Te Urewera National Park

Remote, rugged, immense, Te Urewera contains the largest forested wilderness remaining in the North Island. It is famous for its lakes and forested beauty as well as its stormy history. This 212,672 hectare park lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay in the North Island. It is the largest of the North Island's national parks and the fourth largest in New Zealand. The nearest towns are Whakatane and Taneatua to the north, Murupara and Ruatahuna to the west, and Wairoa to the east. Te Urewera National park includes a variety of short walks and tramps through the Waimana Valley and the Whakatane River which are accessible from the Whakatane boundary of the park.
(more info http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/001~National-Parks/Te-Urewera-National-Park/index.asp)

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

In the southern part of the park lie two of the park's treasures, Lakes Waikaremoana and the smaller Lake Waikareiti. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, located within Te Urewera National Park, is a 46 kilometre, three to four day tramping track of moderate difficulty following the lakeshore for most of its length. Magnificent forested scenery and plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing are features of the walk. It can be walked at any time of the year.

Near the shores of Lake Waikaremoana is the small settlement of Aniwaniwa where a visitor centre is located.

For centuries Te Urewera has been home to the Tuhoe people or the 'Children of the Mist' in reference to the tradition that they are the offspring of Hine-puhoku-rangi - the celestial mist maiden. Tuhoe traditions are strong and their links with this land run deep.

The area is formed from young mudstone, siltstone and sandstone, mostly about 10 -15 million years old. These sediments were originally part of the sea floor, but about two million years ago uplift brought them above sea level. Erosion has since created major valleys like Aniwaniwa and extensive ridges like Panekiri.

In the southern part of the park lie two of the park's treasures, Lakes Waikaremoana and the smaller Lake Waikareiti. Waikaremoana was formed 2200 years ago by a huge landslide, which blocked a narrow gorge along the Waikaretaheke River. Water backed up behind this landslide to form a lake up to 248 metres deep. In 1946 a hydroelectric development lowered the lake level by 5 metres.

The land left exposed when the lake was lowered is slowly regenerating while all around the lake misty mountains stretch off into the distance, cloaked in ancient podocarp and beech forests. There are more than 650 species of native plant present in the park. The vegetation pattern is not static, over the years volcanic activity, fire and storms have all left their mark. Introduced possums and deer cause significant change and hunting of these species is encouraged.

Much of the park is remote and not easily accessible. This has helped to protect some of the park's native wildlife and it is home to kiwi, kaka (a large forest parrot), falcon and the distinctive whio or blue duck to name just a few.

State Highway 38, between Wairoa and the central North Island, passes Lake Waikaremoana and the visitor centre at Aniwaniwa. It has a gravel surface between Te Whaiti and Aniwaniwa (about a 1.5 hour drive).

Buses run on demand from Rotorua to Lake Waikaremoana (this service does not go through to Wairoa). A shuttle bus and a shuttle boat operate from the campground to the Waikaremoana Track road end on demand.

The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, located within Te Urewera National Park, is a 46 kilometre, three to four day tramping track of moderate difficulty following the lakeshore for most of its length. Magnificent forested scenery and plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing are features of the walk. It can be walked at any time of the year. Great Walks are the Department's premier walking tracks, through areas of some of the best scenery in the country. The huts and tracks on the Great Walks are of a higher standard than other tramping tracks, and many of the Great Walks have booking systems to manage visitor pressure. You must book if you wish to stay overnight on the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. By booking a bunk or a tent site users will be assured of a place for the date they have booked. More information about this walk is available at the Department of Conservation Website . www.doc.govt.nz - Great Walks. Or at the Whakatane Information Centre or Murupara Visitor Centre

Bookings must be made for the 5 DOC huts and the 5 lake track campsites. Camping on the track is only permitted at these campsites. Bookings are also required for Sandy Bay Hut on Lake Waikareiti. The booking system operates all year.
Bookings can be made at the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre by telephone, fax, letter, or email. Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, State Highway 38, Aniwaniwa, Private Bag 2213, Wairoa. Phone: + 64 6 837 3900, Fax: + 64 6 837 3722

More Information

www.doc.govt.nz
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/002~Tracks-and-Walks/Great-Walks/Lake-Waikaremoana-Track.asp

Maps and hut permits are available at the Whakatane Information Centre and Rangitaiki Area DOC Office (Murupara Visitor Centre)