Trampfile: Waikaremoana

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Cost:
Huts (3): Adult $25 per night each, children (under 18) free.
Campsites: $12 per night.

Gear Required: Regular tramping gear is adequate. You will need a cooker and gas. Always take spare warm clothing.

Some 102 kilometres from Lake Taupo lies Te Urewera National Park, at its heart is Lake Waikaremoana. Waikaremoana owes its existence to a massive landslide some 2,200 years ago at a narrow section of the Waikaretaheke River. The resulting build up of water created the lake which currently measures some 240 metres deep. The home of the Tuhoe people, this lake and the ridges and valleys supporting it are home to some 650 different native plants and an abundance of birdlife. Of particular note both of New Zealand's rare native bats, the short and the long tail, although elusive, are present in the park.

Following the long and winding gravel road is an experience in itself, as those who have been to Waikaremoana would agree. Be wary of wild horses straying onto the road. Also a word of warning for would be travellers, fill your car at the last possible stop before entering the park as the gravel road will be longer than you expect and due to its isolation the pump prices in Aniwaniwa are lofty.

In summer the tiny village of Aniwaniwa bustles with activity and consists of a small yet dairy, a number of cosy looking cabins, a couple small homes and a well equipped building with showering and cooking facilities for trampers/campers. Nestled against a sheltered inlet it really is a surreal spot.
A water taxi will be needed to get to the start of the tramp, this will set you back about $25 for the return trip (drop off and pick up on a pre-determined date).

The trip can be done in two directions, we recommend the reverse direction. Done this way you will save the Panekiri Bluff for the final day, however the climb up the bluff is considerably tougher in this direction so is not recommended for those that may have difficulty with steep climbs.
All huts and campsites are in excellent condition as you would expect from one of the great walks, make sure you take out what you take in and leave the huts in the same condition you found them.
Day two (reverse direction) will give you an opportunity to take a side track (30min approx) to visit Korokoro Falls. This is an absolutely must do as the falls are an amazing sight.
A great tramp, if you live anywhere in the upper North Island you should definitely make the most of this gem of a spot. Kayaks are also available for hire to further explore the lake.