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Home  >  Our Walks  >  Seven Peaks Walk

Seven Peaks Walk

The Seven Peaks Walk is a stunning hiking experience based out of Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island. This 6 night, 5 day guided walk covers 45km of trails and peaks climbing, with options available depending on ability and weather conditions. It’s a truly spectacular way to explore a UNESCO World Heritage listed island, only a two hour flight from Sydney.
This walk is operated by
Pinetrees Lodge
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A two hour flight from Sydney lies the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, a slice of paradise that Sir David Attenborough said is “so extraordinary, it’s unbelievable,” and its highly acclaimed six day/six night Seven Peaks Walk.

Seven Peaks Walk is a step out of modern life to a place where the pace is slow, the nature is sublime, the adventure is high, the food and wine is superb, and your accommodation is light on the planet.

A favourite for experienced and adventurous hikers, Seven Peaks Walk invites you to climb to the islands impressive peaks and lookouts, and earn some of the best tropical views in the world.

Led by experienced guides, including former United Nations ecologist Luke Hanson, guests will relish exploring the extensive diversity on this walk. Lord Howe Island has so much to offer, and walkers will get to experience pristine beaches and exposed coral platforms, through subtropical palm forests, freshwater creeks, rugged sea cliffs and volcanic peaks, to the delicate mist forests on Mt Gower.

A few of the sections of the walk are off-track and require a steady head for heights, but alternate walks are also offered. Other sections of the walk take guests deep into Jurassic Park style banyan forests with the only rookeries of Providence petrels in the world.

Daily walk itineraries are determined on the basis of weather and group ability with options to split into two groups as needed. A sample itinerary is outlined below and on the Sunday night arrival walkers will be briefed on the plan, however flexibility is paramount to ensure, the best parts of the island are explored in the best conditions.

Seven Peaks Walk comprises of five days of walking, plus an extra free day with the option of a guided boat and/or snorkelling trips through the southernmost coral reef in the Pacific (all inclusive).

The walk is graded moderate to hard, and a strong level of fitness is recommended.

Exclusive Accommodation

At the end of each walking day, guests return to the casual, relaxed comfort of Pinetrees Lodge with ensuites, hot showers, sunset drinks and a four-course dinner (entrée, main, dessert and cheese).

One of the oldest family businesses in Australia, Pinetrees Lodge is famous for exceptional meals, personalised service, comfortable accommodation and a stunning beachfront location, perfect for afternoon drinks at the boathouse.

Committed to the Environment

Pinetrees Lodge, home base for the Seven Peaks Walk, is a recognised leader in sustainability on Lord Howe Island. They have invested over $5 million in solar-passive renovations, 95% LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems, reducing their power use by 30% — now largely supported by the island’s solar farm.

Their on-island conservation work includes restoring the critically endangered Sallywood Swamp Forest, alongside innovative wastewater, composting and organic gardening initiatives. Sustainability is woven into every part of the Seven Peaks Walk experience.

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Island (since 1982) located 600km east of the NSW coast. It has wildlife to ‘rival the Galapagos’ and mountains with unique ecosystems.

Lord Howe has its own system of raising funds for conservation work. The Permanent Park Preserve is the core area of the World Heritage listing, funded through the Environment Levee of the Lord Howe Island Board which business operators contribute to.

Walk Overview

Walk Map Image
  • Accessed via Flights via Sydney or Brisbane
  • Duration: 5 days / 6 nights
  • Distance: 45km
  • Grade: Moderate to Hard (with options)
  • Walk operates: April & May, September - November
  • Bush trails, steep sections with ropes, rocks & beaches
  • Group size: Max 12
  • Rates: From $5,359 per person twin share (excluding flights)

Reviews

"Best vacation of my life... Lord Howe is like a secret undiscovered paradise. I almost hesitate to review it so the secret doesn't get out. Amazing beaches, fantastic snorkelling, and some tough hiking for those who want to earn the amazing food at Pinetrees… We did not miss our phones or wifi at all! Can't say enough about this place!"

