LAKE

WAIKAREMOANA
Duration: 3 – 4 days Great Walks season:
Distance: 46 km (one way) All year
LAKE ELEVATION PROFILE & TRACK GUIDE

WAIKAREMOANA Panekire Hut

36 bunks

1100 m
A refuge amongst prehistoric 1000 m
rainforest with access to some of New Onepoto Waiopa
900 m
Zealand’s most iconic birds, this Great Bay
Shelter
30 bu
20 cam
800 m
Walk around the shoreline of Lake
Waikaremoana is truly outstanding. 700 m

600 m
A visit to the heart of Te Urewera on 9 km / 4 – 6 hrs 8 km / 3 – 4 hrs
the eastern side of the North Island
will offer a glimpse of how New
Zealand used to be.

Nau mai, Haere mai

Ko Te Waikaukau o na Mātua Tupuna
Ko Panekiri Te Mauna
Ko Haumapuhia Te Tipua
Day 1: Onepoto to Panekire Day 2: Panekire Hut
Ko Waikaretaheke Te Awa Hut to Waiopaoa Hut

Ko Te Umuariki Te Tanata
Ko Tūhoe Te Iwi
Welcome to Waikaremoana, home
of the Nāi Tūhoe people, the
children of the mist. Pay homage
to Waikaremoana (sea of rippling
waters) as you scale the heights
of Panekiri. Learn the legend of
Haumapuhia and immerse yourself in
the ambience of this special place.
4–6 hours, 9 km
This is the most strenuous part of
the trip, but the views from Panekiri
make it worthwhile. The track starts
from the Onepoto Shelter and leads
you through the former Armed
Constabulary Redoubt Parade Ground
before climbing steadily up to the
top of Panekiri Bluff. You’ll enjoy
spectacular views across the lake as
you follow the undulating ridgeline
before reaching Puketapu Trig
(1180 metres) and onto Panekire Hut.
3–4 hours, 8 km
From Panekire Hut, the
track heads southwest down
the range to the top of the
Panekiri descent. From here
the track drops steeply off
the range into rolling valleys
of beech, podocarp and
kāmahi forest and the lake.

Lake Waikaremoana is a semicircular

track that can be walked in either
direction. The track is well marked
and signposted, but some sections
may be steep, rough or muddy.
This guide describes a 4-day hike
from Onepoto to Hopuruahine for
independent, non-guided walkers.

Duration: 3 – 4 days

Distance: 46 km (one way)

Great Walks season:

All year
 greatwalks.co.nz
0800 694 732

hut campsite shelter

aoa Hut Maraunui Waiharuru Tapuaenui

unks Korokoro campsite Marauiti Hut 40 bunks shelter Whanganui Hopuruahine
mpsites 20 campsites 20 campsites 26 bunks 20 campsites 20 campsites 18 bunks Landing

12 km / 5 hrs 17 km / 4 – 6 hrs

Day 3: Waiopaoa Hut to Marauiti Hut Day 4: Marauiti Hut to Hopuruahine Landing

5 hours, 12 km 4–6 hours, 17 km

Head up the Waiopaoa Stream a short This is another moderate day of walking with plenty
distance before crossing grassy flats and of fantastic photo opportunities and chances to relax
heading through kānuka forest on the beside the lake’s edge. From Waiharuru Hut, the track
lakeshore. The track, while undulating, climbs over the Pukehou ridge following the kiwi
weaves its way through rimu wooded areas enclosure fence line all the way down to Tapuaenui
and along the lake edge to Marauiti Hut. Campsite, and leads on to Hopuruahine Landing.
A worthwhile side trip on this day is a 1-hour
return trip to the amazing Korokoro Falls.
Instead of staying at Marauiti Hut, you may
like to continue to Waiharuru Hut—take a
walk at dusk to the edge of Puketukutuku
peninsula and listen out for the call of kiwi.

