Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
4
About
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
40 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
5
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Nadiya
9 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Maori people do not maintain the hike, though they receive on average $2.5 mln a year for its maintenance. We did the hike under a light drizzling rain, however the trail was extremely muddy, full of water, some parts of it were damaged and it was very hard to climb up with a 11-kg backpack. Some parts of the rout seemed to be dangerous too in a wet weather, as the path was very narrow, with no barrier, and at the same time slippery.
We had regular hiking boots with gortex waterproof cover, however that doesn't matter if you sink in the mud up to your knees. I am an experienced hiker, and I did the Old Ghost Road hike on the South Island under heavy rain, and there were no issues with water or mud on the rout due to properly setup drainage and walls, which unfortunately is missing around the WAIKAREMOANA lake.
There was no dry wood in huts, so nobody could dry out after such a walk. The huts themselves were in bearable condition, and cleaning facilities were present. Toilets were very dirty and smelly.
We had regular hiking boots with gortex waterproof cover, however that doesn't matter if you sink in the mud up to your knees. I am an experienced hiker, and I did the Old Ghost Road hike on the South Island under heavy rain, and there were no issues with water or mud on the rout due to properly setup drainage and walls, which unfortunately is missing around the WAIKAREMOANA lake.
There was no dry wood in huts, so nobody could dry out after such a walk. The huts themselves were in bearable condition, and cleaning facilities were present. Toilets were very dirty and smelly.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
The walk itself was absolutely stunning but when we arrived at the hut (Panekire) we were shocked. Dirty with no cleaning equipment, it stunk of rat waste with poo all over the benches and in the sink. The toilets were terrifying, filthy and falling down (not what you want in a long drop). The fire wood was outside still in its chopper bags and sopping wet. So sad, we loved the walk, the views were just outstanding. The hut was so dirty I’m expecting to get sick.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lydia W
Red Beach, New Zealand27 contributions
Jan 2020
Incredible walk - unfortunately, let down by the lack of maintenance of the huts. Marauiti was just plan sad. Rats around with unbaited traps, taps not working, plumbing leaking into the hut which had been that way for weeks, No water to drink - with a handwritten note stuck on the wall saying "drink from the lake". Just so sad as this is a beautiful piece of the country. Panekire Hut was so so so old with dirty floors, dirty benches and "danger" tape around the view points where wooden fences had rotted out. Such a shame - could be so so much more.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shane Coleman
2 contributions
Nov 2020
Track and Pest management was substandard this is not up to great walk quality. Therefore be prepared for poor track condition in sections. The disappointment is a couple who had been tramping at the same time e returned to find their car window had been broken into at the carpark
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel S
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Friends
The huts were all spotless and clean, with fresh firewood available.
It took a little chasing to book the water taxi off season but the service was prompt, friendly and very helpful.
The track has fantastic views, a lovely variety of forest and not another person around!
We had to navigate some wind fall trees, wash outs and plenty of mud. All great fun if you are reasonably used to it.
So grateful to Ngāi Tūhoe for making this very special place available to us.
It took a little chasing to book the water taxi off season but the service was prompt, friendly and very helpful.
The track has fantastic views, a lovely variety of forest and not another person around!
We had to navigate some wind fall trees, wash outs and plenty of mud. All great fun if you are reasonably used to it.
So grateful to Ngāi Tūhoe for making this very special place available to us.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rachrozella
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand14 contributions
Jan 2021
This is my second hike around this amazing lake, i went this time with 5 other friends who have not done this at all. We were all pretty excited leading up to it and mostly we had an incredible experience over the 5 days. Panikere hut was a huge disappointment, for a serviced hut in peak season we arrived to NO FIREWOOD and its damp and cold up there, at peak season. One of the sinks had a tap missing and it was pretty dirty.
The third night was at Waiharuru hut, lovely big hut but the warden STANLEY who has been working there as the hut warden for 7 weeks became abusive and swore alot after getting VERY DRUNK, NOT IMPRESSED, the other guests who has younger children were shocked to say the least. He needs to go! The last hut was Wanganui and it had hole in roof, leaks and was the filthiest one. We pay $32 per night as there was no fire wood at most of these huts, wet wood as it had been raining. They all need maintenance. Shocking for such a great walk. We had a wonderful time walking but the huts and staff let it down. No sign in books either for safety. I think its time DOC take back the huts from Iwi!
The third night was at Waiharuru hut, lovely big hut but the warden STANLEY who has been working there as the hut warden for 7 weeks became abusive and swore alot after getting VERY DRUNK, NOT IMPRESSED, the other guests who has younger children were shocked to say the least. He needs to go! The last hut was Wanganui and it had hole in roof, leaks and was the filthiest one. We pay $32 per night as there was no fire wood at most of these huts, wet wood as it had been raining. They all need maintenance. Shocking for such a great walk. We had a wonderful time walking but the huts and staff let it down. No sign in books either for safety. I think its time DOC take back the huts from Iwi!
