Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk (4-day)

Te Urewera, the largest wilderness region of New Zealand’s North Island, has been home to Tuhoe, one of New Zealand’s largest Maori tribes, for more than 1000 years. This remote and mountainous region is home to the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, surrounded by mountains clothed in dense, sub-tropical rainforest dating back to the Jurassic period.

Te Urewera Treks takes you on a journey through this ancient and pristine landscape, on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Our local Tuhoe guides bring the forest alive, sharing tribal stories, histories & culture with you on the trail, or whilst relaxing around the camp fire, enjoying the view with a delicious home cooked meal and a glass of superb New Zealand wine.

Day 1

Leaving Rotorua at 8.30am, we travel into the heart of Te Urewera, through a number of small Maori settlements, to the start of the walk at Hopuruahine, on the northern shores of Lake Waikaremoana. After 4 – 5 hours of relatively easy walking, we arrive at the Waiharuru campsite where we spend our first night.

Day 2

From Waiharuru campsite, we traverse the shores of the lake to Te Totara Bay, where the track climbs over a saddle before descending to Maruiti Hut. There is then a brief climb over the Whakaneke Spur and a steady sidling descent with magnificent lake views, to Maraunui Bay and lunch at Maraunui campsite. After lunch, we continue an undulating traverse of the lake, towards Korokoro campsite where we spend our second night, a total walk time of around 5 – 6 hours. There is a short walk to Korokoro Falls for those who wish to go exploring. The round trip from the camp to the falls is approximately 1 hr 15 mins. The vicinity of Korokoro camp is where the early Maori settlers of the region lived, so we share stories of this special place around the campfire.

Day 3

After leaving Korokoro campsite, we head towards Waiopaoa Hut, and then the ascent of Panekiri Bluff. The first 200 metres of vertical elevation involves a relatively easy but steady climb along a long ridge. At about 700 metres above sea level, the terrain steepens and there are some magnificent views of the lake and surrounds on this part of the walk. Finally, at 1180 metres above sea level, the hut of Panekiri is reached where the third and last night is spent. The views from the hut are awesome which makes the climb so worthwhile – especially the setting sun. We allow a total walking time of 6 – 7 hours for this leg of the walk.

Day 4

If the morning is clear, being up to watch the rising sun from such a high vantage point is quite spectacular. After breakfast, the final day involves an undulating walk along the top of the Panekiri Bluff through magnificent beech forest, with spectacular views of the lake and the mountains of Maungataniwha to the south-west and Manuoha to the north. Finally the descent to Onepoto and the shuttle van – a total walk time of around 5 hours.

After lunch at Onepoto, it is back on board the van for the journey back to Rotorua.

This trek is on well formed trails requiring a good level of fitness with about 4-7 hours hiking each day.

A range of treks are scheduled between October and April.

Fitness level needed: good

Degree of difficulty: moderate to hard

Price: NZ$1155 adults, NZ$990 children (10-12 years)

Group size: 2 - 12

Operates: October to April

Four day trek includes:

• Pick up at 8.30am in Rotorua and drop off back in Rotorua on the evening of day four (about 6‑7pm)
• All meals
• All park camp, and hut fees
• All camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, mattresses, etc)
• Maximum group size of twelve
• At least one local Tuhoe guide
• Optional natural hot pool dip on the way back to Rotorua

What you need to bring:

• Overnight pack to carry your drink bottle, clothing, and personal items (our guides carry all the food)
• Drink bottle filled with water
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and hat
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc
• Torch
• Good walking boots, preferably with ankle support & light shoes/sandals for around camp
• Layers of clothing: underwear x4 sets, socks x4, woollen or polypropylene T-shirts x4, long-sleeved sweater/fleece x2, & a waterproof jacket
• Long, lightweight trousers (not jeans), polypropylene leggings and shorts
• Swimsuit and towel
• Camera or video camera

• We can also 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.