Best camping trails in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Lake Waikaremoana is a Great Walk highlighted by Panekire Bluff, Korokoro Falls, lake beaches, and massive native trees. The walk that circumnavigates most of Lake Waikaremoana in the centre of Te Urewera National Park. The walk is a three to four day excursion that begins with a tough ascent. You can choose between 5 Huts and 5 Campsites, see the map layers for more info, especially the AllTrails and OSM layers. Tūhoe people referred to Lake Waikaremoana in the saying ‘Ko Waikaremoana te wai kaukau a ngā tīpuna’, where Waikaremoana are the bathing waters of ancestors. This hike can be done in either direction and accommodation will need to be booked in advance. For a list of the hike broken into segments, see here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/lake-waikaremoana-great-walkShow more

This route is part of a multi day walk around the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana. The Lake Waikaremoana is a semicircular track that can be walked in either direction. The route is well marked and it offers magic views throughout, but be prepared because some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. There are plenty of spots where you can take a dip in crystal-clear water. There are also many huts and campsites along the track. Day 1: If you choose to start from Onepoto, this will be Day 1 of your adventure. This is the most strenuous part of the trip, but the views from Panekire make it worthwhile. The track starts from the Onepoto Shelter and leads you through the former Armed Constabulary Redoubt Parade Ground before climbing steadily up to the top of Panekire Bluff. You’ll enjoy spectacular views across the lake as you follow the undulating ridgeline before reaching Puketapu Trig (1180 metres) and onto Panekire Hut.Show more

This route is part of a multi day walk around the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana. The Lake Waikaremoana is a semicircular track that can be walked in either direction. The route is well marked and it offers magic views throughout, but be prepared because some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. There are plenty of spots where you can take a dip in crystal-clear water. There are also many huts and campsites along the track. Day 3: Head up the Waiopaoa Stream a short distance before crossing grassy flats and heading through kānuka forest on the lakeshore. The track, while undulating, weaves its way through rimu wooded areas and along the lake edge to Marauiti Hut. Tip: A worthwhile side trip on this day is a 1-hour return trip to the amazing Korokoro Falls. Instead of staying at Marauiti Hut, you may like to continue to Waiharuru Hut, take a walk at dusk to the edge of Puketukutuku peninsula and listen out for the call of kiwi.Show more

This route is part of a multi day walk around the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana. The Lake Waikaremoana is a semicircular track that can be walked in either direction. The route is well marked and it offers magic views throughout, but be prepared because some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. There are plenty of spots where you can take a dip in crystal-clear water. There are also many huts and campsites along the track. Day 4: This is another moderate day of walking with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities and chances to relax beside the lake’s edge. From Waiharuru Hut, the track climbs over the Pukehou ridge following the kiwi enclosure fence line all the way down to Tapuaenui Campsite, and leads on to Hopuruahine Landing. Show more

This route is part of a multi day walk around the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana. The Lake Waikaremoana is a semicircular track that can be walked in either direction. The route is well marked and it offers magic views throughout, but be prepared because some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. There are plenty of spots where you can take a dip in crystal-clear water. There are also many huts and campsites along the track. Day 2: From Panekire Hut, the track heads southwest 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 kāmahi forest and the lake. Show more