Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although it's a year-round track, winter rain deters many people and makes conditions
much more challenging. At this altitude (580m above sea level), temperatures can drop
quickly, even in summer. Walkers should take portable stoves and fuel as there are no
cooking facilities en route.
There are five
huts
(adult/child $32/free) and
campsites
(per night adult/child $14/
free) spaced along the track, all of which must be prebooked through DOC, regardless of
the season. Book at regional DOC offices, i-SITEs or online at
www.greatwalks.co.nz
.
If you have a car, it is safest to leave it at the Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp or Big
Bush Holiday Park then take a water taxi to the trailheads. Alternatively, you can take the
fully catered, three-night guided tour offered by the enthusiastic and experienced
Walk-
Propel yourself onto the trail either clockwise from just outside
Onepoto
in the south
or anticlockwise from
Hopuruahine Suspension Bridge
in the north.
Estimated walking times:
ROUTE
DURATION (HR)
Onepoto to Panekiri Hut
5
Panekiri Hut to Waiopaoa Hut
3-4
Waiopaoa Hut to Marauiti Hut
5
Marauiti Hut to Waiharuru Hut
2
Waiharuru Hut to Whanganui Hut
2½
Whanganui Hut to Hopuruahine Suspension Bridge
2
Other Walks
There are dozens of walks within the park's vast boundaries, most of which are outlined
in DOC's
Lake Waikaremoana Walks
and
Recreation in Northern Te Urewera
pamphlets
($2.50). Plenty of short walks kick off from the visitor centre and Lake Waikaremoana
Motor Camp.
With its untouched islands,
Lake Waikareiti
is an enchanting place. Starting nearby the
Te Urewera National Park Visitor Centre, it's an hour's walk to its shore. Once you're
there you can explore it in a rowboat (keys from the visitor centre $20).
Accessed from the track to Lake Waikareiti, the more challenging
Ruapani Circuit
Track
(six hours) passes through wetlands and dense virgin forest.
Sleeping & Eating
