Track description

Times are approximate only and will vary according to fitness, pace of group and direction of travel.

Lake Waikaremoana map

The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk can be walked in either direction. This track description is from Onepoto to Hopuruahine.

Onepoto to Panekire Hut

This is the most strenuous part of the trip, but the views from Panekire make it well worthwhile. Water on this section of track is limited. Trampers are advised to carry ample supplies.

Time: 5 hr
Distance: 8.8 km

A small shelter at Onepoto contains track information and a map of the Lake Track with distances and approximate times. The track leads through the former Armed Constabulary Redoubt and climbs steadily up to the top of Panekire Bluff. It then follows the undulating ridge line before reaching Puketapu Trig (1180 metres). This is the site of Panekire Hut (36 bunks, tank water). Please be prepared for low tank water levels at times during summer.

Panekire Bluff, Lake Waikaremoana

Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut and Campsite

Time: 3 - 4 hr
Distance: 7.6 km

From Panekire Hut, the track heads south-west down the range to the top of the Panekire descent. From here the track drops steeply off the range into rolling valleys of beech, podocarp and kamahi forest and the lake.

At the mouth of the Waiopaoa inlet is Waiopaoa Hut (30 bunks, tank water). The Waiopaoa Campsite is nearby.

Waiopaoa Hut to Korokoro Campsite

Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 3.6 km

From Waiopaoa Hut the track heads up the Waiopaoa Stream a short distance before crossing grassy flats and heading through kanuka forest on the lake shore. Shortly after this there is a turn-off to Korokoro Falls (just before the Korokoro Suspension Bridge).

The waterfalls are a 30 minute walk up this side track, and worth the detour. Korokoro Campsite is 200 metres past the bridge and a short distance off the main track, towards the lake shore.

Korokoro Campsite to Maraunui Campsite

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 6.8 km

The track continues around Te Kotoreotaunoa Point and through an area of private land at the north-western end of Maraunui Bay. From here a short track leads off the main track to the Maraunui Campsite.

Maraunui Campsite to Marauiti Hut

Time: 30 min
Distance: 1.7 km

A brief climb over Whakaneke Ridge takes you to Marauiti Hut (25 bunks, tank water).

Marauiti Hut to Waiharuru Hut and Campsite

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 6.2 km

After crossing the bridge over the stream running into Marauiti Bay the track crosses a saddle to rejoin the shore at Te Totara Bay. The track then stays close to the shore to Waiharuru Hut (40 bunks, tank water) and Waiharuru Campsite.

Waiharuru Hut and Campsite to Tapuaenui Campsite

Time: 1hr 30 min
Distance: 2.1 km

The track runs parallel to the lakeshore before rising over the neck of the Puketukutuku Peninsula, then down to the Tapuaenui Campsite on the Whanganui arm of the lake.

Tapuaenui Campsite to Whanganui Hut

Time: 1 hr
Distance: 3.2 km

From here the track follows the shore to Whanganui Hut (18 bunks, tank water) in a clearing alongside the Whanganui Stream.

Whanganui Hut to Water Taxi Pick-up/Drop-off Point and Great Walk Start/Finishing

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 2.7 km

From Whanganui Hut, the track reaches the water taxi pick-up/drop-off point after approximately 45 minutes. The track then follows the grassy Hopuruahine River flats to reach the Hopuruahine Suspension Bridge and track end.

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