The Lake Waikaremoana Guided Walk
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The Lake Waikaremoana Walk has been described as the “best multi-day walking trip in the North Island of New Zealand”…..…. and for good reason. The lake is situated in the largest untouched wilderness in the North Island, high in the rain forests of the Te Urewera National Park- and it is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural history.
This unique walk is a hut-to-hut hiking expedition, circumnavigating beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, with secluded beaches, fascinating history and truly breath taking views.
An alternative lodge based “out and back” four day premium trip is also available on application.
The Te Urewera National Park is one of fourteen national parks within New Zealand and is the largest of the four in the North Island. The lake covers an area of 54 km² and is in the northeast of the Hawke's Bay region, approximately 60 kms from Wairoa and 80 kms from Gisborne.
The National Park is the traditional home of the TuhoeTe Kooti, the renowned Maori leader, found refuge with Tuhoe (when he was being pursued)…….. and formed an alliance with them. Maori Iwi and was one of the last regions to come under control of the British during colonisation in the 19th century – largely due to its geographical isolation.
The Maori word “Waikaremoana” translates as “sea of rippling waters”.
Features of the Lake Waikaremoana Walk
- You walk for a total of 46 kms (30 miles) and do 4 to 8 hours walking each day over varied terrain on formed trails.
- Good hut styled accommodation is provided for 3 nights during the walk.
- This is a wilderness trip and there is no electricity or cellphone coverage.
- All meals are provided together with wine.
- A support boat transports most of your luggage. There will be 2 days when you will carry a day pack only, and 2 days carrying a small pack with gear for 1 night
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You will be accompanied by an experienced guide.
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You should have clothes for all seasons, as the weather can be variable.
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Your fitness levels should be moderate.
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We provide sleeping bags, backpacks and raincoats.
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The tour begins and ends in Rotorua.
Itinerary
Day One (10.5 kms and 4 hours walking) 
You start the day in Rotorua with a scenic drive through small villages and dense rainforests in the middle of the Te Urewera National Park, until you get to the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
The track initially follows around an estuary where you can get a splendid view of a wide variety of water birds – until you get to the Lake itself. You will then continue around the Lake for most of the afternoon – until you cross a small headland and arrive at the Waiharuru Hut. You will be welcomed by a hot drink and an excellent meal.
The hut is near the Puketukutuku Peninsula, where a kiwi recovery programme is successfully increasing the numbers of our national bird. You will be able to enjoy hearing the night calls of the New Zealand North Island brown kiwi and the morepork.
Day Two (18.3 kms and 6 to 8 hours of walking)
This is a significant day of walking, but is well worth it as you will experience fantastic sights of birds, beaches and bush, around the Western arm of the Lake – which is so attractive that you may be tempted to indulge in a swim.
After lunch an optional boat trip can reduce walking time, and make the side track to Korokoro Falls more achievable. These stunning falls are worth the detour.
The vast Urewera forest is home to many native birds and you are likely to see the distinctive flights of the fantail and kereru, as well as hear the melodious calls of the bellbird and tui.
That night you will be staying at the Waiopaoa Hut, which is nestled amongst the luxuriant rainforest that stretches to the lake edge.
Day Three (7.6 kms and 4 to 5 hours of walking)
This day is an exciting one that will provide you with breath taking views, after climbing 600 metres up the Panekire Bluffs. During the day you will pass through different layers of vegetation: from mixed broadleaf podocarp forest featuring giant rata, rimu and miro trees; to an enchanting forest of silver beech trees cloaked in beautiful mosses, which dominate the higher altitudes.
At the close of the day you can relax with a glass of wine on the verandah of the well situated hut, and soak up the panoramic vistas right out to the ocean. Walkers enjoy watching the sunset over the lake and forest clad mountains, and can reflect on the remarkable terrain that they have covered over the previous few days.
Day Four (8.8 kms and 4 to 5 hours of walking)
After breakfast you will enjoy the sunrise and continue along the Panekire Ridge, where the breaks in the forest will offer more magnificent views and fantastic photo opportunities. You will look across Onepoto Bay to see evidence of the landslide that initially created Lake Waikaremoana over two thousand years ago.
The lake is a relatively new feature on the geological time-scale and was created by a massive change in the landscape, possibly caused by an earthquake and further developed by erosion. It created a vast dam which collected rainwater and formed the lake that we now enjoy.
On completion of four days of stimulating exercise and stunning scenery it is time to say farewell………. and travel back to Rotorua (at about 6 pm).
An alternative lodge based “out and back” four day premium trip is also available on application.
