Waikaremoana (Urewera National Park)
- Rotorua
139 km (87 miles)
Approximately 2 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness lakes, and the gateway to the Urewera National Park. Walking tracks are well maintained and clearly signposted. The Onepoto Caves are a highlight. Near the shores of the lake is Aniwaniwa, which has a visitor centre. Also on the lake shore is a motor camp with motels, cabins and tent-sites.
Forest is the dominant scenery on the adventurous road to Rotorua. You’ll be driving through the native forest of the Urewera Ranges and Whirinaki, followed by Kaingaroa Forest - one of the world’s largest pine plantations. Horse trekking, trout fishing, and hiking are all possible activities. Murupara is the only town you’ll encounter – a well-equipped forestry settlement with a passion for hunting and fishing.
Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.
Scenic Highlights
Te Urewera National Park
The largest national park in the North Island, Te Urewera invites you to vanish into a vast world of forest, lakes and mountains.
Whakarewarewa Forest
Mountain bike, run or hike on purpose-built trails in a century-old experimental forest with more than 170 different tree species.
Crater Lakes
Eleven beautiful lakes surround the geothermal town of Rotorua, which is great if you like to hike, bike, fish or kayak.
Government Gardens
Explore historic gardens that surround a Tudor-style spa bath house and an ornate Mediterranean-style public swimming pool. Peer through the steam into ancient bubbling geothermal pools.
Kuirau Park
Take a walk and discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity in this informal public park located right next to Rotorua's city centre.
Geothermal activity
Explore a landscape that has been shaped and coloured by extraordinary volcanic and geothermal forces.
Mount Tarawera
Gaze in awe at Mount Tarawera and imagine the frightening night of June 10 1886, when the mountain's summit split open in a violent eruption.
Lake Waikaremoana Walk
Escape from technology, traffic and towns. This track promises a pure wilderness experience in a world of rich green and blue.
Lake Rotorua
In the centre of Lake Rotorua is Mokoia Island, the setting for one of New Zealand's most famous love stories.
Lakeside Trail
Walk, run or ride along a scenic lakeside trail on the front porch of downtown Rotorua. Learn about the local birdlife and geothermal activity.
Ohinemutu
View an intricately carved Maori meeting house and enter a 1901 Tudor-style church set amidst steaming geothermal vents at the edge of Lake Rotorua.
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
Explore forest walks that lead to a series of beautiful waterfalls, the Tutea Caves and Hinemoa's Steps.
Rainbow Mountain tracks
Explore an active geothermal mountain with coloured rocks and native plants that are unique to geothermal environments. Climb to the summit for a huge view of this fascinating part of the world.
Activities
Eastland
Fishing – Fresh Water (2),
Hunting (2)
Rotorua
Jet Boating (4),
Urban and Scenic Attractions (5),
Walking/Trekking (3)
Tour and Sightseeing
Rotorua
Walking/Trekking (2)
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