Te Urewera (Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk)
Gisborne District
Te Urewera is a vast natural area in New Zealand's North Island, encompassing Lake Waikaremoana, the deepest lake on the island, formed by a massive landslide approximately 2,200 years ago. The lake covers 54 square kilometers and is surrounded by unlogged native forest, home to rare bird species and a kiwi conservation program. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is a celebrated three- to four-day hiking trail that follows roughly half the lake's circumference, featuring huts that require booking and opportunities for camping near the track. The region's temperate summer climate and cool winters, with occasional snowfalls, create a dynamic environment for trampers. Cultural significance is profound, as the area lies within the tribal boundaries of Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani, and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, with Māori heritage deeply embedded in the landscape. Facilities such as the Waikaremoana Holiday Park provide accommodation and amenities for visitors, supporting both recreational activities and conservation efforts. Accessibility is limited by unsealed roads, which helps preserve the area's tranquility compared to other Great Walks in New Zealand.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the warmer months for the best weather, while being prepared for sudden changes. Booking huts on the Great Walk in advance is essential due to limited capacity. Camping is allowed close to the track but not beyond 500 meters from it. Access roads are mostly gravel and can be challenging, so allow extra time for travel. Visitors should respect conservation rules, including no dogs allowed, and take advantage of the facilities at Waikaremoana Holiday Park for a comfortable stay.
Interesting facts
- •Lake Waikaremoana is the North Island's deepest lake at 256 meters deep.
- •The lake was created by a huge landslide dam about 2,200 years ago.
- •The Panekiri Bluff area is home to a kiwi conservation program.
- •The final shots of the New Zealand Wars were fired near Waikaremoana in 1872.
- •Te Urewera is legally recognized as a living entity and governed by a dedicated board.
History
Lake Waikaremoana was formed around 2,200 years ago by a massive landslide dam, creating the North Island's deepest lake.
The area has been inhabited and cared for by Māori tribes Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ruapani, and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa for centuries.
The final shots of the New Zealand Wars were fired near Waikaremoana in 1872.
The lake's surrounding forest has never been logged, preserving its ecological and cultural heritage.
The Waikaremoana Hydroelectric Power Scheme is notable for being built on a natural landslide dam, a rare engineering feat.
Place Guide
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
A renowned three- to four-day hiking trail that covers about half of the lake's circumference, featuring stunning lakeside views, native forest, and mountain scenery. The track includes huts for overnight stays that require booking.
Waikaremoana Holiday Park
A facility offering a range of accommodation options including tent sites, powered sites for campervans, chalets, lakeside cabins, tourist flats, family whare, and a bunkhouse. Amenities include a communal kitchen, laundry, shop, petrol station, fish smoker, BBQs, and limited Wi-Fi.
Panekiri Bluff and Kiwi Conservation Area
A natural feature on the southern shores of the lake, Panekiri Bluff hosts a kiwi conservation program aimed at protecting this iconic native bird species.
Contact
Phone: 06 837 3826
