Lake Waikaremoana Hike

Lake Waikaremoana is situated in Te Urewera National Park, the largest area of untouched natural wilderness remaining in the North Island of New Zealand. The Lake Waikaremoana Track follows the lake shore for two days, before climbing to the top of the Panekiri ridge for breathtaking views of the endless mountains of Te Urewera, the lake, and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 1. Rotorua to Waiharuru Hut - (10.5 kms/4 hrs hiking)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Rotorua to the track start, along an old Maori trail. Journey through remote villages and dense rainforest into the heart of Te Urewera National Park and Lake Waikaremoana. At first the track follows the edge of an estuary – home to a variety of water fowl. Shortly after, catch your first glimpse of the lake and the reasoning behind its name (sea of rippling waters) becomes apparent. The track follows the lake edge for most of the afternoon before reaching the comfortable Waiharuru Hut, which welcomes you with a hot drink and hearty cooked meal. The hut is situated near the Puketukutuku Peninsula, where a Kiwi Recovery Programme is successfully increasing the numbers of our threatened national icon. Visitors may delight in hearing the night time calls of the North Island brown kiwi and morepork.

Day 2. Waiharuru Hut to Waiopaoa Hut - (18.3km/6 hrs hiking)
This is the longest day of walking, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy the bush, birds and beaches of the western arm of Lake Waikaremoana. Make the most of the many scenic lakeside and lookout spots for rests and refreshments, and you can choose to indulge in a swim. A short side track to Korokoro Falls is worth the extra effort. The Urewera forest is comprised of a huge range of tree and plant species, which provide homes for many native birds. You are likely to witness the amazing flights of the fantail, tomtit and kereru, and hear the melodious calls of the bellbird and tui. For the last part of the day, walk through kanuka forest, which forms a tunnel-like trail on the lake shore. Waiopaoa Hut, nestled amongst the luxuriant rainforest that stretches to the lake edge, is your home for the night.

Day 3. Waiopaoa Hut to Panekiri Hut - (7.6km/4 hrs hiking)
Today you will tackle the Panekiri Bluffs, which have been rising ahead on the walk for the last two days. Plenty of rest stops and breathtaking views make today’s steady climb an enjoyable challenge. Following the Panekiri ridge you will pass through several different layers of vegetation: from mixed broadleaf Podocarp forest featuring giant rata, rimu and miro; to enchanted cloud forest of silver beech trees, cloaked in vibrant green mosses, which dominate the higher altitudes. At the close of the day relax with a glass of wine on the verandah of the beautifully situated Panekiri Hut, and soak up the panoramic vistas right out to the Pacific Ocean. This special place offers truly spectacular views on a clear day. Watch the sun set over the forest clad hills of Te Urewera National Park, while a bird's eye view bestows an appreciation of the amazing terrain you have covered over the last few days.

Day 4. Panekiri Hut to Rotorua - (8.8km/4.5 hrs hiking)
Continuing along the Panekiri ridge, breaks in the forest offer more magnificent views and you will have fantastic photo opportunities from the ledges of the monolithic rock formations that form the range. From here you can look across Onepoto Bay and see the evidence of the landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana over two thousand years ago.
Experience the changing landscapes as you descend back to lake level and understand why this walk is considered one of New Zealand's “Greats”. On completing the track you have time to celebrate your walking achievements, new friends, and enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural history of Waikaremoana. Returning to Rotorua you have the option of relaxing in one of the area’s natural thermal hot springs (time and weather permitting).

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs of physical activity per day.
At times carrying a backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required

The Lake Waikaremoana Guided Walk is graded as a moderate hike. The track surfaces vary from well-formed paths to rough terrain broken by tree roots, rocks and mud. Walkers need a reasonable level of fitness, agility and sense of adventure! The terrain is undulating while the track follows the lake edge, and there is a moderate climb and descent of about 600 metres over the Panekiri Ridge. The walk is a challenge that people of all ages and abilities will relish. While most of your gear will be transported to each hut you will be required to carry a medium sized backpack (average weight 6kg) for the last two days. We can arrange pack cartage on request. You are encouraged to walk at your own pace and the daily schedule allows ample time for slow walkers. The guides offer support and advice, and you can take plenty of rest and refreshment breaks each day.

The guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who take pride in providing a safe and friendly service. They will explain the natural and human history of the area you are walking in, and provide everything from a hot cup of tea or coffee to advice and support for your walk. Your guide will give you briefings on each day's walk, and demonstrate their culinary skills in the kitchen. All guides are trained in first aid and carry extensive first aid kits. A support boat is nearby which the guides are in radio contact with.