COVER : Panekiri Bluff, Daniel Deans

ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Day 1: Daniel Deans, Days 2 and 3: Chris McLennan,
Day 4: Kathrin and Stefan Marks (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

MAIN PHOTO: View from Panekiri Bluff, Daniel Deans

HIGHLIGHTS

Air New Zealand

partners with Tūhoe
Photo: Kathrin & Stefan Marks (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
and DOC to help
bring native birds
back to this beautiful
Great Walk.

1 
Take a dip in the cool, crystal-clear

water after a long day’s hike. There are
plenty of spots along the track, and at
most of the huts and campsites.
Photo: Chris McLennan
2 Soak up the rich spiritual history of
the area, which is home to Nāi Tūhoe,
the local Māori people, who are also
known as Nā Tamariki o te Kohu—‘the
children of the mist’.

3 Take a short walk (1 hour return) up the

side track from Korokoro Campsite to
the beautiful Korokoro Falls. This is a
must-see!

4 Climb to the top of the Panekiri Bluff to

enjoy the breath-taking panoramic
views of Lake Waikaremoana.

5 Be served up an auditory treat as

native birdsong echoes across the
forest—those staying at Waiharuru Hut
may hear kiwi calling at night.
Photo: Chris McLennan Photo: Daniel Deans

Photo: Andrew Walmsley (andrewwalmsleyphotography.com)

 greatwalks.co.nz
Murupara
0800 694 732

GISBORNE

LAKE
Waikaremoana
Visitor Centre Sign me up! What do I do next?
WAIKAREMOANA

Frasertown

GETTING THERE
Wairoa

1 waikaremoana
Start off at greatwalks.co.nz/
for more
Waikaremoana can be approached information.
from two directions. Te Urewera
Route (SH38) links Wairoa and the
East Coast with the central North
Island, and passes the lake and
NAPIER
Waikaremoana Visitor Centre.

HASTINGS Onepoto, 64 km from Wairoa.

 
2 online
Book your huts and campsites
or at a Visitor Centre.
   Hopuruahine Landing, 155 km
from Rotorua.

Otane
The route has long sections of unsealed gravel road.
Waipawa
There is free public parking at the Waikaremoana
Waipukurau
Holiday Park and the nearby Waikaremoana Visitor
Centre. There are water taxi services available
between various points on the lake. We recommend
3 from
Book your transport to and
the track – operators are
booking transport services in advance, especially in listed online and in this brochure.
the quieter season, as they operate on demand.
0 25 50 km
Refer over the page for transport options and services.

4 bags
Buy your food and pack your
– download the Great Walks
PLACES TO STAY packing list and make sure you
have everything you need for a
4-day independent unguided walk.

5 sure
Read up on safety and make
you’re well prepared for your
journey and changeable weather at
greatwalks.co.nz/waikaremoana.
Make sure you have left your
intentions with a trusted contact
Waiharuru Hut. Photo: Daniel Deans
at adventuresmart.org.nz.
5 huts and 5 campsites operate along Lake Waikaremoana, which must be booked
in advance all year round. Campers are not permitted to use hut facilities.

Great Walks huts

 $32 per adult per night; 17 years and under stay free. 6 Centre
Visit the Waikaremoana Visitor
to pick up your tickets,
The huts have bunks, mattresses, a water supply, sinks, toilets, hand- and chat with the friendly staff for
washing facilities and heating with fuel (firebox and wood). A hut ranger the latest weather forecast and
may be present. Gas cooking, toilet paper and lighting is not provided so track conditions.
please ensure you carry your own gas cooker, toilet paper and torch.

