Plan & prepare
Getting there
This 212,672 hectare park was established in 1954 and lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay in the North Island. It is the largest of the North Island's national parks and the fourth largest in New Zealand.
The nearest towns are Whakatane and Taneatua to the north, Murupara and Ruatahuna to the west, and Wairoa to the east.
Near the shores of Lake Waikaremoana is the small settlement of Aniwaniwa where a visitor centre is located. Waikaremoana can be approached from two directions. State Highway 38 links Wairoa and the East Coast with the central North Island, and passes the lake and the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre. The highway has a 2WD gravel surface for about 90km between Murupara and Aniwaniwa (about a 2 hour drive). There are well marked side roads to the main boat ramps, campsites and walk entrances.
Privately owned shuttle buses and water taxis provide transport to either end of the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk throughout the year. This allows walkers to leave their vehicle at the Waikaremoana Motor Camp, where they are more secure than at the walk ends.
To access the northern part of the national park via the Waimana Valley, take the Bell Road turnoff from State Highway 2. The road travels about 30 km up the valley to the Matahi Valley Road end. Caution is advised as most of this road is unsealed, narrow and windy.
The Department of Conservation accepts no responsibility for damage to vehicles left unattended in Te Urewera National Park.
Be prepared for the snow, Te Urewera
National Park
Safety
See Te Urewera National Park track safety notice.
If you are going to be using the track system in the park for overnight trips make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared.
Make sure your group has a capable leader and that everyone is carrying a
- map and compass;
- sleeping bag;
- portable cooking stove (please note that no huts, including the great walk huts, have cooking stoves);
- cooking utensils;
- sufficient high energy food (with some extra for emergencies);
- a waterproof raincoat and overtrousers;
- gloves and a hat; and
- several layers of warm (wool or fleece) clothing.
Extreme weather changes are a feature of the area, including snow in summer. Physical fitness and good planning will make all the difference to your enjoyment of the trip.
Stick to the tracks. If you become lost, do not panic. Stop, find shelter, and try to assist searchers. If a member of your party is lost, advise the police or DOC staff as soon as possible. Fill in an intention form at the visitor centre and leave details in the hut visitor books of your planned route. This information will help search and rescue groups find you if you become lost or injured. You should also leave a note of your plans with a family member or friend.
Lake Waikaremoana is suitable for most water craft, but conditions can change rapidly. Please note that jet skis, house boats and float planes are NOT permitted on the lake. Boat users are advised to carry approved safety equipment and observe water safety regulations. Users are also advised to purchase a local chart of the lake.
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