MAP of our trip around Lake Waikaremoana

MAP of the North Island

Day 1: We caught an early boat from the lodge to the Onepoto end of the track. We chose to start from the Onepoto end so the major climb would come on the first day, leaving nice relaxed days for the rest of the trip. A leisurely 6 hours climb to Panekiri Hut provided spectacular views across the lake and surrounding area, making the climb well worth the effort.

Day 2: From Panekiri hut an easy descent through lush green bush leads to Waiopaoa Hut and campsite within 3 hours. From here a well graded track winds around the river shore to Korokoro Campsite via Korokoro Falls turnoff. The falls are well worth the return visit as they are a spectacular site and provided the highlight our our day. The track continues past Korokoro Campsite to Maraunui Campsite, approx. 4 hours from Waiopaoa Hut (excluding the time take for the falls). Maraunui Campsite is right on the shore of the lake, which was inhabited by swans, ducks, and the native brown teal.

Day 3: From Maraunui Campsite the track leads over a small peninsular to Marauiti Hut within 35 minutes. The well maintained track follow the lake shore brings Waiharuru Camp site within 2.5 hours from Marauiti Hut. A further 30 minutes leads to Te Puna hut where a peaceful lunch upon the sunny deck was enjoyed thoroughly. 45 minutes over the hill from Te Puna was the most secluded campsite along the track, Tapuaenui, which was tucked away amongst the trees on the lake shore. We chose to stay at Whanganui Hut which was another 90 minutes along the track.

Day 4: Today was a very short day, which involved walking 45 minutes to a water-taxi pickup point. About 20 minutes in the boat we were back at the Waikaremoana Motor Camp, where we had started from and left the car.