Hidden deep in New Zealand’s Te Urewera, Lake Waikaremoana is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning scenery, lush forests, and breath taking lake views.
But you don’t need to commit to a multi-day trek to experience its beauty!
Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a relaxed nature escape, Lake Waikaremoana day walks and short walks provide the perfect way to soak in the magic of this remote wilderness.
From easy lakeside strolls to rewarding lookout hikes, this guide will help you find the best short walks around Lake Waikaremoana – so you can make the most of your adventure without spending days on the trail.
8 Lake Waikaremoana Short Walks
The first three of these Lake Waikaremoana Short Walks are easily accessible from the campsite and can be done to create an easy 2 hour ‘there and back’ walk.
The rest of the options are a short drive away from the campsite and are slightly longer, but still doable in an afternoon.
1. Blacks Beach Track
Time: 30 minutes one way
Blacks Beach track is more of a practical walk than one chosen for its scenery.
Starting from directly opposite Lake Waikaremoana campsite, it meanders through the woods towards the other Lake Waikaremoana short walks and provides a great starting point for the day.
While it isn’t the most scenic, part way along you’ll be treated to a couple of mini waterfalls and a small lookout that gives views of the lake.
This Lake Waikaremoana Short Walk was slightly overgrown when we did it, so be prepared to bush-whack in parts.
2. Aniwaniwa Falls Track
Time: 30 minutes one way
At the end of Black Beach Track, follow the road up and over the white bridge, on the left is where the Aniwaniwa Falls Track starts.
This track follows the river downstream for roughly 30 minutes towards the spectacular Aniwaniwa Falls.
The first few lookouts are easily missed due to being overgrown, but luckily the main one provides a beautiful secluded view from the front.
Although it’s commonly referred to as Aniwaniwa Falls, this 15m waterfall is made up of three cascades, Momahaki, Te Tangi-o-Hinerau and Bridal veil falls.
I can imagine it gets quite busy here in summer, but thankfully we had the whole place to ourselves and were able to relax and have a somewhat soggy pic-nic in the rain.
3. Papakorito Falls
Time: 30 minutes one way
The next Lake Waikaremoana short walk is Papakorito Falls.
The track for this starts just before the white bridge at Aniwaniwa Road.
First, you’ll have to walk (or drive) 2km before reaching the official track, from here it’s only a couple of minutes to the magnificent 20m Papakorito Falls.
The track ends at a very small viewing platform right at the base of the falls, making the plunge pool accessible for a little dip if the weather calls for it.
It’s a lovely shaded spot so it’s ideal for those warmer summer days too.
4. Hinau Track
Time: 2o minutes one way
One of the easiest Lake Waikaremoana short walks that also starts at the holiday park.
In just 20 minutes, this track takes you through ancient rainforest to a giant Rata Tree that is said to be 1000+ years old!
It’s a relatively easy hike that can be done before starting your walk to the waterfalls, or you can extend it for a slightly longer walks:
5. Ngamoko Track
Time: 2.5 hour one way
Extending from the Hinau Track, the Ngamoko route is a 2,5hour one-way walk that will show you the area’s dense virgin forest as you climb the steep track to the summit.
While it’s not a walk we have done, I hear there are more beautiful views over the lake from this track!
6. Onepoto Caves
Time: 2 hour return
The track for this Lake Waikaremoana short walk is easily missed due to only having a small space for parking and a sign that’s almost tucked into the bushes.
This track is an interesting one, steadily climbing up before guiding you around rocky outcrops and descending down into the valley where the caves are located.
If you’re claustrophobic or don’t want to walk through one of the tunnels that is several metres long, you can take the bypass route across an overhang instead.
Once in the caves, keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand’s cave Weta, and don’t forget your torch! Some of these caves are easy to explore but obviously, you’ll need a way of seeing and a phone torch might not be up for the job.
Image of the track leading to Onepoto Caves from this website
7. Lou’s Lookout
Time: 45 minute return
Once again, this track is somewhat hidden with only a small parking area big enough for just one small car and a hidden sign.
If you manage to find it, and get parked, the walk takes you to a vantage point looking over lake Waikaremoana.
Along the way you’ll walk through lush forest, past old boulders and landslides that date back to when the lake was first created!
This track is currently closed. You can get updates for all of these Lake Waikaremoana short walks here.
8. The Old Maori Trail
Time: 2 hours one day
Named after the tribes who used this route to get to Lake Kaitawa, this walk starts at Rosie Bay.
From there you’ll walk through more beautiful forests before resting at the side of the Lake.
Quick Facts About Lake Waikaremoana
We did a little digging about Lake Waikaremoana and found it is a really fascinating place steeped in Maori history.
Here are a few quick facts about Lake Waikaremoana to tickle your curiosity;
- Waikaremoana translates from Maori as ‘sea of rippling waters’
- At 266m deep, it’s the North Islands deepest lake
- It’s home to 2 Kiwi Conservation programmes
- It’s the first natural place in New Zealand to be given its own legal rights. No longer being a national park, Te Urewera is now a legal entity of its own.
Getting To Lake Waikaremoana
Lake Waikaremoana is just over two hours South from Gisborne.
This would be the furthest inland we’d been so far on this trip and I loved how these roads got more and more scenic the further we drifted away from the coast – so much so I was straining my neck trying to see everything.
We passed endless fields of cattle but also beautiful cliffs and rivers, there just never seemed to be a pull-in spot when we wanted one!
Once we hit State Highway 38 and got closer to Lake Waikaremoana the road changed from wide sealed road to narrow winding gravel.
Any big vehicles heading this way need to be conscious to pull over if traffic builds up behind them as keeping up any form of speed is difficult on this road.
However, we managed it in our motorhome so unless you’re in a lorry you should be fine.
Where To Stay At Lake Waikaremoana
Accommodation options are limited near the lake. We stayed at the Lake Waikaremoana holiday park which is operated by the DOC. They have campsites & huts available which you can book here.
Ready to Explore Lake Waikaremoana’s Best Short Walks?
Whether you’re chasing panoramic lake views or a peaceful forest escape, Lake Waikaremoana’s day walks and short hikes offer the perfect way to experience this untouched paradise – without the need for a multi-day trek.
Have you explored any of these trails? Or do you have a favorite Lake Waikaremoana short walk we didn’t mention?
Join our Facebook group and let us know! We’d love to hear about your adventure! And if you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to save this guide for easy reference.
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