Te Urewera Whirinaki Combo (2-day)

This trek gives you the best of both the Whirinaki and Te Urewera - magnificent indigenous podocarp and beech forests as well as expansive views over Te Urewera.

From Rotorua we travel 1.5hrs to the start of the trek at Tarapounamu - a place of special significance to the local Tuhoe people. We start the trek through beech forest along a major ridgeline where you will experience fantastic views over the expanse of Te Urewera. This is a true wilderness walk with no formed trails but follows an old Maori trail. Along the way our guides will show you places of historical significance and point out some plants used in traditional Maori food and rongoa (medicine). You may also encounter wild deer or pigs.

We overnight in a comfortable private bush camp, with hot showers, a BBQ dinner and good New Zealand wine.

On day two we travel to the Whirinaki Forest Park. We enter the forest following a loop trail through enormous podocarp trees including rimu, matai, miro, kahikatea and more. Along the way we experience the abundance of native birdlife including bellbirds, tui, kereru, kaka, and fantails. Lunch is by a lovely waterfall.

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

Day one is a wilderness trek over rugged terrain and is moderate to hard walking. It takes 6-8 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent rests. Day two follows well formed trails of gentle to moderate steepness. On day two we walk for about 4-5 hours including breaks.

Fitness level needed: very good

Degree of difficulty: moderate to difficult

Price: NZ$425 adults, NZ$355 children (10-12 years)

Maximum group size: 12

Limited dates between October and April

Two-day trek includes:

Pick up at 9am in Rotorua and drop off back in Rotorua about 6pm the next day.

Day 1: lunch, dinner and snacks

Day 2: breakfast, lunch and snacks

All park fees

All camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, pillows, pillow cases, camp stretchers, etc)

At least one local Maori guide

What you need to bring:

Good walking boots or shoes, preferably with ankle support

Overnight pack to carry your drink bottle, clothing, and personal items

Drink bottle filled with water

Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and hat

Torch

Camera or video camera

Long, lightweight trousers are recommended

Layers of clothing e.g. 2 sets underwear and socks, woollen or polypropylene T-shirts x2, long-sleeved sweater/fleece x2, and waterproof jacket (additional warm clothes recommended for the evening - it can get cold)

Swimsuit and towel for optional hotpool swim at the end

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.