Overview
The Waikaremoana Discovery Tour is a four day, all inclusive walking holiday exploring Te Urewera National Park in New Zealand, with a focus on short walks and maximum personal comfort.
The Te Urewera National Park includes the Waikaremoana area which 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 Waikaremoana Discovery Tour, one of our most popular North Island walking holidays, includes a scenic drive from Rotorua to Waikaremoana, three nights lodge-style accommodation in Waikaremoana, and four days of guided walks and sightseeing. Hiking equipment and all meals, snacks and refreshments are also included.
The itinerary 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.
Tour Grading B/C:
- People of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the Waikaremoana Discovery Tour
- The flexible nature of the tour caters for all levels of physical ability
- In some cases you will need to carry a small pack containing your lunch, drinking water and raincoat
- A vast network of walking trails of varying length and difficulty make this a New Zealand walking holiday paradise
- The itinerary is a basic outline
- Flexibility enables groups to select from numerous other walks and activities including kayaking, fishing and scenic boat cruises, thus ensuring everyone's abilities and interests are catered for
Accommodation:
During the Waikaremoana Discovery Tour we stay in Lakeside chalets in a tranquil setting, twin, double or single rooms, ensuite bathrooms. World-class trout fishing is on offer in the lake at the front door step, with world record brown trout caught recently. An amazing natural hot spring swim is nearby.
Food
From the time you are picked up in Rotorua all your food and drinks are provided. Picnic lunches are made fresh daily and include delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit of your choice, and energy snacks to keep you sustained throughout the day. At most of the lunch stops you will also have the comfort of a hot or cold drink. After an exhilarating day outside you will have worked up an appetite. Scrumptious nibbles and pre-dinner drinks will greet you when you return to your accommodation. A hearty dinner follows: a traditional New Zealand main; seasonal vegetables or fresh garden salad; and no Kiwi meal would be complete without pudding (dessert), and tea or coffee. Enjoy a selection of NZ wines to purchase with your evening meals.
Breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast, to a warm breakfast of bacon and eggs, pancakes or porridge. Just what you need to start a great day in the outdoors!
Special Diets
Any special dietary requests or requirements are easily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will be more than happy to cater for your needs.
General Information
Guides & Safety:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. Our guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts, who take pride in providing a safe, efficient and friendly service. All guides are trained in first aid, and carry first aid kits and emergency radios. Guides provide everything from a warming cup of tea or coffee to an evening briefing on the next day's walk. If circumstances require, your guides have the skills and expertise necessary to adapt your day's walk to suit fitness, weather or track conditions. Your New Zealand 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.
Weather:
It is essential to be well prepared when walking in New Zealand, as the weather can change rapidly. Although you may be walking in our summer season, rain, cold and wind can occur at any time of year. Lake Waikaremoana is located in a rainforest, so it is likely to rain for some of the time you spend there. We provide good raincoats and recommend wearing hiking boots so you will be comfortable in any weather conditions.
What to bring:
You do not need any specialist gear for this walk, except for a good pair of hiking boots or shoes, and some warm non-cotton clothing (polar fleece, polypropylene or wool). We lend good quality 40 litre backpacks, raincoats, sleeping bags, liners & pillows, or you can bring your own. A detailed equipment list will be supplied on confirmation of booking.
Fishing:
There are ample opportunities to try your luck at catching one of Lake Waikaremoana's elusive trout! Both spin and fly-fishing is allowed in Lake Waikaremoana. Fly-fishing only in the lake at the lodge. Please bring your own fishing gear. You must have a fishing license, which can be bought in Rotorua or at Waikaremoana.
The Waikaremoana Discovery Tour was definitely the highlight of my trip to New Zealand. The country is spectacular and we wouldn't have found it on our own. Rob and Hilary were professional, competent guides as well as thoroughly enjoyable company. Their knowledge of the area and enthusiasm for sharing it added immeasurably to the experience."The trip was not too strenuous but provided adequate time for walking, swimming, beautiful sights and of course, cups of tea. I would recommend this journey for anyone interested in New Zealand 's incredible wilderness areas." - Denise Ernst - New MexicoCancellation Policy:
| Days prior to departure | Cancellation fee per person | Fee to transfer to another date (subject to availability) |
| 61 or more days | Full Refund less deposit | Free |
| 60-31 days | Full refund less admin fee NZ$85 plus deposit | NZ$85 per person |
| 30-15 days | 50% of full fare | NZ$200 per person |
| 14 days or less | 100% of full fare | Booking cannot be transferred |
Details
Difficulty: 3
Departure Dates
| Month | Year | Day |
| November | 2024 | 1, 29 |
| December | 2024 | 16 |
| January | 2025 | 11, 24 |
| February | 2025 | 7, 21 |
| March | 2025 | 7, 21, 31 |
| April | 2025 | 11 |
(C) Tour Closed/Full
(G) Guaranteed Departure
Start: Rotorua (8am)
Finish: Rotorua
Includes:
- all meals and snacks
- wine
- 2-star lodge accommodation
- return Rotorua transport
- passionate and experienced guides
Pricing:
Cost per person twin share
October 2024 - April 2025
- Adult: NZ$1,950
- Child: NZ$1,300*
- Single supplement: NZ$300
* Child age 15 years and under
Payment
Deposit NZ$350 on booking
Balance due 45 days before travel
Currency ConverterOverview
The Waikaremoana Discovery Tour is a four day, all inclusive walking holiday exploring Te Urewera National Park in New Zealand, with a focus on short walks and maximum personal comfort.
