Te Urewera Ridgeline Trek (1-day)

This trek is unique to Te Urewera Treks and takes you into the heart of Te Urewera. You will experience wonderful views of Tuhoe's sacred mountain, Maungapohatu and the magnificent expanse of Te Urewera National Park. Hear about the past practices and traditions of harvesting kereru (native wood pigeon) and other stories of this ancient trail.

From Rotorua we drive about 1.5 hrs to the summit of Tarapounamu - a place of special significance to the local Tuhoe people. Your trekking experience starts in virgin beech forest following a major ridgeline, before eventually dropping down into indigenous podocarp and broadleaf forest. Along the way you will encounter a wide variety of indigenous birdlife including kereru, tui, bellbirds, fantails, and kaka. Our guides will also show you places of historical significance and point out some plants used in traditional Maori food and rongoa (medicine).

On the way back to Rotorua there is an optional stop off at some natural hot pools for a soothing dip.

This trek takes about 6-7 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent rests. This is a true wilderness trek with no formed trails. The terrain is rugged and ranges from gentle to steep. This trek has limited scheduled dates between October and April.

Fitness level needed: good to very good

Degree of difficulty: moderate to hard

Price: NZ$175 adults, NZ$145 children (10-12 years)

Maximum group size: 12

All one-day treks include:

Pick up at 9am in Rotorua and drop off back in Rotorua about 6pm that evening

Lunch and snacks

At least one local Maori guide

What you need to bring:

Good walking boots or shoes, preferably with ankle support

Day pack to carry your water bottle, excess clothing and personal items (we can hire day packs on request at the time of booking)

Drink bottle filled with water

Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and hat

Layers of clothing e.g. woollen or polypropylene T-shirt, long-sleeved sweater, and waterproof jacket

Long, lightweight trousers are recommended

Swimsuit and towel (for the hot pool dip after the trek)

Don't forget your camera or video camera

We can store personal belongings that you don't want to carry with you on the trek.

Te Urewera Treks is locally owned and operated by husband and wife team Joe and Joanna Doherty.

Joe was born and brought up in Te Urewera, where most of our treks take place, so has an extensive knowledge of the region and its flora and fauna. He is of the local Ngai Tuhoe Maori tribe and, as our lead guide, he and the other members of our guiding team can share a wealth of knowledge about traditional and contemporary Maori culture, as well as some fascinating stories about the region's histories and mysteries.

Joanna is originally from England and has been living in New Zealand for over 20 years. Joanna works behind the scenes to ensure the treks run as smoothly as possible.

Our team of local guides bring you a unique dimension through our treks. As well as having an extensive knowledge of the forest and the wonderful variety of life within it, they will also share with you their knowledge about local Maori history and their own personal stories of life in and around the bush. In addition, all our guides are trained in first aid and general safety in the bush.

Sustainability

Te Urewera Treks is committed to operating sustainably - environmentally, culturally, socially, and financially. Joe and Joanna commit a large amount of time, most of it on a voluntary basis, to a range of community organisations. In addition we belong to the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter and are committed to continuously improving the way we operate.

We operate our treks according to the Maori concept of kaitiakitanga which is handed down from the ancestors. It is about guardianship of the forest and the life within it so it is there for future generations to enjoy.

Manaakitanga - warm and welcoming hospitality - is something that the Tuhoe people are renowned for. At Te Urewera Treks we welcome you as our guests and hope you will leave as our friends.