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lake waikaremoana
 Lake Waikaremoana is a scenic gem in the
heartland of the mystical Te Urewera National Park in the Central
North Island.
This ‘Sea of Rippling Waters’ nestles among rugged
bush-clad mountains between Rotorua and Wairoa. It is a three
hour drive from Rotorua but the relative isolation is what has
preserved Waikaremoana’s unspoilt beauty. Tuhoe people,
known as ‘The Children of the Mist’ still retain their
traditional way of life in these remote valleys.
The range of recreational pleasures this area has to offer
attracts people from all over the world. Visitors find delight in
the towering native forest, crystal-clear streams and tumbling
waterfalls. Campers relax at the motor camp, trampers climb the
Panekiri Bluffs as a day trip or undertake the Great Walk, boat
owners and kayakers explore deep inlets and secluded beaches,
fishermen and hunters have limitless choice of places to seek
their quarry. Comfortable chalet-style accommodation, a shop and
petrol supplies are available at The Landing.
The main attraction of the area is the Waikaremoana Great Walk.
It is suitable for well-equipped trampers and family groups. Huts
are placed at convenient intervals and need to be pre-booked.
Allow at 3 to 5 days to enjoy this 46 km walk around the lake. An
on-demand water-taxi service enables you to start and finish at
any point.
Short walks from the Aniwaniwa visitor centre include the Hinerau
Walk, an easy stroll to view three waterfalls, collectively known
as the Aniwaniwa Falls. The Lake Waikareiti Track climbs through
beech forest to an idyllic bush-fringed lake (hire boats are
available). The Aniwaniwa Valley Track passes through magnificent
groves of kahikatea trees, resonant with rich notes of tui,
bellbird and kereru (native pigeon). The Ngamoko Track climbs
steeply to glorious views of the lake from the summit of the
range. It was a landslip here 2,200 years ago that formed a
natural dam, which created Lake Waikaremoana. The landslip
created the Onepoto Caves, which are worth exploring.
The timeless universe of Lake Waikaremoana is a marvellous place
to get away from the pressures of modern life and be in tune with
the harmony of nature.
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