Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
good there will be panoramas of the lake and forest. At this point the gradual descent be-
comes steep, with the track heading off the ridge towards Wairaumoana (the Wairau Arm of
the lake), and at one section it drops 250m in about 1km. Trampers are aided here by a stair-
case.
On the way down there is an interesting change in vegetation as the forest moves from the
beech of the high country to tawa and podocarp, with a thick understorey of ferns. The
grade becomes more gentle as you approach the Wairaumoana and, eventually, you arrive at
the Waiopaoa Hut (36 bunks) and campsite, near the shoreline. The hut is a short stroll from
a sandy bay with good spots for fishing and swimming.
Day 3: Waiopaoa Hut to Marauiti Hut
4-5 HOURS, 12KM
Start the day early to take advantage of the many places where you can linger and while
away the afternoon. The track turns inland from Waiopaoa Hut to cross Waitehetehe and
Waiopaoa Streams, then follows the lakeshore across grassy flats and terraces of kanuka. In
the first hour you'll encounter a number of streams that are bridged.
The signposted junction to
Korokoro Falls
is 3.5km from Waiopaoa Hut, a 1½-hour walk
for most trampers, and makes for a scenic diversion. It's 15 minutes to the falls, which drop
20m over a sheer rock face in one of the most impressive displays of cascading water in the
park. Korokoro Campsite is 200m past the swing bridge and makes for a very scenic place
to pitch a tent.
The main track continues around the lake, rounding
Te Kotoreotaunoa Point
then drop-
ping into Maraunui Bay. It's 30 to 40 minutes along the southern shore of the bay, past a
Maori reserve and private huts, to Te Wharau Stream, a popular fishing spot. Located at the
stream, around 2½ hours from the Korokoro Falls junction, is Maraunui Campsite. From
here the track climbs over a low saddle in the Whakaneke Spur and, in 1.7km, dips to Ma-
rauiti Bay and the 200m side track to Marauiti Hut (26 bunks) on the lakeshore.
Day 4: Marauiti Hut to Hopuruahine Landing
4-5 HOURS, 14KM
Return to the main trail and immediately cross the stream at the head of Marauiti Bay. The
track follows the northern side of the bay before swinging northeast to skirt Te Kopua Bay,
30 minutes from Marauiti Hut. This is one of the most isolated and beautiful bays on the
lake.