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KempK
Devonport, New Zealand40 contributions
Jan 2020
We took 4 days to do the tramp.
Day 1 Onepoto Bay to Panekire Hut - short 12km including a couple of side tracks, steady climb up 932m elevation. Fantastic views from the hut, and was a lovely spot to replace for the afternoon.
Day 2 Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut - very short 8km down hill / steps. Best hut for swimming in the Lake. Highly recommend staying here for a night. In the afternoon we walked to the Korokoro Falls and back to the hut 10km. It was nice to do this without our packs.
Day 3 Waiopaoa Hut to Waiharuru Hut - 21km undulating with some steep sections, muddy "natural" track. We really enjoyed the changing scenery and type of track. Waiharuru is a lovely new hut.
Day 4 Waiharuru Hut - Whanganui Hut - ferry pick up
All huts are simple, warm and dry, no power or cooking facilities, but they do have water. Two of the huts had wardens.
Scenery is stunning, bird life is thriving. Local Iwi we meet on the track were very friendly and happy to stop and chat about the area, and the history of it.
If you are happy to get your boots a bit wet and dirty I highly recommend this tramp for the scenery, and ambiance of this special place.
Day 1 Onepoto Bay to Panekire Hut - short 12km including a couple of side tracks, steady climb up 932m elevation. Fantastic views from the hut, and was a lovely spot to replace for the afternoon.
Day 2 Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut - very short 8km down hill / steps. Best hut for swimming in the Lake. Highly recommend staying here for a night. In the afternoon we walked to the Korokoro Falls and back to the hut 10km. It was nice to do this without our packs.
Day 3 Waiopaoa Hut to Waiharuru Hut - 21km undulating with some steep sections, muddy "natural" track. We really enjoyed the changing scenery and type of track. Waiharuru is a lovely new hut.
Day 4 Waiharuru Hut - Whanganui Hut - ferry pick up
All huts are simple, warm and dry, no power or cooking facilities, but they do have water. Two of the huts had wardens.
Scenery is stunning, bird life is thriving. Local Iwi we meet on the track were very friendly and happy to stop and chat about the area, and the history of it.
If you are happy to get your boots a bit wet and dirty I highly recommend this tramp for the scenery, and ambiance of this special place.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harriet
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Family
PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS TRAMP THE HITS ARE DISCUSTING, dark and over booked you don’t even get a bed to sleep on the are no gs cookers provided and it is really horrible do not to this track
Written December 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith H
Auckland Central, New Zealand526 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
The car park is at Onepoto and a water taxi picks up/drops off at Whanganui hut. A lot of people told us that the best way to walk this track is to catch the water taxi to Whanganui and walk back Onepoto, but because of booking issues we ended up walking from Onepoto to Whanganui.
We were a bunch of first-time-multi-day-hikers and we are glad that we went from Onepoto to Whanganui because going in that direction you get the biggest climb out of the way first and despite our bags being heaviest on day one, we were happy to get the hardest part out of the way.
We did the walk in two nights, three days staying at Waiopaoa and Marauiti huts, walking about 8 hours each day at a leisurely pace. Waiharuru but is really nice but it is about 1.5-2 hours from Marauiti and we didn't want to add that to our day of hiking. On day two we detoured to korokoro falls which is about an hour round trip (excluding time you spend at the falls). Korokoro falls are about 30m tall and they are really beautiful.
The huts are simple and the rangers are great, the ones we met are from Tūhoe so they were more than happy to provide us with information about the area. Visibility comes and goes quickly at the top of the ridge at Panekire hut. We were there in December and there was some ice on the track ... The weather can change quickly and you can see that down near the lake it can get muddy.
The forest is beautiful and provides lots of cover from the sun, it's interesting to see the forest change as you ascend and descend back to the lake. Lots of moss and ferns, Kahikatea, Rimu and Beech trees. We saw Tui, Kereru, pig and deer tracks and in some areas you can hear kiwi at night (we weren't lucky enough).
The star of the show was Lake Waikaremoana, its waters are cleansing and refreshing. I dipped every morning and evening I found it got colder the further west we went but it is so beautiful to see as you walk and even better to swim in.
The only real gripe I have is that the water taxi is expensive.
We were a bunch of first-time-multi-day-hikers and we are glad that we went from Onepoto to Whanganui because going in that direction you get the biggest climb out of the way first and despite our bags being heaviest on day one, we were happy to get the hardest part out of the way.
We did the walk in two nights, three days staying at Waiopaoa and Marauiti huts, walking about 8 hours each day at a leisurely pace. Waiharuru but is really nice but it is about 1.5-2 hours from Marauiti and we didn't want to add that to our day of hiking. On day two we detoured to korokoro falls which is about an hour round trip (excluding time you spend at the falls). Korokoro falls are about 30m tall and they are really beautiful.
