Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Rotorua, pick-up from accommodation 8:30 - 9am, to the track start, along an old Maori trail. Journey through remote villages and dense rainforest into the heart of Te Urewera National Park and Lake Waikaremoana. At first the track follows the edge of an estuary - home to a variety of water fowl. Shortly after, catch your first glimpse of the lake, and the reasoning behind its name (sea of rippling waters) becomes apparent. The track follows the lake edge for most of the afternoon before reaching the comfortable Waiharuru Hut, where you are welcomed with a hot drink and hearty cooked meal. The hut is situated near the Puketukutuku Peninsula, where a Kiwi Recovery Programme is successfully increasing the numbers of our threatened national icon. Visitors may delight in hearing the night time calls of the North Island brown kiwi and morepork.
The Waiharuru Hut is a classic New Zealand backcountry hut, located in stunning natural surroundings. The isolation of the hut and lack of mod-cons creates a very special and social atmosphere. At dusk listen out for the call of the kiwi and morepork while relaxing on the deck of the hut.
After a cooked breakfast this is the longest day of walking, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy the bush, birds and beaches of the western arm of Lake Waikaremoana. Make the most of the many scenic lakeside and lookout spots for rests and refreshments, and you can choose to indulge in a swim. After lunch an optional boat cruise reduces walking time, and makes the side track to Korokoro Falls more achievable. These stunning falls are worth the detour! Te Urewera forest is comprised of a huge range of tree and plant species, which provide homes for many native birds. You are likely to witness the amazing flights of the fantail, tomtit and kereru, and hear the melodious calls of the bellbird and tui. For the last part of the day, walk through kanuka forest, which forms a tunnel-like trail on the lake shore. Waiopaoa Hut, nestled amongst the luxuriant rainforest that stretches to the lake edge, is your home for the night. NB: Some departures we will spend this night at Waiharuru Hut again.
Waiopaoa Hut is nestled away in lush native rainforest with Lake Waikaremoana at the doorstep. The hut is spacious and while facitlities are basic, a comfortable stay is assured.
Today you will tackle the Panekiri Bluffs, which have been rising ahead on the walk for the last two days. Plenty of rest stops and breathtaking views make today's steady climb an enjoyable challenge. Following the Panekiri ridge you will pass through several different layers of vegetation: from mixed broadleaf Podocarp forest featuring giant rata, rimu and miro, to enchanted cloud forest of silver beech trees, cloaked in vibrant green mosses, which dominate the higher altitudes. At the close of the day relax on the verandah of the beautifully situated Panekiri Hut, and soak up the panoramic vistas right out to the Pacific Ocean. This special place offers truly spectacular views on a clear day. Watch the sun set over the forest clad hills of Te Urewera National Park, while a bird's eye view bestows an appreciation of the amazing terrain you have covered over the last few days - all from the deck of the hut.
Panekiri Hut offers panoramic views of the Te Urewera National Park and the Pacific Ocean. Relax on the verandah of this remarkably situated hut and enjoy the sunset over the lake and forest-clad mountains, while, in the morning be among the first in the world to welcome the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.
Continuing along the Panekiri ridge, breaks in the forest offer more magnificent views and you will have fantastic photo opportunities from the ledges of the monolithic rock formations that form the range. From here you can look across Onepoto Bay and see the evidence of the landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana over two thousand years ago.
Experience the changing landscapes as you descend back to lake level and understand why this walk is considered one of New Zealand's "Greats". On completing the track you have time to celebrate your walking achievements, new friends, and enhanced knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural history of Waikaremoana. Return to Rotorua by 6pm.