Great Walks campsites

$14 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). 100 km

These offer basic facilities including toilets, sinks and a water supply.
Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters. Great Walks campsites
7 and
All set! Lace up your boots
get hiking. Don’t forget to
can only be accessed on foot and are not accessible by vehicle or by boat. share your experience on
facebook.com/GreatWalks.
Bookings are essential all year round. Great Walks huts and campsites
must be booked in advance.
Waikaremoana Holiday Park Step into New Zealand’s Heart…
Take time to get connected – it’s in your nature!
Lake Waikaremoana, Tongariro, Coromandel

1 to 12 day guided hikes in

style & comfort with small
A great place to stay - start your packs. Lodge or hut based.
Request a free brochure:
Great Walk refreshed, or relax and
soak up the scenery after you’ve finished www.WalkingLegends.co.nz / 0800 9255 69
• Self-contained 1 and 2 bedroom units, cabins, tent and
powered sites
• Well-stocked general store and fuel stop
• Only lakefront accommodation Big Bush
• Beautiful lake views • Accommodation Big Bush is situated
• Great Walk transport pick-up/drop-off point • Camping between Tuai and Lake
• Free secure overnight parking Book now Waikaremoana, 4km from the
• Café and Bar
Ph: 06 837 3826/0800 400188 start of the Great Walk Track,
Email: waikaremoanahp@doc.govt.nz • Water taxi and Shuttle also approx 45 min drive
www.waikaremoana.info Services- to and from Lake from Wairoa.
Waikaremoana Great
Accommodation on the shores Walk Track
of Lake Waikaremoana • Shuttle Services- Between
BIG BUSH HOLIDAY PARK
RD 5 Wairoa 4192
The gateway to Te Urewera Waikaremoana and email: bigbush1@xtra.co.nz
Wairoa phone: 0800 525 392 or (06) 8373 777

• Free Vehicle Storage www.lakewaikaremoana.co.nz

LAKE Water taxi – pack drops

– scenic trips
SHUTTLES Road shuttle to/from Wairoa
www.nztroutfishing.co.nz
email: fishdods@xtra.co.nz
phone: 0800 LAKE(5253) 88

Great Walkers
deserve great hostels

YHA Gisborne and

YHA Napier
Affordable comfortable
accommodation pre
and post Great Walk

 yha.co.nz  0800 278 299

RUN0697

visitruapehu.com
www.adventuresmart.org.nz
 greatwalks.co.nz
0800 694 732
OTHER GREAT WALKS

Tongariro Northern Duration: Distance: Season:

21 Oct 2016 – Whanganui Journey
Duration: Distance: Season:
1 Oct 2016 –
3 – 4 days 43 km 3 – 5 days 145 km
Circuit 30 Apr 2017 30 Apr 2017

W inding its way past

Mount Tongariro and
Mount Ngauruhoe, this Great
$32
Huts:
* T he Whanganui River winds
its way from the mountains
to the Tasman Sea through
$32*
Huts:

adult/night adult/night
Walk lets you explore dramatic countless hills and valleys. This
volcanic landscapes including journey lets you take a multi-day
craters, glacial valleys, native canoe or kayak trip to experience
beech forest, alpine meadows its most remote scenic beauty,
and emerald-coloured lakes in history and cultural significance.
this World Heritage area.

Location: Tongariro National Park, central North Island Location: Whanganui National Park, south-west North Island
Nearest towns: Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune, Waiouru Nearest towns: Whanganui, Taumarunui, Ohakune

Abel Tasman Coast Duration: Distance: Season:

Heaphy Track
Duration: Distance: Season:
3– 5 days 60 km All year 4 – 6 days 78.4 km All year
Track

B lessed with a mild

climate, golden beaches
and coastal forest, the Abel
$32
Huts:
* F rom forest to coast, the
Heaphy Track combines
all of New Zealand’s scenic
$32*
Huts:

adult/night adult/night
Tasman Coast Track has it all. beauty into one Great Walk.
Choose to walk the whole track Travel through expansive
or water taxi or kayak between tussock downs, lush forests
different locations at any time and nīkau palms to the roaring
of the year. seas of the wild West Coast.

