Lake Waikaremoana Track

Hut availability for the Lake Waikaremoana Track is limited and often books out, particularly during peak seasons. If you can't get a spot on your perferred date, use our free hut alerts tool to automatically notify you as soon as a spot opens up. Set up alert

Photo credit: James Morgan ©

Track Details

The Lake Waikaremoana Track is a must-do hike for anyone visiting New Zealand’s North Island. Spanning 46 kilometers (28.5 miles), the track takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the country, with deep valleys, towering peaks, and the stunning Lake Waikaremoana. The track takes 3-4 days to complete and is considered one of the Great Walks of New Zealand.

The track starts at the Onepoto end, located near Wairoa and ends at the Aniwaniwa end, located near the Eastern side of the lake. The track offers a unique experience as it takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including ancient rainforest, lakeside walkways, and rugged mountain tops.

One of the highlights of the Lake Waikaremoana Track is the Panekire Hut, located in the heart of the track. The hut offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and is the perfect place to rest and take in the natural beauty of the area. Another highlight of the track is the Lake Waikaremoana itself, which is a stunning lake that lies in the heart of the park. The lake is home to a variety of native fish and is a great spot for fishing and swimming.

The track is well-maintained, with well-graded tracks, bridges, and huts along the way. There are several huts along the Lake Waikaremoana Track, which provide shelter and basic facilities for hikers. Booking is essential during peak season. If you can’t book a hut on your perferred day make sure to use our free hut alerts tool that is constantly checking against hut availability. This tool will send you an email notification as soon as a spot opens up.

It is important to be well-prepared for the hike, as the track can be challenging in places, and the weather can change quickly. It is recommended to be in good physical condition, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and carry sufficient food and water.

Overall, the Lake Waikaremoana Track is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in New Zealand. It is a must-do for anyone visiting the North Island and looking for an adventure in the great outdoors. The track offers a unique experience, taking hikers through a variety of terrains, making it one of the most diverse of the Great Walks in New Zealand. The hike is a true test of endurance and determination, but the rewards are well worth the effort, with beautiful and remote landscapes that are hard to find elsewhere.

Huts Along This Walk