Discover Ancient Forests and Deep Connections
Te Urewera National Park, once a government-managed conservation park, is now a living entity — legally recognised as its own personhood, and co-managed by Tūhoe, the local iwi (tribe). Nestled in the remote heart of New Zealand’s North Island, it’s a place where nature, culture, and spirituality are deeply intertwined. Towering podocarp forests, shimmering lakes, and misty mountains dominate this wild landscape, offering a rare glimpse into untouched New Zealand.
One of the park’s biggest drawcards is Lake Waikaremoana, a tranquil inland lake surrounded by ancient beech and rimu trees. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is a popular multi-day tramp that winds its way around the lake's edge, over bluffs, across swing bridges, and through dense rainforest. It’s a trek for those who want solitude, connection to nature, and a true back-to-basics experience.
Culture, Conservation, and Connection
What sets Te Urewera apart is not just its scenery but its living story. This is the ancestral home of Ngāi Tūhoe, known as the "Children of the Mist." Visitors to Te Urewera are not just tourists, but guests entering a living community of forest, water, and people. Interpretive signage, guided cultural experiences, and overnight huts with a strong sense of place help connect visitors with the land and its guardians.
As a protected area, Te Urewera operates differently from traditional national parks. It invites you to slow down, listen, and walk gently — understanding that the land itself is a living being with mana (spiritual power). Whether you're stargazing in the inky blackness or paddling across Waikaremoana’s still waters, there’s a palpable sense of peace and purpose here.
Top Things to Do in Te Urewera National Park
This is a place where natural beauty and Māori culture meet — a sacred wilderness waiting to be explored.
- Walk the 46 km Lake Waikaremoana Track (3–4 days)
- Visit the Te Urewera Visitor Centre in Aniwaniwa
- Enjoy short walks like Papakorito Falls and Aniwaniwa Loop Track
- Learn about Tūhoe culture and their connection to the land
- Kayak or fish on Lake Waikaremoana
- Camp at lakefront DOC campsites or stay in Great Walk huts
- Discover rare native birds like the kōkako and whio (blue duck)
- Take a guided eco-cultural tour with local iwi
- Photograph the misty forest landscapes and waterfalls
- Disconnect — there’s no mobile reception, just nature and quiet
