Short answer: The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is a one-way walk in Te Urewera, in the North Island, from Onepoto in the south to Hopuruahine in the north. DOC suggests three nights and four days, and bookings are open for 2026/27. Explera DMC New Zealand plans the huts, transfers and guides for walking groups.
This briefing is for travel agents and tour operators who want a Great Walk in the North Island away from the busiest tracks. It suits groups that already include Rotorua or Hawke's Bay.
What is the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk?
- Route. The walk follows the shore of Lake Waikaremoana and can start at either end. It is not a circuit.
- Time. DOC suggests three nights and four days. Guided options are available.
- Huts. The open huts are Panekire, Waiopaoa, Marauiti and Waiharuru. Whanganui Hut is closed.
- Campsites. DOC lists five campsites, including Waiopaoa, Korokoro, Maraunui and Waiharuru.
Who looks after Te Urewera?
Te Urewera is recognised in New Zealand law as a legal entity and is governed by a board. Te Uru Taumatua, the operational entity of Ngāi Tūhoe, cares for the tracks and facilities, and Tūhoe wardens are stationed at the main huts in the peak season. We brief clients on this before the walk.
What do groups need to book?
- Huts and campsites. Bookings are required all year, for everyone in the group, including children who do not pay. Without a valid booking, walkers can be charged a penalty or turned away.
- Fees. DOC lists NZ$35 a night for an adult in a hut and NZ$18 for a child. Campsites are NZ$19 for an adult and NZ$9 for a child. The same adult rates apply to international and New Zealand walkers.
- No entry fee. There is no fee to enter Te Urewera or to do a day walk on the track.
How do the transfers work?
- Water taxi. Tūhoe runs a water taxi to each end of the walk and to individual huts and campsites, from Te Urewera Visitor Centre (Te Kura Whenua). It usually runs from October to April and not in winter.
- Book early. DOC advises booking water taxi and shuttle services early.
- Our plan. We book the transfers to and from both ends and the luggage transfer to the next hotel.
Who is the walk right for?
- Fit walkers. DOC does not recommend the walk for children under 10, because of exposed terrain and often poor weather.
- Season. The water taxi does not usually run in winter, so we sell the walk from October to April.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan Great Walks and guided walking and coach and private transfers for travel agents and tour operators. See our Hawke's Bay page, our Great Walks booking guide, our Rotorua and Taupō briefing and our Tongariro Northern Circuit briefing.
FAQ
Where does the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk start? At Onepoto in the south or Hopuruahine in the north. It is one way.
How long does the walk take? DOC suggests three nights and four days.
How much is a hut night? DOC lists NZ$35 for an adult and NZ$18 for a child.
Do children need a booking? Yes. Everyone in the group must be booked, including children who do not pay.
Is there a water taxi? Yes. Tūhoe runs a water taxi to both ends, usually from October to April.
Sources
- Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, Department of Conservation, checked 25 October 2026
- Fees and bookings, Department of Conservation, checked 25 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
