Te Urewera is a place best experienced at its own pace.
Te Urewera is a place best experienced at its own pace.
Whether you're staying a night, walking a short track, or setting out on the Waikaremoana Great Walk, preparation matters. Local knowledge, changing conditions and respect for the environment all play a part in a safe and rewarding journey.
Start at Te Kura Whenua. Get the latest information, understand the conditions, and plan your visit before heading further into Te Urewera.
Waikaremoana
Te Kura Whenua · Visitors Centre
Te Kura Whenua sits at the edge of Waikaremoana, where the lake meets the forested ranges of Te Urewera. This is where many journeys begin.
Here, you can get up-to-date information on conditions, tracks, facilities and safety. You can ask questions, share your plans and better understand the place you are about to enter.
Begin here.
Te Kura WhenuaAddress: 6249 Lake Road, SH38 Waikaremoana 4195 Phone: 06 837 3900 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am – 4.30pm Email: teureweravc@ngaituhoe.iwi.nz
Walks
Before you step in know the conditions - the environment leads here.
Most walks in Te Urewera are backcountry experiences. Like the people… conditions can be remote, challenging, and unforgiving if taken lightly.
Be prepared for changing weather , conditions shift quickly.
Carry what you need , there are no shortcuts here
Book all huts or campsites in advance , this is essential
Stay only in designated areas , move carefully through this place
Know your route , most areas of Te Urewera have limited or no mobile coverage
Tell someone your plans , let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
This is not a place to rush or test limits. It is a place to move with awareness.
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
A 3-4 day journey through Te Urewera, the homeland of Tūhoe.
The track passes through ancient native rainforest, alongside Lake Waikaremoana and across some of the area's most recognised ridgelines and viewpoints. It is one of Aotearoa's most remote Great Walk experiences.
You will travel through ancient rainforest, alongside lakes, through valleys and across ridgelines shaped over generations. This is a journey through the living landscape of Te Urewera.
Tūhoe Hut Wardens welcome and local knowledge sharing.
Stand high on Panekire Bluff, where the lake opens wide beneath you.
Listen to the power of Korokoro Falls, dropping from the forest with force and clarity.
Move through dense rimu, beech native forest where birdsong, wind and water replace the bustle of everyday life, with the lake abundant in trout.
The track is not a circuit (but can be if you want to walk the main road back to your starting point). It moves from one place to another - a journey, not a loop.
Walk either from Onepoto (south) through to Hopuruahine (north) or Hopuruahine (north) or via Water taxi to Whananui (north) pit stop through to Onepoto.
Water Taxi or Land Taxi services can move you to the start or pick you up at the end. What you book will depend on the direction you’re walking and the kind of experience you're after. At the northern end, the water taxi stops at Whananui, which is 5km short of Hopuruahine. So:
If you’re keen to say you’ve done the entire 46km track, you’ll want to book a land taxi to or from Hopuruahine Landing Road.
If you’re happy to skip the final 5km and soak up those open lake views instead, the water taxi is for you.
There are a range of huts and campsites along the track, all must be booked in advance, and camping is only allowed at designated sites. Before or after your journey, you can book to stay at the Waikaremoana Holiday Park
These walks range from short viewpoints and waterfalls to full-day backcountry tracks. Conditions vary throughout Te Urewera and mobile coverage is limited or unavailable in many areas.
The Hinerau Track begins across the road from Aniwaniwa Road. A short walk to viewpoints overlooking the Aniwaniwa River and Aniwaniwa Falls. Aniwaniwa means "rainbow".
The track starts over the bridge past Aniwaniwa Stream road bridge. This track has views of the falls from the opposite side of the river.
At the end of Aniwaniwa Road, a flat 2km walk or short drive leads to Papakorito Falls. Car parking and picnic areas are located nearby.
Starting from Papakorito Falls, this track follows the old coach road through the Aniwaniwa Valley toward the former Ward's Hut site. The route follows part of the original road link between Waikaremoana and Gisborne.
The track to Lake Waikareiti begins just beyond the Aniwaniwa Stream road bridge. A shelter sits on the lake edge and provides a place to rest before returning the same way or continuing to Sandy Bay Hut or the Ruapani Circuit.
This tramping track follows the lakeshore to Sandy Bay Hut at the northern end of Lake Waikareiti. Bookings are required for the hut.
The Ruapani Circuit branches from the Lake Waikareiti and Sandy Bay tracks. The route passes through wetlands, swampy basins and native forest.
Beginning near Tauwhare Falls, this track climbs through beech and podocarp forest to a series of small forest tarns surrounded by tall native bush.
