The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Accommodation
Days One to Three
- Department of Conservation back country huts. Heating, outside toilets, cold running water, no showers. Bunk rooms with mattress provided, walkers carry a sleeping bag.
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Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.
If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking.
Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, you are welcome to bring a small amount with you for personal consumption if you prefer. |
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Fully Guided
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember. |
Staff induction day
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End of season staff function
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What Do I Bring
For your safety and comfort, please pack the following items:
For the first two days: In your day pack: raincoat, water, hat, gloves, a spare long-sleeved warm top, and lunch (provided by us).
The boat will carry anything you don’t need during your day’s walk. Pack these items in a sturdy sports bag or larger backpack (no loose items please). The boat will meet you at the first two huts with this gear.
For the last two days: You'll need to carry all the above items, plus your sleeping bag, toiletries, and clothing for 1 night. Items not needed for the last 2 days can be left in the boat. These will be brought to you at the end of the track.
Please pack clothing and sleeping bags in water-tight plastic bags! Also, spare plastic bags are useful for storing dirty footwear and laundry.
Note: the huts DO NOT have drying facilities.
For more information on what or how to pack, please feel free to phone us on 0800 377 378.
ITEMS WE SUPPLY
We supply all meals, snacks, and hot and cold drinks, from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. This includes a glass of wine with your evening meal. You are welcome to BYO additional alcohol if desired.
We also supply:
- cutlery and crockery
- toilet paper
- soap
- a trail map.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS YOU MUST BRING
- Boots (must be worn-in!)
- Light shoes or sandals you can wear with socks (for the evenings)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sleepwear
- Drink bottle or CamelBak® (at least 600 ml capacity). Bottles can be filled from rainwater tanks at huts. Please have your bottle full when your are picked up on Day 1.
- Small torch
- Toiletries/medicines
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Ear plugs (for a peaceful night's sleep in communal accommodation)
- Blister kit
- Plasters
- Camera, spare film and batteries
- Togs (bathing suit) and towel for swimming in the lake. (No soap or shampoo in the lake, please!).
CLOTHING
Walking clothes: Bring several layers of wool, polypropylene and/or polar fleece for comfort regardless of the weather. Do not bring cotton shirts, as they are cold when wet, and are difficult to dry.
Also:
- Shorts / lightweight trousers (preferably quick-dry)
- Short sleeved shirts x2 — quick-dry, polypropylene or wool. Merino wool is ideal.
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater (wool/polar fleece)
- Woolen socks (at least 2 pairs). Well-fitting socks = fewer blisters.
- Leggings (wool or polypropylene).
Clothes for evenings:
- Thermal underwear (wool or polypropylene, long-sleeved and long-legged)
- 2 more layers for upper body, to go over polypropolene or woolen thermal underwear
- Warm wool or polar fleece jersey
- Shorts or lightweight trousers for over thermal underwear
- Socks.
Spare clothing:
- It is best to pack plenty of spare socks and polypropylene layers. Huts can be cold at 1200 m a.s.l, even in summer. Also, there are no drying racks at the huts.
Don't worry about the weight of carrying these items — just pack lots of warm clothes. Spare clothing can be transported by boat!
Please bring the following items. Alternatively, you can borrow these from us:
- Backpack with good harness and waist belt (medium size, approx. 40 litres)
- Waterproof coat with hood
- Sleeping bag (minimum 3 season, preferably down, 1–2 kg)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow and pillowcase
- Pack liner or plastic rubbish sack for keeping items dry in your backpack.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Small day-pack for your lunch, water and raincoat for the first 2 days (for the second 2 days, you will be using your 40 l backpack)
- Lunch-box to protect your sandwiches (we provide paper bags)
- Waterproof pack cover (included with our backpacks)
- Walking poles (highly recommended)
- Over-trousers (waterproof)
- Wet wipes and/or flannel
- Insect repellent to repel pesky sandlies and mosquitoes present at some times of year
- Fishing gear and licence
- Small amount of money for incidental purchases (e.g. icecream, coffee, souvenir clothing).
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Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor. |
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Book now for next Summer!
2017
- November: 7,21
- December: 5,19,29
2018
- January: 4,16
- February: 3,13,27
- March: 13,30
- April: 10,24
We can build a tour especially for you or your group.
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new zealand: 
world: 
For dates, availability & customisations 
Hiking
australia: 
info@tuataratours.co.nz
Best Multi-day Walking Trip in the North Island of New Zealand
The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is a guided walk through the North Island's largest untouched wilderness.
One of New Zealand's 9 official Great Walks, the track takes you high in the rainforests of Te Urewera National Park. It is famous for its scenic beauty, bird life, cultural history and summer swimming.
Join your friendly local guide for this hut-to-hut hiking expedition, circumnavigating beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, with its secluded beaches, beautiful views and intriguing history.
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