Lake Waikaremoana Track
Mist-wrapped Te Urewera shoreline
Overview
Lake Waikaremoana is a Great Walk that is more of a backcountry, off the beaten track experience. Be immersed into stunning natural wilderness and welcomed into the homeland of Ngai Tūhoe.
Highlights
Up to Panekire
Lake Waikaremoana from the Panekire Bluffs
Lake Views
Waiopaoa stream and lake reflections
Through the Rainforest
Te Urewera birdlife and ancient forest
Sandy Bay Finish
Sandy Bay and clear lake swimming
Walk sections
- 1
Onepoto to Panekire Hut
Most strenuous part of the trip — starts at Onepoto Shelter through the former Armed Constabulary Redoubt, climbs steadily to the top of Panekire Bluff. Follow the undulating ridgeline past Puketapu Trig (1180m).
8.8 km
5h
- 2
Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut
Head south-west down the range to the top of the Panekire descent. Drops steeply off the range into rolling valleys of beech, podocarp and kamahi forest.
7.6 km
3h 30m
- 3
Waiopaoa to Korokoro Campsite
Up the Waiopaoa Stream a short distance before crossing grassy flats and heading through kanuka forest along the lake shore.
3.6 km
1h 30m
- 4
Korokoro to Maraunui Campsite
Track weaves through small ridges, young rimu wooded areas and along the lake edge.
6.8 km
2h 30m
- 5
Maraunui to Marauiti Hut
Brief climb over Whakaneke Ridge — at dusk listen for kiwi at the edge of Puketukutuku Peninsula.
1.7 km
0h 30m
- 6
Marauiti to Waiharuru
Cross the bridge over Marauiti Bay, then a saddle to Te Totara Bay. Stays close to shore to Waiharuru Hut.
6.2 km
2h
- 7
Waiharuru to Hopuruahine Landing
Parallel to lakeshore over the Puketukutuku Peninsula neck, then down to the Whanganui arm. Follows the grassy Hopuruahine River flats to the suspension bridge.
9.5 km
4h 30m
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
4h 30m
Up to Panekire
OnepotoPanekire Hut
Distance
9 km
Elevation gain
750m
Est. time
4h 30m
The toughest climb of the track leads to the highest point with views over the lake.
Lake Waikaremoana from the Panekire Bluffs
- 2
Day 2
3h 30m
Lake Views
Panekire HutWaiopaoa Hut
Distance
8 km
Elevation gain
50m
Est. time
3h 30m
The track descends to lake level and follows the shoreline through dense podocarp forest.
Waiopaoa stream and lake reflections
- 3
Day 3
4h 30m
Through the Rainforest
Waiopaoa HutMarauiti Hut
Distance
13 km
Elevation gain
400m
Est. time
4h 30m
Rich birdlife and forest transitions through tawa and rimu groves.
Te Urewera birdlife and ancient forest
- 4
Day 4
4h 30m
Sandy Bay Finish
Marauiti HutHopuruahine Landing
Distance
16 km
Elevation gain
200m
Est. time
4h 30m
Pass beautiful Sandy Bay before the final approach to the road end.
Sandy Bay and clear lake swimming
Points of interest
Panekire Bluffs
Incredible views from the highest point of the track over Lake Waikaremoana.
Korokoro Falls
Falls drop off a sheer cliff amidst rainforest — 1 hr return side trip from Korokoro Campsite.
Puketukutuku Peninsula
At dusk you may hear the call of the kiwi.
Side trips
Korokoro Falls
A must-see falls that drop off a sheer cliff. 1 hr return from Korokoro Campsite.
60 min return
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 24
Panekire Hut
BunksPit toiletsWood stove - Night 2HutSleeps 24
Waiopaoa Hut
BunksPit toiletsLakeshore - Night 3HutSleeps 24
Marauiti Hut
BunksPit toiletsLakeshore
Campsites along the track
Korokoro Campsite
Tent sites · Toilets
Maraunui Campsite
Tent sites · Toilets · Water
Waiharuru Campsite
Tent sites · Toilets · Water
Waiopaoa Campsite
Tent sites · Toilets · Water
Fees & pricing
Prices per person, per night. NZ rates require proof of eligibility.
Hut fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All yearPeak | $35 | $35 | $18 | Free |
Campsite fees
| Date range | Adult NZ | Adult Intl | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All yearPeak | $19 | $19 | $9 | Free |
Know before you go
Always check track conditions and weather forecasts before you set out.
Cold weather any season
At 600-1200m altitude — cold, snow, strong winds and heavy rain at any time of year, including summer.
Track not for under-10s
Exposed mountainous environment and often adverse conditions — not recommended for children under 10.
What to take
Personal equipment
- Backpack 40-60L
- Waterproof pack liner
- Sleeping bag (3-4 season)
- First aid kit including blister treatment
- Survival kit (blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high-energy snack)
- Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Booking confirmation and ID
- Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
- Distress beacon
Cooking & food equipment
- Drink bottle 1-2L
- Eating and cooking utensils
- Gas cooker and fuel
- Matches/lighter (waterproof container)
Toiletries
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Personal medication (antihistamine for wasp allergies)
Clothing
- Tramping boots or firm footwear
- Wool/polypropylene socks
- Quick-dry shorts
- Wool/polypropylene base layers
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof raincoat with hood
- Wind-/waterproof overtrousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Warm sleeping layers
Food
- Lightweight high-energy meals + spare day
- Rodent-proof food storage
Optional
- Gaiters
- Lightweight hut shoes
Nature, history & culture
Culture
Te Urewera is a living person
Recognised in NZ law as a legal entity in its own right. Spoken for and governed by a board. Care is carried out by Te Uru Taumatua — Ngai Tuhoe's operational entity.
Culture
Ngai Tuhoe ancestral home
Te Urewera is the home and ancestor of the Tuhoe people. Manuhiri (visitors) respect Tikanga of the Lake.
History
Panekire formation
An ancient mountain range of lakes, valleys and peaks formed by landslides and storms.
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
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Content from DOC (CC BY 4.0) — used with permission.