Equipment Provided and Required
You may borrow a 40-litre backpack, luggage bag, waterproof raincoat, 3-season sleeping bag and liner free of charge, or you can use your own. Weather conditions are highly variable so it is essential to have clothing that keeps you warm, even when wet. For this reason polypropylene or wool clothing is recommended to walk in, and not cotton. Extra clothing can be stored in the boat. Pack your spare clothes and sleeping bag inside plastic bags to keep dry.

Bring your own or borrow from us:

Backpack approx. 40 litres

Luggage bag for carrying gear in the boat

3-season, lightweight sleeping bag and liner

Raincoat, waterproof with hood

Small pillow

Essential Items

Strong broken-in hiking shoes, preferably hiking boots

Light shoes or sandals for evenings

Warm hat & gloves

Drink bottle

Camera, plus spare film/memory cards & batteries

Sunhat & sunscreen

Small torch

Personal toiletries and medications

Ear plugs

Blister kit

Bathing suit and towel

Clothing for walking:

Shorts, preferably quick dry fabric

Short sleeved shirt

Long sleeved shirt or light sweater

Thermal underwear, long sleeved and long legged, polypropylene or wool

Socks, at least 2 pairs, preferably wool

Clothing for evenings:

Warm wool or fleece jersey/sweater

Trousers

Warm long sleeved shirts

Thermal underwear, as above

Socks

Optional items:
Walking sticks, gaiters, waterproof over-trousers, book, trout fishing gear and licence, insect repellent.

You are transported to the start of the track by mini coach. For the first two days your luggage is transported between the huts by boat. If required walkers may also be transported sections of the track by boat. Your return transport to Rotorua/Whakatane is also by mini coach. Includes pick-up and drop-off to your Rotorua/Whakatane accommodation.

From the time you are picked up in Rotorua/Whakatane all food is included. Breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast, to a warm breakfast of bacon and eggs, pancakes or porridge. Just what you need to start a great day in the outdoors! Picnic lunches are made fresh daily and include delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit of your choice, and energy snacks to keep you sustained for the day. Hot and cold drinks are also available throughout the day. Dinner is comprised of an authentic New Zealand main; seasonal vegetables or fresh garden salad; and no kiwi meal would be complete without pudding (dessert), and tea or coffee. Enjoy a selection of fine wines with your evening meals. Pride is taken in preparing quality New Zealand style food, especially with fresh local produce, e.g. venison, kumara and sweetcorn.

Any special dietary requests or requirements are easily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking.

You will stay in authentic Department of Conservation bush huts, which are situated in stunning natural surroundings. These huts are simple but dry and clean with heating. All have fresh drinking water, toilets, separate kitchen/communal areas, outdoor patio/picnic areas, bunk beds and mattresses. Clean sleeping bags, liners and pillows are supplied or you can bring your own. These huts are public so we are likely to be sharing with other hikers, but a booking system ensures no over-crowding.

Please let us know where you are staying in Rotorua/Whakatane. We can book this for you or you can book yourself. For information see the Accommodation section of this website.

What will the weather be like?
It is essential to be well prepared when walking in New Zealand, as the weather can change rapidly. Although you may be walking in summer season, rain, cold and wind can occur at any time of year. Lake Waikaremoana is located in a rainforest, so it is likely to rain for some of the time you spend there. Good raincoats can be provided and hiking boots are recommended so you will be comfortable in any weather conditions. Remember the rain is what nourishes the lush forest and really brings the place alive!

What about alcohol and food preferences?
A glass of wine is provided with each of your evening meals. You are welcome to bring additional alcohol if preferred. There is nowhere to buy food or alcohol on the track. If you have any particular food allergies or tastes please let us know well ahead of time so that we can cater for you.

Where can we leave our vehicle?
Vehicles can be left at your Rotorua accommodation, or there is off-street parking at the Rotorua office.

Do I need to be very fit?
You need to be of moderate fitness to enjoy this trip. Although some of the track is rough in parts, the pace is not difficult and there are plenty of rest stops for drinks and admiring the views.

After the hike there may be an opportunity to buy icecreams and drinks, etc. from a small store, so it is a good idea to take a small amount of cash or a card. Otherwise all other costs are included.

Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:
Outside of 28 days: $200 per person cancellation fee
28 - 7 days: 50% refund of total package cost.
Within 7 days: No refund
Please note that due to circumstances out of our control, itineraries may change at any time. The operator will always endeavour to ensure that where changes are made, clients are notified as soon as possible.

Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.

Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.