Amy, Idaho, USA – Trip Advisor

Elevation Graph

This graph loosely depicts the gradient of the track, providing you with some basic understanding of how challenging the walk will be. The graphs are useful in helping you decide which walk suits you best. Whatever your ability or fitness, there’s sure to be a walk that suits in the Great Walks of Australia collection.

* Elevations are indicative only and are not to scale. Walkers should contact individual walk companies to better understand the terrain and difficulty of each walk.

  • Walk Itinerary

  • Day One North Bay – starting the day with a glass bottom boat cruise to North Bay, then a climb of North Head and Mt Eliza. Depending on conditions, walkers replace one climb with a trip to the Herring Pools from the Gulch, which is an amazing place, but only available on the low tide without swell. Guests then walk over Dawson Point to Old Settlement Beach and back to Pinetrees along the Lagoon foreshore.
  • Day Two Malabar - climb to Kims Lookout and traverse the ridge between Kims and Malabar (two peaks). Descend the south ridge of Malabar to Neds Beach and have a swim or feed the fish. Then walk to Middle Beach and climb Transit Hill before returning to Pinetrees. This is a moderate trail with steps and rough ground. It offers spectacular views of the island.
  • Day Three East Coast - walkers head to Mutton Bird Point and Rocky Run, and then climb to Goathouse on Mt Lidgbird – an optional walk which is steep, uses ropes and provides the most rewarding views of the island. Walkers then descend to Smoking Tree Ridge and climb Intermediate Hill to the new observation platform (funded by Dick Smith). Walkers return to Pinetrees via Blinky Beach.
  • Day Four Water day (and rest day) - snorkelling trip on the outer reef (or an offshore snorkel adventure to the Admiralty Islands) followed by a kayak trip on the Lagoon. All optional – guests can choose their own adventure. Can be used as a weather day if earlier days are not favourable for walking.
  • Day Five Mt Gower – this is the optional day for the advanced walker to climb Mt Gower at 867m. Stunning views await and a chance to experience the unique mist forest and bird rookery at the summit of this extinct volcano. Variations of this day are offered depending on the group ability. If people aren't up to the summit of Gower (and many won't be) then there is the option of the stunning Erskine Valley or an off-track adventure to some secret spots on Mt Lidgbird. All options take people along the Lower Road, which is one of the most spectacular 400m walking tracks in Australia.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the best time to go?

    Spring brings cool, comfortable days that are ideal for climbing the island’s peaks, while autumn offers warmer ocean temperatures for refreshing post-walk swims. It never gets too hot on Lord Howe Island daytime highs sit around 25°C, and nighttime lows rarely drop below 14°C, so it’s the perfect environment for walking. For bird watchers, many of our rare seabirds nest in November, and the spectacular Providence Petrels arrive on the island in late April.

  • Where do we hike to each day?

    The Seven Peaks Walk is unique because it follows no set itinerary, no two weeks are ever the same. Since we depart from and return to the lodge each day, we have the flexibility to explore the island and climb all seven peaks over 5 days flexibly, customising each walk based on the group, the weather and local events.

  • Do I need to bring walking poles?

    Walking poles can be helpful on some of the days, yet they can also become cumbersome on others and even unsafe when climbing ropes. If you use poles regularly, feel free to bring them, however otherwise don't worry about them.

  • How do we get around the island?

    We encourage walkers to rent bikes for getting around the island during their stay. We also provide minivan transfers to some walk starting points on select days. Having a bike gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace when you're not hiking.

  • How long should I stay?

    A minimum stay of 6 nights is required to enjoy all five days of walking. However, most guests choose to stay 7 or 8 nights, to make the most of the other world class activities and incredible environment on Lord Howe Island.

  • Do we climb Mt Gower?

    Mt Gower is not part of the Seven Peaks Walk, however it can be added as an optional extra with a local guide. It’s a demanding and high-risk climb in a remote, exposed location, and on average only about 30% of Seven Peaks walkers choose to undertake it. This can be discussed with your guide and Pinetrees Lodge staff when you arrive or during your enquiry period, however all walking depends on weather and conditions on the day.

Got A Question?

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