Panekire Bluffs
Alert/Important notice
Storm damage on this section of track.
Although managed to Great Walk standard, recent storm damage to this section of track means the current track condition is more aligned to a tramping track standard.
Track category
Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Time:
2 hr to 1 day return
Description
Panekire Bluffs
Panekire Bluff
Time: From the Redoubt Site in Lake Waikaremoana area short walks the track rises steadily up Panekire Bluff to the first trig (1 hour, one way). This is a moderate walk with magnificent views of the lake and mountains. The track continues less steeply along the ridge with various excellent viewpoints along the way, the grandest being Bald Knob at 1155 metres (3 hours one way).
Bald Knob is a few minutes off the main track and is not signposted, but is the obvious open area that has been burnt in the past. Two hours further on is Panekire Hut (bookings required for overnight use).
The forest on the mid-slopes of the Panekire Range is dominated by red beech and the forest floor is often a dry carpet of leaf litter. At higher altitude it merges into silver beech forest, rainfall and moist cloudy weather are more frequent and the trees and forest floor are clothed in many mosses and ferns. The ridge top forest of irregular trees takes on a mysterious "goblin-like" appearance in misty weather.
Getting there
The Onepoto Road, 10.3 km south-east of the visitor centre, leads to the start of the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk and the access point to walk to the Panekire Bluffs.
Plan and prepare
Be sure to carry sufficient water on this trip as there is none available.
Take care when walking near the edge of the cliff.
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