Lake Waikaremoana Track

Trace the shoreline of beautiful Lake Waikaremoana 'the sea of rippling waters' for spiritual and cultural enlightenment.

Walk through ancient rainforest, pass giant podocarp trees and admire stunning views from Panekire Bluff.

Duration
3-4 days
Distance
46km
Location
Te Urewera, east North Island
Nearest towns
Rotorua, Napier, Wairoa, Gisborne
Nearest airport
Napier, Rotorua

Steeped in rich spiritual and cultural history, Te Urewera is the home of Ngāi Tūhoe. Offering a fantastic refuge and access to some of New Zealand's most iconic birds, including kiwi, kererū and kākā, the native forest experience is truly outstanding.

Highlights

The Korokoro Falls are well worth the detour. This spectacular waterfall drops off a sheer cliff amidst native rain forest.

Climbing to 1185m to Panekire Hut you'll be rewarded with views of the ocean and the lake.

Soak up the rich spiritual history of the area, which is home to Ngāi Tūhoe, the local iwi/tribe, who are also known as Ngā Tamariki o te Kohu - 'the children of the mist'.

Find out more in the Lake Waikaremoana Track brochure.

Things to know before you go

It is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well equipped on a Great Walk. For a full list of the equipment and preparation required for the Lake Waikaremoana Track, plus the latest track updates and information on getting there, please visit the Department of Conservation website.

Safety is your responsibility - It is important that you check in with the nearest DOC Visitor Centre prior to beginning your walk. For detailed safety information, including tramping conditions in New Zealand and The Outdoor Safety Code - 5 simple rules to help you stay safe - visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz.

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Lake Waikaremoana Track image courtesy of Malcolm O'Neill