The huts are simple and the rangers are great, the ones we met are from Tūhoe so they were more than happy to provide us with information about the area. Visibility comes and goes quickly at the top of the ridge at Panekire hut. We were there in December and there was some ice on the track ... The weather can change quickly and you can see that down near the lake it can get muddy.
The forest is beautiful and provides lots of cover from the sun, it's interesting to see the forest change as you ascend and descend back to the lake. Lots of moss and ferns, Kahikatea, Rimu and Beech trees. We saw Tui, Kereru, pig and deer tracks and in some areas you can hear kiwi at night (we weren't lucky enough).
The star of the show was Lake Waikaremoana, its waters are cleansing and refreshing. I dipped every morning and evening I found it got colder the further west we went but it is so beautiful to see as you walk and even better to swim in.
The only real gripe I have is that the water taxi is expensive.
Written December 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTui
Auckland Central, New Zealand30 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
I've wanted to do this walk for many years and thoroughly enjoyed it, but have some notes for those who are thinking of doing it.
The walk is through magnificent native bush and there are views across the lake. We walked north to south which is not the direction noted in the brochures, but I would recommend it as the climb from Onepoto on the first day is punishing the other way.
Generally the track is of a high standard and easy gradients, but there are stretches where you walk through mud, clamber over rocks or stairways of tree roots.. I would rate this as requiring a moderate level of fitness. There is a side track to the Korokoro falls which is done without packs and takes an hour return - recommended. The times shown between the huts are variable and we found Marauiti to Korokoro a lot longer than we expected. Currently there are few kilometre posts so it is difficult to judge the distance to your destination.
The huts we stayed at are good but basic. Bring your own cooking gear including stoves and toilet paper. When we were there (February) only Panekiri hut had any firewood for the stove. The camping sites have toilets and open shelters for cooking but no firewood or water (water is available from the lake)..
Swimming was possible near most campsites and huts but generally involved wading through mud and weed. There is a good sandy beach between Waiharuru and Marauiti and a good swimming spot 10 minutes north of Korokoro.
In summary I loved it and would recommend it to well equipped walkers with good gear and fitness. If you do not have the gear and are not comfortable with carrying a 15kg pack over some distance I recommend using the water taxi service to take a day trip to the Korokoro falls which will get you into the bush without the hard work. Do your homework before you go.
The walk is through magnificent native bush and there are views across the lake. We walked north to south which is not the direction noted in the brochures, but I would recommend it as the climb from Onepoto on the first day is punishing the other way.
Generally the track is of a high standard and easy gradients, but there are stretches where you walk through mud, clamber over rocks or stairways of tree roots.. I would rate this as requiring a moderate level of fitness. There is a side track to the Korokoro falls which is done without packs and takes an hour return - recommended. The times shown between the huts are variable and we found Marauiti to Korokoro a lot longer than we expected. Currently there are few kilometre posts so it is difficult to judge the distance to your destination.
The huts we stayed at are good but basic. Bring your own cooking gear including stoves and toilet paper. When we were there (February) only Panekiri hut had any firewood for the stove. The camping sites have toilets and open shelters for cooking but no firewood or water (water is available from the lake)..
Swimming was possible near most campsites and huts but generally involved wading through mud and weed. There is a good sandy beach between Waiharuru and Marauiti and a good swimming spot 10 minutes north of Korokoro.
In summary I loved it and would recommend it to well equipped walkers with good gear and fitness. If you do not have the gear and are not comfortable with carrying a 15kg pack over some distance I recommend using the water taxi service to take a day trip to the Korokoro falls which will get you into the bush without the hard work. Do your homework before you go.
Written February 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where abouts do you leave your car while doing the track? Is there secure parking?
Written January 1, 2020
There are car parks at either end of the track or a car park near the holiday park. No secure parking, but enough people moving around to discourage theft.
Written January 4, 2020
Wanting to know whether catching a water taxi from Onepoto to Whanganui Hut, then walking to Waiharuru Hut, stay the night then following day walk to Waipoua Hut to stay and on last day walk out to Onepoto is a good option. Also does anyone have contact details for the water taxi?
Written January 21, 2019
Just ring the te kura whenua, the visitor centre on 06 8373900. Ask for Tina, she will be able to help you out.
Written January 22, 2019
We are a group of two mums and two 14 year olds. We don't walk fast but go at an easy steady pace, soaking up the views, beaches, trees and bird life as we walk. Not sure whether to do 4 nights in huts or 3. Was going to stay at Wanganui Hut the 4th night then catch the 10am boat out on our last day. Now I see there is a 2pm boat from Wanganui hut, so could get that instead of staying another night on the track. Which would mean, on our last day, we need to walk from Marauiti hut to Wanganui hut, arriving by 1.45pm to catch the boat. Well we make it at our pace?
Written March 25, 2017
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing