The coastline at Māhia on the Pacific edge of the North Island

North Island Pilgrimage · Aotearoa

Sacred Waters

From Pacific dawn to Tasman twilight. A three-day contemplative pilgrimage across Te Ika-a-Māui.

Māhia → Kai Iwi · 3 days · Pacific → Tasman

East to West

Following the Light

We begin at Māhia, facing east toward the Pacific as the first light of a new day reaches Aotearoa. From there, the journey turns west through ancient forest, geothermal country, volcanic landscapes and alongside the Whanganui River, eventually reaching Kai Iwi at twilight.

We follow the light across the land, becoming attentive to the Light within and among us.

The North Island Crossing

Six Landscapes. One Journey West.

North Island Pilgrimage route mapA map of the North Island Pilgrimage showing the pilgrimage crossing the island from east to west, from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, via Māhia → Te Urewera & Whirinaki → Rotorua → Central Plateau → Whanganui River → Kai Iwi Beach.Pacific OceanTasman Sea01Māhia02Te Urewera & Whirinaki03Rotorua04Central Plateau05Whanganui River06Kai Iwi Beach
DawnDuskEast to west · Pacific to Tasman

01 Māhia02 Te Urewera & Whirinaki03 Rotorua04 Central Plateau05 Whanganui River06 Kai Iwi Beach

  1. 01MāhiaFirst Light
  2. 02Te Urewera & WhirinakiBeneath the Canopy
  3. 03RotoruaBeneath the Surface
  4. 04Central PlateauThe Threshold
  5. 05Whanganui RiverListening to the River
  6. 06Kai Iwi BeachTwilight

Three Days · East to West

The Journey Unfolds

  1. Day One

    First Light

    Māhia → Te Urewera / Whirinaki

    MovementAwakening

  2. Day Two

    Into the Interior

    Rotorua → Central Plateau

    MovementListening

  3. Day Three

    Toward the Western Shore

    Whanganui River → Kai Iwi Beach

    MovementReceiving

The Practice of Pilgrimage

Making Space to Notice

  • Silence
  • Scripture
  • Creation
  • Companionship
Nothing needs to happen. The invitation is simply to become available.

The Practical Things

What You Need to Know

Contact Us
Duration
3 days
Group Size
6–10 pilgrims
Travel
By vehicle with short walks and pauses.
Accommodation
Comfortable Airbnbs.
Meals
Shared together.
Cost & Dates
Contact us for current costs, dates and availability.

Come As You Are

Perhaps This Journey Is for You

You may be longing for space. Carrying questions. Standing at a threshold. Seeking a deeper awareness of God. Or simply drawn to journeying through Aotearoa with greater attention.

Only a willingness to make the journey.

No previous experience of pilgrimage or contemplative prayer is required.

The Western Shore

What might you discover along the way?

Three days. From first light on the Pacific to twilight on the Tasman.

Enquire About the North Island Pilgrimage

Walking Together

With Gratitude

Waypoints has been shaped through the generosity, encouragement and partnership of organisations who have helped make this journey possible.

  • Forge Aotearoa
  • Wilberforce Foundation
  • Kiwi Church