Location: Abel Tasman National Park, north-west South Island Location: Kahurangi National Park, north-west South Island
Nearest towns: Nelson, Motueka, Takaka Nearest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood

Duration: Distance: Season: Duration: Distance: Season:

Routeburn Track 2 – 4 days 32 km 25 Oct 2016 –
3 May 2017
Kepler Track 3 – 4 days 60 km 25 Oct 2016 –
3 May 2017

T he Routeburn Track
traverses the Southern
Alps of New Zealand and
$54
Huts:
* A n adventure above the
clouds! The Kepler Track
takes you from the gentle,
$54*
Huts:

adult/night adult/night
passes through ice-carved beech-forested shores of Lakes
valleys and beech forest. Walk Te Anau and Manapouri to the
alongside pristine rivers and exposed tussock lands and the
glistening alpine lakes offering summit of Mount Luxmore for
breathtaking views and spectacular alpine views.
mountain scenery.

Location: Mount Aspiring & Fiordland Nat. Parks, South Island Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island
Nearest towns: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill

Duration: Distance: Season: Duration: Distance: Season:

Milford Track 4 days 53.5 km 25 Oct 2016 –
3 May 2017
Rakiura Track 3 days 32 km All year

E xperience the stunning

grandeur of the Milford Track
including rugged mountain peaks,
$54
Huts:
* E scape on an island
adventure and exchange the
hustle and bustle of mainland
$22*
Huts:

adult/night adult/night
breathtaking sheer canyons and life for the tranquillity of
majestic waterfalls. Walk beside the Rakiura Track. Revel in
pristine rivers and amongst lush, the peacefulness and idyllic
green rainforest before crossing surroundings, with the bush,
Mackinnon Pass and reaching birds and beach at your side.
spectacular Milford Sound.

Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura
R92864

Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hr ferry)

Published by: Department of Conservation, Marketing Team, PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand | November 2016
Editing and design: Publishing Team, DOC National Office
This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. * Prices are accurate at the time of publication.
 Otanguru

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Know before you go 5. Take sufficient supplies. With NZ’s changeable

conditions many hikers are frequently caught out by
It is important to plan your trip thoroughly to ensure you
isolated local conditions. Carry – and expect to use –
stay safe, and have a great time. Before you go, know
rain jackets all year round. Take an extra day’s supply of
the Outdoor Safety Code – 5 Simple rules to help you
food and an emergency shelter. Don’t rely on cellphone
#makeithome.
signal alone for communication. Food and drinks are not
1. Plan your trip. Travel times vary greatly in New Zealand, available to purchase at Great Walks huts or campsites.
so carefully planning your route is essential. Seek local Plan to be self-sufficient.
information about what to take, and allow enough time
for the journey. Book accommodation, transport and Remember – your safety is your responsibility
transfers to the start/end of track early.
2. Tell someone your plans. Safety is your responsibility. Lake Waikaremoana safety
Leave your intentions – including your trip details and  This track is not recommended for children under age
emergency contact information – with a trusted contact. 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and
It could save your life if things go wrong. Head to often adverse weather conditions.
adventuresmart.org.nz for more information.
 Lake Waikaremoana lies between altitudes of 600 and
3. Be aware of the weather. New Zealand weather is very 1200 metres. Cold temperatures, snow, strong winds
changeable. Plan for the worst, expect the best. Check and heavy rain can occur at any time of the year.
metservice.com for the most up to date info.
 Go to greatwalks.co.nz/waikaremoana ‘Know before
4. Know your limits. Always follow the track markers you go’ section for detailed safety information, and
and signposted tracks. Off-track navigation is not ‘What to take’ section for a comprehensive gear list.
recommended for novice walkers in New Zealand. A
good level of fitness is required to walk the track. You
can expect to walk up to 6 hours a day depending on
your fitness level. If you get into trouble don’t make a
bad situation worse. Think STAR – Stop / Think / Assess
/ React.