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For almost 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this self-guided trip. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.