Be immersed into stunning natural wilderness and welcomed into the homeland of ngai tūhoe. It covers an area of 54 square kilometres (21 sq mi) From the māori waikaremoana translates as 'sea of rippling waters' The lake waikaremoana track has the largest area of native forest in the north island Lake waikaremoana is the north island’s deepest lake and one of its largest bodies of water, found in the northeast of the country, in the protected region of te urewera. For those backpackers who have made it off the beaten track to get to lake waikaremoana will be rewarded with views of sparkling lakes, dramatic rock bluffs, magnificent forest and a ton of birdlife.
Lake waikaremoana sits within the te urewera ranges, the homeland of the tūhoe people (nā tamariki o te kohu, the “children of the mist”) Tūhoe wardens are stationed at great walk huts during peak season to welcome manuhiri (guests) to their home, and can share stories and information. From here you can look across onepoto bay and see the evidence of the landslide that created lake waikaremoana over two thousand years ago Experience the changing landscapes as you descend back to lake level and understand why this walk is considered one of new zealand's greats. Lake waikaremoana track is a great walk highlighted by panekire bluff, korokoro falls, lake beaches, and massive native trees The walk that circumnavigates most of lake waikaremoana in the centre of te urewera national park
Located within the boundaries of te urewera, waikaremoana is a name that encompasses both the lake and the settlement The beautiful lake, which is sometimes described as ‘an inland fiord’, was formed about 2,200 years ago by a huge landslide that blocked the waikaretaheke river.
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