Walk through Te Urewera National Park

The Lake Waikaremoana Guided Walk is a 4-day, all inclusive, Rotorua to Rotorua, nature hike on New Zealand's Great Walk through Te Urewera National Park.

Tramp through the North Island's largest untouched native forest. Inspiring views, abundant bird life, tranquil lakes and lush rainforest - Experience one of NZ's "Great Walks" while having to carry only a small pack!

Our guides are New Zealanders with a passion for the area and extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna and history you will encounter.

A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Please Note: There is a 4 person minimum, in order for this tour to operate.

Schedule

2010
February 2, 9, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 22, 27
April 2, 13, 20
May 1, 16
October 14, 22
November 4, 9, 23, 30
December 7, 16, 29

2011
January 6, 12, 24
February 1, 8, 17, 22
March 1, 8, 15, 24, 29 April 5, 12, 22
May 3
October 11, 25
November 20, 27
December 4, 11, 18, 29

2012
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 6, 15, 22, 29
May 6

(Tour dates may not be booked more than one year in advance)

Itinerary

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 lakeshore for 2 days, before climbing to the top of the Panekiri ridge for breathtaking views of the endless mountains of Te Urewera, the lake, and Pacific Ocean.

DAY ONE
10.5 kms, 4 hours hiking (Lunch, Dinner provided)
Pick-up from Rotorua accommodation 8:00 am. A 3-hour scenic drive follows an old Maori trail to the track start. We 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 waterfowl. Shortly, we catch our 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 hear the nighttime calls of the North Island brown kiwi and morepork.

DAY TWO
18.3 kms, 6-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner provided)
This is our longest day of walking, but we still have plenty of time to enjoy the bush, birds and beaches of the western arm of Lake Waikaremoana. We make the most of the many scenic lakeside and lookout spots for rests and refreshments, and some may indulge in a swim. After lunch, there is an option to take the boat across an inlet, which will reduce walking time by 1 hour. This makes the sidetrack to Korokoro Falls more achievable, which is great because the falls should not be missed. 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 we walk through kanuka forest, which forms a tunnel-like trail on the lakeshore. Waiopaoa Hut, nestled amongst the luxuriant rainforest that stretches to the lake edge, is our home for the night.

DAY THREE
7.6 kms, 4-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner provided) Height gain 600 metres
Today we tackle the Panekiri ridge, which has been rising ahead of us for the last two days. Plenty of rest stops and breathtaking views make the morning's steady climb an enjoyable challenge. After about 2 hours of climbing, we then reach the Panekiri ridge, where the track undulates up and down for a further 2 hours to the hut. Following the Panekiri ridge, we 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 we have covered over the last few days.

DAY FOUR
8.8 kms, 4-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch provided)
Continuing along the Panekiri ridge, breaks in the forest offer more magnificent views and we have fantastic photo opportunities from the ledges of the monolithic rock formations that form the range. From here, we 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 we descend back to lake level and understand why this walk is considered one of NZ's "Greats." On completing the track, we take time to celebrate your walking achievements, new friends, and enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural history of Waikaremoana. Return to Rotorua by 6:00 pm.

Fitness Required:
Moderate hike, reasonable level of fitness and agility essential. 4-6 hours walking each day over varied terrain. For the first 2 days, walkers carry only a day pack; for the last 2 days, walkers carry a backpack containing a sleeping bag and clothing for one night (6-8kg). Pack cartage for the final 2 days is available by prior arrangement. All other gear will be transported by boat to the end of the track. A support boat is nearby throughout the trip to carry injured or tired walkers.

Group Size:
Minimum group size is 4 walkers and 1 guide. Maximum group size is 13 walkers and 2 guides. Small groups enable us to provide a personal service and give our walkers an intimate nature experience.

Trip Includes:
All meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, including wine with evening meals - Rotorua transfers (pick-up/drop-off at Rotorua accommodation) - park fees - hut accommodation fees - gear cartage by boat - support boat - hiking equipment (packs, raincoats & sleeping bags) - knowledgeable and experienced guides.

Accommodations:
We stay in public Department of Conservation huts. These are authentic NZ bush huts, located in stunning natural surroundings. They are clean and dry, and provide fresh drinking water, bunk beds with mattresses, outside toilets, separate dining and communal areas, and heating. There is no electricity or hot water. A booking system ensures no overcrowding.

What to bring:
Boots (worn-in), hiking clothing (wool or polypropylene shirts, quick-dry shorts or trousers, wool socks, fleece or wool jersey, warm hat and gloves), casual clothing for evenings, torch, water bottle, sunscreen and personal toiletries. Sleeping bag, liner, pillow, backpack and raincoat may be borrowed from us. Equipment checklist for full details of what to bring will be provided on your E-Ticket.

Please Note:

We assume no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss or delay. We reserve the right to cancel or alter any trips and departure dates for any reason. We recommend that you take out travel insurance. This standard precaution does not reflect any likelihood of any incident occurring during your walk.

Environmental Policy

All trips are run according to our Environmental Policy, which incorporates the Department of Conservation's Environmental and Water Care Codes.

The bush is a taonga - a treasure for all. It must be preserved for future generations! The Waikaremoana environment is an exceptional and fragile natural ecosystem. We endeavour to keep learning about the ecological processes at work and how we can best operate within them, while enhancing our visitors appreciation of the area's unique natural and cultural resources. Our philosophy is education through experience: Maximum enjoyment with minimum impact. Keeping groups to a small size on our guided walks enables us to achieve these objectives, and allow our clients to enjoy a true New Zealand wilderness experience.

Practices include:
~Members of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter
~Members of "The Friends of Te Urewera," a volunteer association dedicated to preserving conservation and recreation values in Te Urewera National Park
~For every person taken on the Lake Waikaremoana Guided Walk, a donation of $5 is made to the local kiwi recovery programme
~Using biodegradable and natural products when possible
~Recycling all plastics, glass, tin, paper and cardboard
~Using recycled and non-bleached toilet paper
~Using the most eco-friendly outboard motor available on our boat
~Using free range eggs
~Supporting New Zealand and local businesses

Please Note: There is a 4 person minimum, in order for this tour to operate. Tour includes Rotorua hotel pick-up. Rates are per person and in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-8190.