To ensure you enjoy your trip in all weathers, you will need to be reasonably fit and have good equipment. The walk is a moderate tramp with a climb and descent of about 600 metres over the Panekire Ridge. You can expect to walk 4-6 hours a day and carry a pack of up to 15 kg. If you are camping you will also need to carry a tent and a sleeping mat.
Please note that it can snow in summer - come prepared.
Details of the visitor centre's that can help plan and prepare for your trip on the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk.
Before booking your walk you can check availability of flights with Air New Zealand, DOC's Great Walks partner.
You must book huts and campsites for everyone who is intending to do the walk. This includes those children and young people under 17 years who do not have to pay fees. Find out how.
Make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared. The weather at Lake Waikaremoana is changeable and can be cold and wet, even in summer.
Find directions to access the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk.
NZ weather
Parkmaps are detailed maps for those visiting and using New Zealand's national parks and other conservation land. Purchase parkmaps and New Zealand topographic maps from DOC Visitor Centres
Plan & prepare for your trip
Great Walks visitor statistics
Stop the spread of didymo Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety alerts for East Coast tracks