Save the date: October 24th to 27th 2026
Walking 100km over four days
Commencing on the Saturday with check in at Kerikeri, Pilgrims will be transported to the start point in Opua, beginning with a morning Mass, before setting off to the first nights destination near Ohaewae.
Sunday morning starts with Mass and breakfast, the Pilgrims then make their way to Mangamuka, then on to Te Karae Marae for our second night.
On Monday we make our way to Totara Point, where Mass is celebrated at the location of the first NZ Catholic Mass, said by Bishop Pompallier, from there we head to the Kohukohu Marae for our third night.
The Pilgrimage concludes on Tuesday with the last Mass in Motuti, the final resting place of Bishop Pompallier.
Step into a journey of profound significance
Footsteps of Pompallier Pilgrimage 2026
Our mission is twofold: to promote the Latin Rite (Extraordinary) and to provide a platform for both priests and laypeople to glorify God through a spiritual, cultural, and educational journey.
This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the Catholic faith and Tangata Whenua in Northland. Join us on Labour Weekend 2026 as we retrace the footsteps of New Zealand’s first Catholic pilgrims.
Walking 100km on foot to the serene Hokianga Harbour, ending at the final resting place of Bishop Pompallier. Experience the land of the Hokianga harbour and engage with the history of its people, allowing time to pause, reflect and pray, during the deeply spiritual experience of a traditional style pilgrimage.
The Footsteps of Pompallier pilgrimage is travelled entirely on foot over 4 days and camping each night outside.While the physical demands may test endurance, the spiritual rewards are immeasurable.
Join us to experience this pilgrimage, as we embark on a journey that promises to enrich the soul and deepen our connection with Almighty God.
Volunteer
Help to support the pilgrims on their journey either as part of the pre-event team or at the live event
Gallery
View images from past events
Support this event
Find out how you can support this event through sponsorship or by volunteering.
We would like to take the opportunity here to acknowledge all our sponsors so far
Upcoming Events
2026 Fundraiser
Footsteps of Pompallier Pilgrimage is a not for profit event, to keep the price of the cost to pilgrims we fundraise to help cover the costs of running this event.
Our 2026 fundraiser is a lottery. Tickets are limited to 400 and prizes include a Nespresso Machine, a Samsung Smart TV plus first prize of $4000.00 cash.
Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our mailing list below and be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
Goal: $11,000
Speaker Event
Would you like someone to come and speak at your parish about this pilgrimage?
We enjoy speaking speaking to groups about the history of the first Catholic missionaries to NZ, pilgrimages, how a traditional, walking pilgrimage is a journey that promises to enrich the soul and deepen our connection with Almighty God and why it is important to us in a modern world.
1000 people contacted
Join us on this journey as we follow in the footsteps of the first Catholic missionaries in New Zealand.