Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera 4195, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Lake Waikaremoana, Te Urewera 4195, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Lake Waikaremoana is located in Te Urewera in the North Island of New Zealand, 60 kilometres northwest of Wairoa and 80 kilometres west-southwest of Gisborne. It covers an area of 54 km2. From the Maori Waikaremoana translates as ‘sea of rippling waters’

The lake lies in the heart of Tuhoe country. The hamlet of Āniwaniwa and the Waikaremoana Holiday Park are located on the lakeshore, along SH38, which connects the lake to the central North Island (Rotorua) and Gisborne. There is a Department of Conservation office at Aniwaniwa. Several walks start here, including a short stroll to Aniwaniwa Falls.

Lake Waikaremoana is a holiday destination for people who use the lake for fishing, tramping and other recreational activities. The Lake Waikaremoana Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks”, is a three- to four-day tramp which follows approximately half of the lake’s circumference. The track can be walked independently, or as part of a guided group. There are huts dotted on the walk which require booking to use. Camping is permitted unless you are more than 500 metres from the track.

Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound