North Island Hike
The Urewera Discovery Tour is a three-day, all inclusive walking holiday exploring the Waikaremoana area in New Zealand, with a focus on short walks and maximum personal comfort.
The Waikaremoana area shrouds an intriguing history: from intense geological processes; to tumultuous periods of fighting between pro & anti-government forces; to the untouched beauty and remoteness the area still enjoys. A multitude of short walks and attractions provide insights into its stormy history and vast wilderness.
The Urewera Discovery Tour, one of our most popular North Island walking holidays, includes a scenic drive from Rotorua to Waikaremoana, two nights lodge-style accommodation in Waikaremoana, and three days of guided walks and sightseeing. Hiking equipment and all meals, snacks and refreshments are also included.
The itinerary below is a basic outline. Flexibility enables groups to select from numerous walks and activities (kayaking, fishing, photography, & relaxing), thus ensuring everyone's abilities and interests are catered for. Your New Zealand hiking guides will enhance your journey by using their local knowledge to help select appropriate walks, provide company, interpret the features you encounter, and take care of all your meals, transport, accommodation and other logistics. With door-to-door return transport, this is the most comfortable and rewarding way to experience this isolated wilderness region.
Tahi - Day One
2-4 hours walking (Lunch Dinner)
Pick-up Rotorua. En route to Waikaremoana we walk amidst New Zealand's best example of native podocarp forest. The towering trees at Whirinaki sparked a dramatic environmental protest against native logging, and you will understand why English Botanist David Bellamy sights this forest as one of the world's finest. Picnic beside an impressive waterfall, with the chance to sight the endangered native blue duck, before continuing on through dense rainforest to Waikaremoana.
The afternoon is spent either exploring the local museum or kayaking across the lake to Aniwaniwa Falls. In the evening we climb to the top of the landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana over 2000 years ago, to watch the sunset over the lake. Retire to the lodge for a tasty dinner, fine wine and good company.
Rua - Day Two
3-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After a delicious cooked breakfast day two of our walking holiday takes us on a stroll through magnificent ancient beech forest to the tranquil Lake Waikareiti. Reached only by walking track, this lake is free of introduced aquatic plants, giving it outstanding water clarity. Take a rowboat to one of the Lake's islands for a picnic lunch amidst abundant birdlife and pristine forest that flourish in this pest-free environment.
In the afternoon we find the largest rata tree in the country, over 1000 years old! A stunning walk reveals the vibrant lime foliage of the tawa tree and brilliant crimson rata flowers. Then we visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for an informal chat with a Tuhoe elder about the region’s fascinating history and culture. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and provides a real feel for the area and it’s tangata whenua (people of the land).
Toru - Day Three
3 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch)
Taste one of New Zealand's famous "Great Walks" - the Lake Waikaremoana Track. Day three of our New Zealand walking holiday takes us on a steady climb through mixed broadleaf podocarp forest and rewards us with inspiring views over Lake Waikaremoana and the forest-clad mountains of Te Urewera National Park, New Zealand. Spectacular sandstone rock bluffs drop sheer to the lake 600 metres below. If weather permits a scenic boatride begins our journey back to Rotorua, followed by a lakeside picnic and the opportunity for a rejuvenating soak and celebratory champagne in an amazing natural hot spring!
Prices: |
NZ $1050 per adult, $850 per child (12 years and under) |
| Dates: | 2008 Nov 17; Dec 6, 12 |
| 2009 Jan 5, 10, 18, 29; Feb 14, 21; Mar 8, 21; Apr 6, 22 | |
(Alternative departure dates can be arranged by request)
Important Information - please read this PDF before booking.