te urewera treks

Te Urewera Treks

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Te Urewera Treks - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Te Urewera – Guide for Backpackers

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, a land before time.

Te Urewera has a real Jurassic Park feel to it. That’s helped by being the largest native forest left in New Zealand. Even the areas of moss-covered trees have been nicknamed “Goblin Forest”.

Te Urewera is nestled between the North Island regions of Hawke’s Bay , Bay of Plenty and Gisborne . Basically, it’s likely that you’ll have heaps of opportunities to dabble into the forest park, whether it’s for a Great Walk or to check out the gargantuan lake in a stunning forest setting. Amongst the ancient forest, you’ll find many Kodak moments from trickling streams to huge waterfalls.

At the centre of it all is Lake Waikaremoana, formed 2200 years ago by a huge landslide. Today, you can enjoy it for its kayaking, swimming and generally stunning views of “the sea of rippling waters”, as named by the Maori.

Things You Can’t Miss in Te Urewera

• Take a “sweet as” Great Walk: the Waikaremoana Track!
• See a series of stunning waterfalls that are easy to access from the road there are heaps!
• Get a photo of Korokoro Falls, only seen if you do the Great Walk
• Wander in the dense forest, over landslips, and to incredible views in the park’s short walks
• Kayak on Lake Waikaremoana.

Waikaremoana Great Walk

There’s much to see around the perimeters of Lake Waikaremoana . So much so that it has earned the status of being a New Zealand Great Walk . It might be because of the forest with its magical waterfalls or the impressive view over the lake from Panekire Bluff.

Bring your togs (swimwear), so you can take a dip in the lake. It takes around 3-4 days to complete the track. Start the track either from Onepoto or Hopuruahine. For more information on the Great Walks, check out: Guide to the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand .

Waterfall Walks

Some of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls are in Te Urewera. They are easily accessible by taking some short walks to them (or taking the Great Walk mentioned above).

Aniwania Falls

Start on the Hinerau Track near the Aniwania visitor centre. There are 3 waterfalls to gaze upon along this walk: Bridal Veil Falls, Momahaki Falls and Aniwania Falls.

Papakorito Falls

You can’t visit the Aniwania Falls without seeing the Papakorito Falls ! Just 2km (1.2 miles) further down the road from the visitor centre is the magnificent 20m (65ft) waterfall.

Korokoro Falls

The mascot for Te Urewera sums up the best aspects of the park: the luscious native forest with a 22m (72ft) high waterfall nestled in the middle. To see the falls, you can travel over Lake Waikaremoana by boat or take the Great Walk for about 53km (33 miles).

Short Walks in Te Urewera

No need to over-exert yourself in Te Urewera; take a short walk.

Lake Waikareiti Walk

See the Te Urewera’s smaller lake with its clear waters surrounded by dense forest. Walk through the beech tree forest until you get to a viewing platform over the lake. The start of the walk is about 200m (219 yards) from the visitor centre on the way to Rotorua. Learn more about the Lake Waikareiti Walk on the DoC website .

Ruapani Circuit Track

This walk is not so short, as it takes up to 6 hours to complete. Nevertheless, the Ruapani Circuit is a great way to explore the luscious green forest.

Feel completely disconnected from the world as you wander through the trees until an opening finally gives you a view of Lake Waikaremoana, Panekire Bluff and even Hawke’s Bay . Do the Lake Waitareiti Walk to get to this circuit.

Lou’s Lookout

It comes to no surprise that this track leads to a view. The lookout allows you to see over Lake Waikaremoana to Panekire Bluff. The climb uphill is an interesting one too with large boulders and bluffs created by a massive landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana. The 45min return walk is accessed 9km (5.6 miles) along the road from the visitor centre heading toward Wairoa.

Kayaking on Lake Waikaremoana

A lake as big as Lake Waikaremoana needs to be explored by kayak! Waikaremoana Holiday Park hire fishing rods and sell fishing licenses if you wish to fish for brown and rainbow trout.

Where to Stay near Te Urewera

• Kohutapu Lodge, Lake Aniwhenua
• Lake Waikaremoana Holiday Park
• Lake Whakamarino Lodge

More budget accommodation to base yourself in can be found in Accommodation Guide to Napier and Accommodation Guide to Tauranga .

If You Have More Time in Te Urewera…

• Swim and relax at Whatapo Bay
• Hunt for deer and pig. Remember you must have a permit
• Visit the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre and Museum to get a better understanding of the area.

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty (Regional tourism website)
• Whakatāne District Council (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Te Urewera Treks

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Te Urewera Treks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Te Urewera Treks

Te Urewara Treks takes guests into the New Zealand wilderness for a first-hand look at the country’s unique flora and fauna.

Both a respect for nature and the goal of allowing guests to experience the New Zealand outdoors at its very best drives Te Urewara Treks. Providing, guided, eco-cultural walks through the rainforest, Te Urewara is a great way to experience the natural resources that make New Zealand one of a kind.

Treks can be anywhere between one to four days long, and takes visitors through the podcarp forest of Whirinaki Forest Park and look out on stunning Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park. In addition to fitting your schedule, different treks are suited for varying levels of fitness.

Groups are small (no more than twelve people) and personal. Your knowledgeable guide will point out interesting features and answer any questions you might have. Contact: 07 808 0911

Contact Te Urewera Treks

421 Rerewhakaaitu Road , Rotorua-Central

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Lake Waikaremoana

Te Urewera, the largest wilderness region of New Zealand’s North Island, is home to Tuhoe, one of New Zealand’s largest Indigenous tribes, from  Hinepukohurangi (the Mist maiden) and Te Maunga(the Mountain) union eons past. This remote region is home to the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, surrounded by mountains clothed in dense, sub-tropical rainforest dating back to the Jurassic period.

Te Urewera Treks takes you on a 4-day journey through this ancient and pristine landscape, on what is still classified as a Great Walk, even though Te Urewera has been emancipated. Our local Tuhoe guides bring the forest alive, sharing tribal stories, histories & culture with you on the trail, whilst relaxing around the fire or staring up at the stars.  This trek pays homage to the landscape and demands an adventurous person, that enjoys a bit of challenge and is able to adapt to changeable weather and go with the flow

*a meeting place will be decided upon, depending on manuhiri travel direction

We travel into the heart of Te Urewera, through a number of small Maori settlements, to the Hopuruahine Landing.  Here, we will have a Mihi Whakatau and lunch, before starting our walk.  After a short break at Whanganui Hut we proceed to Waiharuru Hut, where we spend our first night.  Walking time is  4 - 5 hrs.

From Waiharuru Hut, we traverse the shores of the lake to Te Totara Bay, where the track climbs over a saddle before descending to Maruiti Hut. There is then a brief climb over the Whakaneke Spur and a steady sidling descent with magnificent lake views, to Maraunui Bay where we have a late morning tea.

We continue on along the lake edge, at times climbing spurs until we reach Korokoro campsite.  Here we will break for lunch before the last leg to Waiopaoa Hut, our last nights stay on the lake before climbing Panekire.  This is a long day of walking, between 6 -7 hrs.

Leaving Waiopaoa Hut after a leisurely morning, we start the ascent of Panekiri Bluff. The first 200 metres of vertical elevation involves a relatively easy but steady climb along a long ridge. At about 700 metres above sea level, the terrain steepens and there are some magnificent views of the lake and surrounds on this part of the walk. Finally, at 1180 metres above sea level, the hut of Panekiri is reached where the third and last night is spent. The views from the hut are awesome which makes the climb so worthwhile – especially the setting sun. Lunch is had along the track.  We allow a total walking time of 4 - 5 hours for this leg of the walk.

If the morning is clear, being up to watch the rising sun from such a high vantage point is quite spectacular. After breakfast, the final day involves an undulating walk along the top of the Panekiri Bluff through magnificent beech forest, with spectacular views of the lake and the mountains of Maungataniwha to the south-west and Manuoha to the north. Finally the descent to Onepoto and our vehicle – a total walk time of around 4 - 5 hours. 

​ This trek is on well formed trails requiring a good level of fitness.  You will need to be able to walk at least 5 hours per day, carrying a pack with your supplies, clothing, sleeping bag and snacks.

We cater for small groups of between 4 - 6 people.  We like to get to know you, and you, us.  All food, track fees, hut fees or alternative accommodation is included in the price.

This trek is available between October - April of the following year, please enquire for booking and availability.

Fitness level needed: Very good.   Degree of difficulty: moderate to hard Price (subject to change): NZ$1500 adults, NZ$1100 children (10-15 years) Group size: 4 - 6

Minimum: 4 to book Solo travelers or couples can enquire and be put on a wait list. Please email your interest and particular dates.

Te Urewera Treks

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Te Urewera Treks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Te Urewera Treks

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TE UREWERA TREKS (Rotorua) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Te Urewera Treks

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They do an awesome guided walk, with Maori cultural information - really personal, knowledgeable guides, great homemade lunch, beautiful, natural bush accommodation (with hot showers!). A really authentic, down to earth, experience. Top marks!

Reviewed about 14 years ago

I thoroughly enjoyed the guided day walk I did with Te Urewera Treks. I learnt a lot about Maori culture and the ecosystem of the beautiful Whirinaki Forest. Lunch was delicious and the dip in the hot water pool after the walk was also great.

Te Urewera Treks provided an absolutely awesome experience for my husband, 13 yo daughter and I. Joe provided lots of little pieces of information as we walked, plenty of snacks and a yummy picnic lunch. The forest we walked through and birdlife was magnificent. The campsite was a treat with plenty of delicious food, cold drinks, tentsites tucked into little clearings and a common campfire area like something straight out of Survivor!

Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in November 2007

Our guide (Jo) tells the stories about the Maori way of life whilst walking in the forest. We felt like Maori, an unforgettable experience. The lunch in the tent camp prepared by his wife (Joe) was very tasteful, which made us even more Maori.

Reviewed about 14 years ago and experienced in November 2008

Pieter Buijs

In our blog (see www.kristi.nl - january 2010 - "Bomen planten 1 + 2") we devoted two chapters to this experience. Joe is a wonderful guy willing to share everything he knows, feels or thinks. His Maori roots make for an interesting intercultural perspective on life, nature, religion, politics and so on. His lifelong knowledge of NZ nature guarantees a very rewarding trek.

Wouter Schoonman

We were on Te Urewera Treks for two days and made wonderful walks: in a podocarp forest and a beech forest. Our guide knew a lot about nature and of course about moari culture. Everything was very well organised. It was a real maori experience to us. Kees Buizer and Willy Kleijn. The Netherlands.

Kees Buizer

We had a wonderful experience at the Te Urewera Bush Camp. Joe's hospitality is great, he made us a delicious diner and made us feel at home in the bush. Great stories about the Maori and his own tribe. Planted trees in the morning after a very good breakfast and made a nice walk in the forest. We enjoyed the stay in the bush camp and the company of Joe very much. Thanks again!

Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2011

IlonaenJoost

We did the tree planting trek and it was a great experience. Driving the car and walking in the forest, Joe told us all kind of things that made us know more about nature, the Maori people and their tight relationship. It was a real feel good day and the place we planted the trees turned out to be a great surprise to us. Find it out yourself! Herman Dik and Anne-Marie Brooijmans Netherlands

Reviewed about 13 years ago

Just spent 3 nights at bush camp with Jo and his team. All well organised. A wonderful way to see a very special p[art of our country. I felt quite privileged to be experiencing this with them,

Reviewed about 12 years ago

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Kiwi Capital of the World ™

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Remote, rugged and immense, Te Urewera is a historic hinterland of vast forests and pristine lakes that will quench the nature-lust of any outdoor enthusiast.

Te Urewera is especially unique as it was given its own legislative act as part of the Crown settlement with Ngāi Tūhoe in acknowledgement of the very real and dense connection and history between the people and the place. Te Urewera is now actually a legal entity, with all the rights, powers, duties and liabilities of a legal person.

Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and much more are on offer in this breath-taking and untouched part of the world.

Places to stay, tour guides and things to do in Te Urewera

Te Pakau (Eight Acres)

A large Department of Conservation camping area next to the Waimana River. Close to popular short walks in the spectacular forest nearby.

Te Kura Whare

Te Kura Whare is New Zealand’s first living building. It embodies Tūhoe and Tūhoetana values of respect for nature and whenua, inspired by the unity of people.

BareKiwi takes the Road Less Travelled

We invited Kiwi adventurer BareKiwi to the Whakatāne district, asked him to bring his camera, introduced him some of the locals, and these are the epic results.  

Te Urewera Treks

Te Urewera Treks provides a range of unique eco-cultural wilderness treks, bringing you a truly special guided walking experience.

BareKiwi - Te Urewera Treks

"It’s almost best described as something spiritual. It might sound silly but my favourite part was just sitting down over a cup of bush tea for a chat." 

Manawa Honey NZ

Artisan producer of honeys of Te Urewera. From our ancient untouched forests come exquisite tree honeys – Māhoe, Tāwari, Rewarewa and world-famed medicinal Mānuka.

Central Helicopters

We have the knowledge and aircraft to get you into the incredible, pristine, mountainous remote areas to hunt big stags and chase pigs.

Whites' Clearing Cabin

Take the family somewhere different. Private, remote and beautifully quiet. Hunting and fishing on your doorstep. Whites Cabin is on private property and five minutes to the Te Urewera boundary.

Murupara Motor Camp

Situated near the township and only a minute's walk to the Rangitāiki river. Premium and standard cabins along with powered and non-powered campervan and tent sites.

BareKiwi - Ruatāhuna & Manawa Honey

"Slowing down lets you talk to the locals, take in the majesty of the place – it’s like nowhere else." 

Walking Legends Guided Walks

Hike the North Island's best walks with a small group, small backpack, great food and wine.

To the south of Whakatāne District is the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, which takes 3 - 4 days and is one of New Zealand's premier walking tracks.

This 212,672 hectare park lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay in the North Island. It is the largest of the North Island's parks and the fourth largest in New Zealand. The nearest towns are Whakatāne and Tāneatua to the north, Murupara and Ruatahuna to the west, and Wairoa to the east.

Experienced guides are available. Hiking maps, brochures, hut permits and safety information is available at the Whakatāne Visitor Information Centre, the Rangitāiki Area DOC Office, the Murupara Visitor Centre, or visit doc.govt.nz .

Points of interest and hunting areas map

A map containing points of interest and hunting areas located within Te Urewera is available online.

Map of Te Urewera »

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Here's What You Need To Know About New Zealand's Last Sacred Forest

Commissioning Editor

On the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the rainforest of Te Urewera exists as its own legal entity. The land is governed and preserved by the Tūhoe people, who consider it a place of great sacred significance. Culture Trip explains the backstory to this region and how you can go about visiting.

In the Hawke’s Bay Region of New Zealand’s North Island lives a secluded and spectacular rainforest, which belongs to its 7,000 Tūhoe inhabitants. It is a sacred land to the local community, so visiting should be done respectfully.

The story of Te Urewera

Te Urewera – a place of verdant tree canopies, waterfalls and wildlife – is the traditional home to the tribal Tūhoe people of Māori identity. Over the years it has navigated a difficult relationship with the New Zealand government. In the 1860s and 1870s, the government invaded and claimed the land. “Land was confiscated, villages and food stores were burned, and many Tūhoe perished through execution or starvation,” New Zealand’s Department of Conservation writes. Then, in 1896, more land was acquired illegally by the New Zealand government despite a peace settlement, and by 1954 it became a national park, without consent from the Tūhoe people.

After 60 years, the community reclaimed their land under the Te Urewera Act 2014, which recognised the rainforest as its own legal entity – stripping it of its national park status. This represented a New Zealand ,and, indeed, world, first, and meant all responsibility for its river valleys and bush clearings fell on its legal guardians: the Tūhoe people.

Planning a trip to Te Urewera

The locals of Te Urewera welcome visitors, however, they encourage you to take a mindful approach while on their land. “Maybe it’s not about getting the best photo of yourself near a waterfall or the ultimate deal on a hunting trip,” Tribal leader Tamati Kruger told the BBC . “Maybe it’s about meeting the locals, staying with us, learning some of our history and hearing some of the stories and values that make up our lifestyle.”

A shift in perspective is also sought after. “Instead of seeing nature as a set of discrete resources to be managed and used, we’re asking people to see Te Urewera as a living system that others depend on for survival, culture, recreation and inspiration,” Kruger told the BBC. “It’s about relating to Te Urewera as its own identity in a physical, environmental, cultural and spiritual sense.”

Joining on a trek with Tūhoe guides is a brilliant way to support the community and learn about the area and history of the bush. Popular treks include visiting the native podocarp forest and sacred Arohaki Lagoon, and planting native trees – including rimu, totara and matai – en route to Whirinaki Forest Park. Meanwhile, you can also discover the land through horse riding with locals, or by joining on fishing and hunting excursions with Ahurei Adventures .

Elsewhere, foodies can enjoy immersing themselves into the local scene with a home-cooked dining experience at 95-percent-recycled restaurant the Black House .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Te Urewera Treks

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Joe Doherty (1953- 2014) was passionate about Te Urewera and creating a Māori business employing local people that, saw the creation of Te Urewera Treks based at Nga Putahi, Ruatāhuna and run from Rerewhakaaitu.

Maraea Rakuraku travels to Rerewhakaaitu spending time with Joanna Doherty and then on to Nga Putahi to the Bush Camp where guide Wiremu Nuku leads her on tour.  

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Te Urewera Treks

Explore near Te Urewera Treks: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit

Te urewera treks reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

Family Get Together

Our family spent 2 nights at Ngaputahi and had an excellent experience. Three generations all loved it there. Hinewai is an excellent host and also guided us on a superb bush walk.

Most amazing experience ever

I was privileged to have the opportunity to hikoi Te Urewera ki Whirinaki with Hinewai and my 14 year old moko recently. As Tangata Tiriti I can only reflect on how special this experience was. I've b...

Hiking in Te Urewera.

This was a fantastic experience for us. Hinewai was marvelous. She knows Te Urewera so well - the flora, the fauna, the whakapapa, her turangawaewae - this was her place and she loved sharing it wit...

Every Detail Comprehensively Covered

This experience was long in the making. Hinewai very patiently answered my many, many, questions, and through long emails on each side, we worked out a suitable itinerary. I chose the Custom Exper...

Unbelievably magnificent!

We were blessed to attend “Tane Mahuta - God of the Forest guided tour”. We planted young Miro and Totara, strolled through the beautiful Whirinaki forest, had a delicious sustainably made lunch at th...

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