Starting within the Waikaremoana Holiday Park, the Hinau Track follows part of the old road and finishes above the park near the site of the former Lake House Hotel. The Ngamoko Track begins nearby.
This track passes a large rātā tree, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, before climbing through dense forest to the Namoko Range summit (1099m). Open sections near the summit provide views across Lake Waikaremoana. The Tawa Track branches off on the return journey.
A short loop track connecting with the Namoko Track. The route passes through areas of mature tawa forest before returning near the start of the walk.
An extension of the Namoko Track. Near the summit a turnoff descends through native forest to Lake Kaitawa. Transport arrangements are required from Kaitawa.
Beginning opposite Rosie Bay, this track follows a traditional Māori route through to Lake Kaitawa. The track passes through forest clearings and stands of tōtara and matai trees.
Accessed from Onepoto Road near the start of the Waikaremoana Great Walk, this walk passes wetland vegetation and two small lakes that often merge into one during wet periods. The area provides habitat for a range of waterbirds including white-faced heron, paradise shelduck and pied stilt.
This track follows the lakeshore through native forest before branching to Fairy Springs, where water rises naturally into a clear pool among the bush.
The track climbs through forest, rock bluffs and boulder formations to a viewing platform overlooking Waikaremoana and Panekire.
Getting around
Water · lake transfers
Waiwai Xpres water taxi
Waiwai Xpress provides transport across Lake Waikaremoana, connecting visitors to key access points on the Great Walk and offering pack transfers for those walking the track.
Locally owned and operated, Waiwai Xpress Water Taxi is the only licensed service – contact Blair and the team to make a booking now.
TIRA38 is a locally operated shuttle service providing transport to and around Waikaremoana, connecting Rotorua, Gisborne, Wairoa and Te Urewera. Offering scheduled and private transfers to and around Waikaremoana. Contact Tina to make a booking now.
The Waikaremoana Holiday Park sits at the edge of the lake, nestled just beyond Te Kura Whenua. Located beside Te Kura Whenua and Lake Waikaremoana, the Holiday Park provides a practical base for exploring Te Urewera. Accommodation options range from campsites to chalets.
Plan to take your rubbish with you when you leave. Rubbish facilities are very limited.
Mobile coverage is poor. Wi-Fi is available at the shop and the visitor centre.
Fishing licences aren't sold onsite. Buy one online from Fish & Game before you arrive.
The nearest town is Wairoa. It's one hour's drive and has supermarkets and other shops.
Fuel is available at the holiday park, or at Wairoa or Ruatahuna (both a one-hour drive away).
Weather can be changeable at all times of the year – pack for all seasons.
Motorhomes - If your Electrical WOF isn't current you won't be allowed to connect to power.
No pets. The holiday park is in Te Urewera. To protect native animals in the park, dogs are not allowed.
No open fires and fireworks.
No jet skis, house boats, jet boats or float planes are permitted on the lake.
Campgrounds
Rosie Bay Campsite
Located on the shore of Lake Waikaremoana, Rosie Bay Campsite provides basic camping facilities in a sheltered lakeside setting.
6 non-powered sites
Non-flush toilets
Water from a nearby stream
Vehicle access
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rosie Bay is a freedom camping area within Te Urewera.
Aniwaniwa
There are two new campsites: one roadside site located beside the start of the Aniwaniwa falls tracks, and the other in the former Visitor Centre parking area. Toilets are located across the road. Campers must bring their own drinking water. These campsites are suitable for camper vans.
4 non-powered sites
Flush toilets
Vehicle access
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is a new camping area within Te Urewera.
Mokau Landing Campsite
Located between Lake Waikaremoana and native forest, Mokau Landing provides a larger camping area with vehicle access.
40 non-powered sites
Non-flush toilets
Untreated tap water
Boat launching area
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
$8.00 per adult, per night
Children 17 years and under stay free
Payment Information
Please pay via bank transfer and include your vehicle registration number and last name in the payment details. Our team records vehicle registration numbers and matches them with payments made online or by cash at Te Kura Whenua.
Account Name: Tuhoe Te Uru Taumatua
Bank Account Number: 12-3253-0044347-03
Reference: Your last name
Code: Your vehicle registration number
Particulars: Mokau
Payment Example:
Reference: Smith
Code: ABC123
Particulars: Mokau
Te Taita a Makoro
Tucked away at the northern end of Waikaremoana, Te Taita a Makoro is a campsite offering basic facilities that is surrounded by nature.