The Te Urewera National Park includes the Waikaremoana area which 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 Waikaremoana Discovery Tour, one of our most popular North Island walking holidays, includes a scenic drive from Rotorua to Waikaremoana, three nights lodge-style accommodation in Waikaremoana, and four days of guided walks and sightseeing. Hiking equipment and all meals, snacks and refreshments are also included.
The itinerary 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.
Tour Grading B/C:
- People of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the Waikaremoana Discovery Tour
- The flexible nature of the tour caters for all levels of physical ability
- In some cases you will need to carry a small pack containing your lunch, drinking water and raincoat
- A vast network of walking trails of varying length and difficulty make this a New Zealand walking holiday paradise
- The itinerary is a basic outline
- Flexibility enables groups to select from numerous other walks and activities including kayaking, fishing and scenic boat cruises, thus ensuring everyone's abilities and interests are catered for
Accommodation:
During the Waikaremoana Discovery Tour we stay in Lakeside chalets in a tranquil setting, twin, double or single rooms, ensuite bathrooms. World-class trout fishing is on offer in the lake at the front door step, with world record brown trout caught recently. An amazing natural hot spring swim is nearby.
Food
From the time you are picked up in Rotorua all your food and drinks are provided. Picnic lunches are made fresh daily and include delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit of your choice, and energy snacks to keep you sustained throughout the day. At most of the lunch stops you will also have the comfort of a hot or cold drink. After an exhilarating day outside you will have worked up an appetite. Scrumptious nibbles and pre-dinner drinks will greet you when you return to your accommodation. A hearty dinner follows: a traditional New Zealand main; seasonal vegetables or fresh garden salad; and no Kiwi meal would be complete without pudding (dessert), and tea or coffee. Enjoy a selection of NZ wines to purchase with your evening meals.
Breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast, to a warm breakfast of bacon and eggs, pancakes or porridge. Just what you need to start a great day in the outdoors!
Special Diets
Any special dietary requests or requirements are easily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will be more than happy to cater for your needs.
General Information
Guides & Safety:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us. Our guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts, who take pride in providing a safe, efficient and friendly service. All guides are trained in first aid, and carry first aid kits and emergency radios. Guides provide everything from a warming cup of tea or coffee to an evening briefing on the next day's walk. If circumstances require, your guides have the skills and expertise necessary to adapt your day's walk to suit fitness, weather or track conditions. Your New Zealand 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.
Weather:
It is essential to be well prepared when walking in New Zealand, as the weather can change rapidly. Although you may be walking in our summer season, rain, cold and wind can occur at any time of year. Lake Waikaremoana is located in a rainforest, so it is likely to rain for some of the time you spend there. We provide good raincoats and recommend wearing hiking boots so you will be comfortable in any weather conditions.
What to bring:
You do not need any specialist gear for this walk, except for a good pair of hiking boots or shoes, and some warm non-cotton clothing (polar fleece, polypropylene or wool). We lend good quality 40 litre backpacks, raincoats, sleeping bags, liners & pillows, or you can bring your own. A detailed equipment list will be supplied on confirmation of booking.
Fishing:
There are ample opportunities to try your luck at catching one of Lake Waikaremoana's elusive trout! Both spin and fly-fishing is allowed in Lake Waikaremoana. Fly-fishing only in the lake at the lodge. Please bring your own fishing gear. You must have a fishing license, which can be bought in Rotorua or at Waikaremoana.
The Waikaremoana Discovery Tour was definitely the highlight of my trip to New Zealand. The country is spectacular and we wouldn't have found it on our own. Rob and Hilary were professional, competent guides as well as thoroughly enjoyable company. Their knowledge of the area and enthusiasm for sharing it added immeasurably to the experience."The trip was not too strenuous but provided adequate time for walking, swimming, beautiful sights and of course, cups of tea. I would recommend this journey for anyone interested in New Zealand 's incredible wilderness areas." - Denise Ernst - New MexicoCancellation Policy:
| Days prior to departure | Cancellation fee per person | Fee to transfer to another date (subject to availability) |
| 61 or more days | Full Refund less deposit | Free |
| 60-31 days | Full refund less admin fee NZ$85 plus deposit | NZ$85 per person |
| 30-15 days | 50% of full fare | NZ$200 per person |
| 14 days or less | 100% of full fare | Booking cannot be transferred |
Itinerary
Open AllPick-up from your Rotorua accommodation approx 8:30am. A scenic drive follows ancient Maori trails into the heart of Te Urewera National Park to Lake Waikaremoana. Stop in Whirinaki Forest for a 3-4 hour walk through the best example of NZ's native Podocarp forest. Towering trees such as giant totara, kahikatea and matai, plus rare birdlife (kaka & blue duck) as the trail follows a pristine river to a dramatic canyon.
