LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK 46 km

LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK
Join us for a walk around the wonderful Lake Waikaremoana. This is the northern-most of the 10 great walks of New Zealand.

THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2026:
Drive 5.5 hours to Waikaremoana Holiday Park.
Sleep in cabin or tent.

FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2026:

8:00am Catch water taxi to Onepoto.
8:45am All start walk to Waiopaoa hut/campsite (17km, 600m ascent and descent). We'll have lunch at Panekire Hut at approximately 12.00 pm.

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2026:
Walk to Waiharuru hut/campsite (18km).
Optional side trip to Korokoro Falls (3km return).

SUNDAY 1 MARCH 2026:
7.00 am : Walk to Hopuruahine Landing aka Whanganui (6.4km, 120m ascent and descent, DOC estimates 2 hours of walking).
9.30 am: catch water taxi to the Holiday Park.

1 March 11:00 am: Drive 5.5 hours to Auckland (includes 50+km gravel road).

FOR THOSE WHO WILL STAY FOR THE WAIKAREITI EVENT:

1 March 12.00 PM: We'll do a few nice short walks near the holiday park and also near Onepoto. Full list will be published soon.

ACCOMODATION:

WAIKAREMOANA HOLIDAY PARK:

1. Those who will only be doing the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk: 1 night, 26 February 2026
2. Those who will stay for the Waikareiti event: 3 nights 26 February, 1 and 4 March.

Cabin option:

I will book 4-person or 5-person cabins once the number of attendees is confirmed. The cost per person will be between $20 and $25; I will confirm once I have booked.

* Bring sleeping bag, and if needed cookware, crockery, utensils.

Tent option:
If you prefer a tent site, book it yourself here:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/online-bookings/book-waikaremoana-holiday-park/

BOOK LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK
Start Date = 27/02/2026
Number of Nights = 2.
Number of People = 1.
Accommodation = Huts and campsites.
Direction = Onepoto - Hopuruahine Landing.
FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY: Choose Waiopaoa Hut or Campsite.
SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY: Choose Waiharuru Hut or Campsite.

Book here:
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Booking

Water taxi fares: Holiday Park to Onepoto: $65/person; Wanghanui to Holiday Park: $80/person (TBC arounc December 2025)

Pay organiser $145 by 5 January 2026 for the water taxis. Amount TBC.

I will update you regarding when you will need to pay for the accomodation.

WEATHER:
This event will likely go ahead rain or shine.
https://weather.niwa.co.nz/parks/other/Panekire%20Hut
https://www.metservice.com/rural/regions/hawkes-bay/locations/wairoa

GEAR:
Backpack
Waterproof/plastic pack liner (to keep things inside dry)
Sleeping bag
Thermal socks, hiking boots
Thermal base layer (e.g. merino), thermal jacket, waterproof jacket
Food for 2.5 days
Water bottle (we can collect water from the lake, you may like to boil or filter it).
Toilet paper
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Headlights and batteries
Tent & sleeping mat (if tenting)

OPTIONAL:
Stove, gas, pot
Hiking poles
Buff
Insect repellant, or clothing which covers the body (for sandflies)

GETTING THERE:
Passengers give $70 to driver for transport cost. You are welcome to use the comments section below to ask for a lift or to offer a lift. Say which area you are in.

Drivers taking passengers are requested not to be reckless, not to eat while driving, and to stop for toilet and meal breaks.

Drivers with hybrid cars please pass on part of the savings to your passengers.

Drivers should have a spare wheel and the tools and ability to change wheels.

Mobile phone reception is limited along highway 38.

NOTE:
Your safety is your responsibility.

Do not throw food waste into the bush - it feeds rats, which feed stoats, which kill NZ birds.

Attendees send $20 to the Rafick one week before the trip for helping to pay Meetup and equipment.