Lake Waikaremoana

Getting to the Lake Waikaremoana Track:

Waikaremoana can be approached from two directions. SH38 links Wairoa and the East Coast with the central North Island, and passes the lake and the DOC Visitor Centre at Aniwaniwa. Privately owned shuttle buses and water taxis provide transport to either end of the walk.

This is the most strenuous part of the trip, but the views from Panekire make it worthwhile. The track starts from the Onepoto Shelter and leads you through the former Armed Constabulary Redoubt Parade Ground before climbing steadily up to the top of Panekire Bluff. You’ll enjoy spectacular views across the lake as you follow the undulating ridgeline before reaching Puketapu Trig (1180 metres) and onto Panekire Hut.

Panekire Hut

Fare per night during Great Walks season is $70 for New Zealand citizens, $140 for international visitors.

From Panekire Hut, the track heads southwest down the range to the top of the Panekire descent. From here the track drops steeply off the range into rolling valleys of beech, podocarp and kāmahi forest and the lake.

Waiopaoa Hut

Fare per night during Great Walks season is $70 for New Zealand citizens, $140 for international visitors.

Head up the Waiopaoa Stream a short distance before crossing grassy flats and heading through kānuka forest on the lakeshore. The track, while undulating, weaves its way through rimu wooded areas and along the lake edge to Marauiti Hut.

Marauiti Hut

Fare per night during Great Walks season is $70 for New Zealand citizens, $140 for international visitors.

Instead of staying at Marauiti Hut, you may like to continue to Waiharuru Hut — take a walk at dusk to the edge of Puketukutuku peninsula and listen out for the call of kiwi.

Waiharuru Hut

Fare per night during Great Walks season is $70 for New Zealand citizens, $140 for international visitors.

This is another moderate day of walking with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities and chances to relax beside the lake’s edge. From Waiharuru Hut, the track climbs over the Pukehou ridge following the kiwi enclosure fence line all the way down to Tapuaenui Campsite, and leads on to Hopuruahine Landing.