Relish a fresh picnic lunch before continuing on to reach Lake Waikaremoana.
Settle in to your accommodation with pre-dinner drinks and nibbles on the lake-shore.
After a hearty cooked breakfast day two of your NZ walking holiday features some of the most spectacular views from the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Track. A 1.5 hour steady climb through mixed broadleaf podocarp forest rewards you 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. An unforgettable lunch spot!
Time permitting we later follow a gorgeous loop track through sparkling tawa forest to New Zealand's largest rata tree.
Then visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for an informal chat with a Maori elder about the region’s fascinating history and culture. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and provides a real feel for the culture in this isolated area, where Maori is still the first language.
(Note that because this is a genuine functioning marae occasionally we are unable to make this visit, due it being used by the community)
Stroll through a magnificent ancient beech forest to the tranquil Lake Waikareiti. Reached only by walking track, this lake is free of introduced aquatic plants and motorised boats, so has outstanding water clarity and is blissfully peaceful!
If conditions allow we can explore Lake Waikareiti further by rowboat.
Later, we’ll return to Waikaremoana where there’s an option to walk to a dazzling clear fresh-water spring, or a hike through fern forest to explore the unusual Onepoto Caves. Another favourite walk follows the Aniwaniwa (definition = rainbow) River as it plunges over terraces and waterfalls on its journey to Lake Waikaremoana.
Hike another section of the Great Walk Track. A stunning forest and lakeside trail traverses from the shores of an estuary across a peninsula, and on to a secluded arm of the lake. Thanks to the pest-control in this area the forest is some of New Zealand's best, and home to many bird species, including the North Island Brown Kiwi.
Driving back to Rotorua you'll stop for a soak in an amazing natural hot spring beneath a roof of native trees (time permitting). Arrive Rotorua approx 5 - 6pm.
Cost per person twin share
October 2024 - April 2025
- Adult: NZ$1,950
- Child: NZ$1,300*
- Single supplement: NZ$300
* Child age 15 years and under
Payment
Deposit NZ$350 on booking
Balance due 45 days before travel
Itinerary
Open AllPick-up from your Rotorua accommodation approx 8:30am. A scenic drive follows ancient Maori trails into the heart of Te Urewera National Park to Lake Waikaremoana. Stop in Whirinaki Forest for a 3-4 hour walk through the best example of NZ's native Podocarp forest. Towering trees such as giant totara, kahikatea and matai, plus rare birdlife (kaka & blue duck) as the trail follows a pristine river to a dramatic canyon.
Relish a fresh picnic lunch before continuing on to reach Lake Waikaremoana.
Settle in to your accommodation with pre-dinner drinks and nibbles on the lake-shore.
After a hearty cooked breakfast day two of your NZ walking holiday features some of the most spectacular views from the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Track. A 1.5 hour steady climb through mixed broadleaf podocarp forest rewards you 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. An unforgettable lunch spot!
Time permitting we later follow a gorgeous loop track through sparkling tawa forest to New Zealand's largest rata tree.
Then visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for an informal chat with a Maori elder about the region’s fascinating history and culture. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and provides a real feel for the culture in this isolated area, where Maori is still the first language.
(Note that because this is a genuine functioning marae occasionally we are unable to make this visit, due it being used by the community)
Stroll through a magnificent ancient beech forest to the tranquil Lake Waikareiti. Reached only by walking track, this lake is free of introduced aquatic plants and motorised boats, so has outstanding water clarity and is blissfully peaceful!
If conditions allow we can explore Lake Waikareiti further by rowboat.
Later, we’ll return to Waikaremoana where there’s an option to walk to a dazzling clear fresh-water spring, or a hike through fern forest to explore the unusual Onepoto Caves. Another favourite walk follows the Aniwaniwa (definition = rainbow) River as it plunges over terraces and waterfalls on its journey to Lake Waikaremoana.
Hike another section of the Great Walk Track. A stunning forest and lakeside trail traverses from the shores of an estuary across a peninsula, and on to a secluded arm of the lake. Thanks to the pest-control in this area the forest is some of New Zealand's best, and home to many bird species, including the North Island Brown Kiwi.
Driving back to Rotorua you'll stop for a soak in an amazing natural hot spring beneath a roof of native trees (time permitting). Arrive Rotorua approx 5 - 6pm.
