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Aniwaniwa, Lake Waikaremoana
1 km
30 minutes
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of paradise that feels like stepping back into a prehistoric world, the Hinerau Walk at Lake Waikaremoana is exactly where you need to be. Tucked away in the heart of Te Urewera, this short but incredibly sweet loop track offers a sensory overload of lush greenery, thundering waterfalls, and deep cultural history. It is the kind of place where the air feels different—thicker, cleaner, and filled with the mist of ancient cascades.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker taking a break from the more strenuous Great Walk nearby, or a family with little explorers in tow, the Hinerau Walk is an absolute must-do. At just 1 kilometre and taking roughly 30 minutes to complete, it is the perfect introduction to the wild, untamed beauty of this region without requiring a heavy pack or an all-day commitment.
Stepping onto the Hinerau Walk feels like entering a living cathedral. The trail begins near the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre, and almost immediately, you are enveloped by a dense canopy of native rainforest. The track is well-formed and classified as 'easy,' making it exceptionally kid-friendly. Even with a modest elevation gain of about 50 metres, the path is gentle enough for those who prefer a leisurely stroll over a rugged climb.
As you begin the loop, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound. The roar of the Āniwaniwa River acts as your guide, growing louder as you approach the various lookout points. The terrain is a beautiful tapestry of ferns, moss-covered rocks, and ancient trees that have stood guard over this land for centuries. Because Te Urewera is a rainforest, the track can sometimes be a little damp underfoot, but that only adds to the atmospheric "goblin forest" vibe that New Zealand’s native bush is famous for.
The path winds gracefully through the bush, offering glimpses of the river as it prepares to take its dramatic plunges. You’ll find yourself stopping frequently, not because you’re out of breath, but because every turn reveals a new shade of green or a particularly photogenic twist of a tree limb. It’s a short walk, but it’s one that encourages you to slow down and truly soak in the surroundings.
Ample parking is available at the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre, which serves as the trailhead for the Hinerau Walk. The car park is spacious and includes facilities such as toilets, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Phalacrocorax carbo
These large, dark-plumaged cormorants are frequently seen diving for fish in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1.5km away
Located very close to the trailhead, the holiday park shop offers basic groceries, ice creams, coffee, cold drinks, and snacks, perfect for pre-hike supplies or a post-walk treat. Fuel and laundry facilities are also available.
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Loop
The undisputed stars of this walk are the Āniwaniwa Falls. This isn't just one waterfall; it is a magnificent trio of cascades, each with its own distinct personality.
The name Āniwaniwa itself means "rainbow" in Māori. If you visit on a bright, sunny day, keep a close eye on the mist rising from the basins at the bottom of the falls. You might be lucky enough to see a vibrant rainbow arching through the spray—a magical moment that makes the walk feel like something out of a fairy tale.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward, making it a stress-free addition to your Waikaremoana itinerary. The Hinerau Walk starts and ends near the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre, located on the eastern side of Lake Waikaremoana.
There is ample parking available at the Visitor Centre, which is a great relief during the busier summer months. The car park is spacious and well-maintained, and importantly, it includes public toilet facilities. This makes it an ideal base camp for your morning. From the car park, the trailhead is clearly signposted, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way into the bush.
Te Urewera is a haven for native birdlife, and the Hinerau Walk provides a front-row seat to their daily antics. As you walk, the melodic "tinkling" of the Tūī and the chiming of the Bellbird (though more common elsewhere, the Tūī is a constant here) provide a natural soundtrack.
Keep an eye out for the Kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon). These large, iridescent birds are often seen perched heavily on branches or flying with a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings. They are quite bold and can often be spotted munching on berries in the canopy.
On the forest floor or flitting between the lower branches, the friendly Fantail (Pīwakawaka) is almost guaranteed to make an appearance. They love to follow hikers, darting around to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps. If you are quiet and patient, you might also spot the North Island Robin (Toutouwai). These inquisitive birds are known to hop right up to your boots to see what you’re up to.
Near the water’s edge, look for the Black Shag or the New Zealand Scaup (Pāpango), a small diving duck that frequents the river and lake margins.
The Hinerau Walk is a true all-seasons destination.
Best time to start: Aim for mid-morning. This is when the sun is high enough to reach into the gorge and illuminate the waterfalls, increasing your chances of seeing those namesake rainbows.
Weather Considerations: This is a rainforest environment. It can be humid, and rain can arrive suddenly. Don't let a bit of drizzle stop you, though—the forest actually looks its best when it's glistening with moisture.
Te Urewera is a place of immense spiritual and cultural importance. In a landmark legal move, Te Urewera was granted legal personhood in 2014, meaning the land has the same rights as a person. This reflects the deep connection of the Tūhoe people (the children of the mist) to their ancestral home. When you walk here, you aren't just visiting a park; you are a guest in a living entity.
The Te Tangi o Hinerau falls are named after Hinerau, a woman of high rank and legendary beauty. Her story is woven into the very rocks and water of this place, adding a layer of heritage that you can feel as you stand by the river. Respecting the land is paramount here—stay on the track and take only photos. Please note that to protect this sensitive environment and its wildlife, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Once you’ve completed the loop and your lungs are full of fresh forest air, you’ll likely be ready for a treat. Head about 1.5km down the road to the Waikaremoana Holiday Park Shop.
This is the local hub for hikers and visitors. It’s more than just a shop; it’s a place to refuel and swap stories with other travellers. They serve up great coffee to warm you up on a chilly morning, and their selection of ice creams is the perfect reward for kids (and adults!) after a walk. If you’re planning to stay longer in the area, they also stock basic groceries, cold drinks, and snacks. It’s a friendly, welcoming spot that captures the laid-back spirit of Lake Waikaremoana.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Petroica longipes
Friendly forest bird that often approaches walkers. Found in native bush reserves across the North Island.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Aythya novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only diving duck, known for its dark plumage and ability to dive for up to a minute to find aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Best time: Year-round