Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk |
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Lake Waikaremoana as viewed from track
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| Length | 44 km (27 mi) |
| Location | Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera National Park, New Zealand |
| Designation | New Zealand Great Walk |
| Use | Tramping, trail running |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Season | Summer to Autumn |
| Surface | dirt |
The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is an exciting hiking trail in New Zealand. It's about 44 kilometers (27 miles) long. This amazing track follows the southern and western shores of Lake Waikaremoana. You'll find it in the North Island of New Zealand.
As you walk, you'll go through different kinds of forests and open grasslands. The trail often gives you stunning views over the big lake. It's known as one of New Zealand's special Great Walks. The trail is located in the beautiful Te Urewera area.
Your Adventure on the Trail
This trail is perfect for a multi-day adventure! Most people take about 3 to 4 days to finish the whole walk. The trail has two main starting points: Onepoto and Hopuruahine. Onepoto is on the southern side of the lake, and Hopuruahine is on the northern side.
As you hike, you'll pass through some private land. You'll also get close to the Puketukutuku Peninsula Kiwi Refuge. This is a special area that helps protect New Zealand's unique kiwi birds.
| Place | Distance | Time | What You'll See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onepoto | 8.8 km | 5 hours | The trail starts with a climb up onto Panekire Bluff. These bluffs are part of the southern shore. They offer amazing views over the huge lake. You'll follow the ridge with some ups and downs. Panekire Hut is at the top of the cliff, with more great lake views. |
| Panekire Hut | |||
| 7.6 km | 3–4 hours | From Panekire Hut, you'll walk west, going up and down the Panekire Range. Then, you'll go steeply down into a very tall and wet forest. At the bottom is Waiopaoa Hut and Campsite, right by the Waiopaoa Inlet of the lake. | |
| Waiopaoa Hut and Campsite | |||
| 3.6 km | 1.5 hours | This part of the trail goes through grasslands and forest. It stays close to the lake shore. Just before Korokoro campsite, you can take a side trip to Korokoro Falls. This takes about 30 minutes each way. | |
| Korokoro Campsite | |||
| 6.8 km | 2.5 hours | This section has many twists and turns as it follows the lakeside. Near Maraunui Campsite, the trail follows a river upstream, crosses it, and then goes back downstream. | |
| Maraunui Campsite | |||
| 1.7 km | 0.5 hours | This is a short walk through grassland and over a small hill. | |
| Marauiti Hut and Campsite | |||
| 6.2 km | 2 hours | Except for a short climb over a small piece of land sticking into the lake, the trail follows the shoreline. It winds its way northeast. | |
| Waiharuru Hut and Campsite | |||
| 2.1 km | 1.5 hours | The trail climbs quite steeply over the Puketukutuku Peninsula. It touches the edge of the Kiwi Reserve area. Going down the other side, you'll reach Tapuaenui Campsite, back on the lake shore. | |
| Tapuaenui Campsite | |||
| 3.2 km | 1 hour | Again, the trail follows the shore through the forest. It then arrives at Whanganui Hut. | |
| Whanganui Hut | |||
| 2.7 km | 0.75 hours | After a short walk, you'll reach a beach. This is where water taxis pick up and drop off hikers. Be aware that sandflies can be a bit annoying here! | |
| Water Taxi Stop | |||
| 1.25 hours | This final section leads you to the end of the trail. | ||
| Hopuruahine |
The Department of Conservation gives estimated hiking times. Experienced hikers might be able to complete sections faster than the times suggested.
Getting Around
Since the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk isn't a loop, you'll need a way to get back to your starting point. Many hikers use local shuttle buses or boat services. These services can pick you up and drop you off at agreed times. Both the start and end of the trail are on State Highway 38.
There's a motor camp at Home Bay (Whanganui o parua Inlet), close to the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre. You can also reach most of the huts and campsites by boat, except for Panekire Hut. There are several boat ramps along State Highway 38.
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Where is it?
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The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is located within the area that used to be Te Urewera National Park. The closest town to the trail is Wairoa. You can arrange shuttles from Wairoa to the lake.
You can get to Waikaremoana from two directions. State Highway 38 connects Wairoa and the East Coast with the central North Island. This highway passes the lake and the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre. About 80 kilometers (50 miles) of the highway between Murupara and the village of Tuai is unsealed (gravel). There are clear signs for side roads leading to the main boat ramps and trail entrances.