10 non-powered sites
Non-flush toilets
Water from a nearby stream
Vehicle access
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Te Taita a Makoro is a freedom camping area within Te Urewera.
Oranihikoia
It is a roadside campsite and located at the most northern end of Waikaremoana. Oranihikoia campsite offers basic facilities that is surrounded by tall trees.
10 non-powered sites
Non-flush toilets
Water from a nearby stream
Vehicle access
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Te Taita a Makoro is a freedom camping area within Te Urewera.
Huts
Sandy Bay Hut
Situated on the edge of Lake Waikareiti, Sandy Bay Hut provides accommodation for walkers continuing through the Waikareiti and Sandy Bay track network.
18 bunks
Lake access
Booking required
Often used as a stopover for visitors exploring Waikareiti and the surrounding tracks.
Activities
Rowboat Hire at Lake Waikareiti
Discover one of Te Urewera's hidden gems by exploring Lake Waikareiti by rowboat. Whether you're heading across the lake to access walking tracks and Sandy Bay Hut, trying your luck fishing, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, rowboat hire offers a unique way to experience this beautiful wilderness area. Each boat can carry up to 4 people, making it an affordable option for families, groups, and overnight visitors.
Bookings and key collection are available through the Visitor Centre.
Hire cost
$20 per boat, per session
Sessions
Morning: 8:00am - 12:30pm Afternoon: 12:30pm - 4:30pm Overnight: 4:30pm - 8:00am the following day
Collect from
Te Kura Whenua
Rowboat
Oars
Lifejackets
Safety information and lake condition updates from Visitor Centre staff
To hire a boat, you must bring your own Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or EPIRB.
For your safety, all boat hirers are required to carry an emergency locator beacon while on the lake.
PLBs and EPIRBs are not currently available for hire
Ensure your beacon is tested and working before departure
Keep it easily accessible at all times
For your safety:
Lake Waikareiti can experience rapidly changing weather and water conditions.
Boat hire may be declined when conditions are considered unsafe.
Stay close to the shoreline if conditions become rough.
If conditions become dangerous, return to shore and make your way back to the Visitor Centre.
Always follow staff advice before setting out.
Lake Waikareiti is one of New Zealand's few lakes free from introduced lake weeds.
Help protect the lake by:
Keeping off the islands.
Not bringing outboard motors onto the lake.
Cleaning and drying all fishing gear before use.
Checking equipment for weeds or other contaminants before arrival.
Maximum of 4 people per boat
All passengers must wear a lifejacket at all times
Boat keys must be returned at the end of your session
A late return fee may apply
Equipment damage or issues should be reported immediately
Ruatāhuna
Te Tii
Located in the heart of Ruatāhuna, Te Tii is a place where manuhiri can stop, refuel and find local knowledge before continuing their journey through Te Urewera.
Whether you're passing through, heading to Waikaremoana, or exploring the valleys and communities of Te Urewera, the team Kerewai and Lee can help with local information, directions, road conditions and general questions about the area.
What you'll find at Te TiiFuel Mou Mou Kai Café Convenience store Te Tii Chalets Local information and travel advice
Te Tii Chalets provide a comfortable base for visitors exploring Te Urewera and the surrounding valley communities.
The four self-contained chalets sit alongside the nahere and reflect the connection between place, people and Tūhoe identity. Each chalet is named after a manu of significance to Ruatāhuna: Rearea, Nongoriheke, Pihipihi and Kōkō.
Suitable for all, the chalets offer a place to rest, reconnect and experience life in the heart of Tūhoe country.
Waimana
Walks
This 2km loop track begins opposite the Lions Education Centre and follows a gentle route alongside the Tauranga River. Interpretation panels along the way provide information about the local environment and history.
Stays
Tucked into the northern reaches of Te Urewera, the Waimana Valley offer two remote campgrounds located down Matahi Valley Road, beside the Waimana River perfect for an offthegrid escape to fish, swim, and explore native forest tracks.
Te Pakau Campsite
Located on the banks of the Waimana River, Te Pakau provides access to nearby walking tracks and the surrounding nahere.
60 non-powered sites
Flushing toilets
Vehicle access
Cost: $10 per night (adults), children free
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Omahuru Campsite
Located in the Waimana Valley, Omahuru provides a simple camping base for visitors exploring the area.
40 non-powered sites
Basic toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue area
Cost: $10 per night (adults), children free
No bookings are required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please pay via bank transfer and include your vehicle registration number and last name in the payment details. Our team records vehicle registration numbers and matches them with payments made online.
