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Aniwaniwa, Lake Waikaremoana
3.3 km
2 hours
300 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of prehistoric New Zealand that feels like stepping back into a time before humans arrived, the Lake Waikareiti Track is your gateway. Tucked away in the misty, emerald heart of Te Urewera, this trail offers a rare combination: it is accessible enough for a casual family stroll, yet it leads to one of the most pristine and "untouched" bodies of water in the entire country.
While most visitors to the region have their eyes set on the famous Great Walk around Lake Waikaremoana, those in the know head to its "little sister," Lake Waikareiti. It is higher, quieter, and remarkably clear. This 3.3km return journey is more than just a walk; it’s an immersion into a landscape that New Zealand law recognises not just as a park, but as a living person with its own legal rights.
The journey begins just a stone’s throw from the Te Kura Whenua Visitor Centre at Aniwaniwa. From the moment you step onto the track, the modern world seems to vanish, replaced by the deep, earthy scent of damp moss and ancient leaf litter. The path is well-graded and wide, designed to be accessible for a variety of fitness levels. While the track is classified as "easy," don't let that fool you into thinking it's a flat boardwalk; you will face a steady, gentle incline as you gain about 300 metres in elevation over the 1.65km trip up.
As you ascend, you’ll find yourself wandering through a cathedral of native timber. Towering red and silver beech trees form a dense canopy, while majestic rimu—some hundreds of years old—emerge like giants above the rest of the forest. The ground is a lush tapestry of ferns and thick carpets of moss that dampen the sound of your footsteps, creating a tranquil, almost mystical atmosphere.
It is a fantastic trail for families. Because the track is so well-maintained, it’s very kid-friendly, allowing little explorers to focus on the "treasure hunt" of finding interesting fungi or spotting birds rather than worrying about tripping over tangled roots. After about an hour of steady walking, the forest thins, and the shimmering turquoise surface of Lake Waikareiti reveals itself.
The track ends at a picturesque day shelter at the southern end of the lake. Here, you’ll find a viewing platform that juts out slightly, offering a panoramic view of the water and the bush-clad islands beyond. With picnic tables and toilets available, it’s the perfect spot to sit back, enjoy a sandwich, and listen to the lap of the water against the shore.
Parking is available at the Aniwaniwa Falls car park, approximately 200 metres from the Te Kura Whenua Visitor Centre on the road to Rotorua [2, 4, 7, 11]. This is a large car park with picnic facilities and toilets [2]. Free day-time parking is available at the Te Kura Whenua Visitor Centre, but multi-day parking is not [14]. Parking can be very busy during the summer season [8, 21].
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
200m away
This 'living building' serves as a tribal meeting place, information hub, and visitor centre, offering local business services and a cafe for refreshments. [6, 14]
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Out and back
The star of the show is, of course, Lake Waikareiti itself. Sitting at 892 metres above sea level, it is the highest lake in the North Island. What truly sets it apart, however, is its purity. Unlike many other lakes, Waikareiti is entirely free of introduced aquatic weeds and pest fish. The water is so clear that you can often see straight to the bottom near the shoreline, where the submerged trunks of fallen trees look like ancient skeletons preserved in glass.
One of the most unique geographical features you’ll spot from the shore is the collection of six islands dotted across the lake. The most famous is Rahui Island, which holds a "secret": it has its own small lake right in the middle of it. It’s a lake, on an island, in a lake—a real-life "Inception" moment for nature lovers!
If you have a bit of extra time and energy, the Papakorito Falls are an absolute must-see. Located just a five-minute walk across the road from the trailhead, these 20-metre-high falls are spectacular, especially after rain. The sheer volume of water cascading over the wide rock face makes for an incredible photo opportunity and a powerful end to your day.
To find the trailhead, head towards the Aniwaniwa area of Lake Waikaremoana. If you are coming from Wairoa, it’s about an hour's drive on State Highway 38 (be aware that large sections of this road are unsealed and winding, so take your time).
Te Urewera is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birdlife, and the Lake Waikareiti Track is one of the best places to see them. Because the forest is so healthy and undisturbed, the bird song here is often loud and layered.
Keep your eyes peeled for the kākāriki (yellow-crowned parakeet). These vibrant green birds are often seen flitting through the upper canopy, though they can be hard to spot until they move. More common are the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantails), which will likely follow you along the path, performing aerial acrobatics to catch the tiny insects your footsteps stir up.
You are also very likely to see the kererū (New Zealand pigeon) perched heavily on branches, or hear the melodic, bell-like song of the tūī. If you are lucky, you might hear the distinctive, harsh screech of the kākā (large forest parrot) echoing through the trees. For the best birdwatching, walk quietly and stop every now and then to simply listen—the forest will come alive around you.
The Lake Waikareiti Track is a true year-round destination, with each season offering a different "vibe":
To walk this trail is to walk through the ancestral home of the Ngāi Tūhoe people, often called the "Children of the Mist." This area is culturally significant and deeply spiritual. In 2014, the Te Urewera Act replaced the former National Park status, granting the land its own legal identity. It is no longer "owned" by the government; it is a self-governing entity looked after by Tūhoe in a groundbreaking model of conservation and indigenous sovereignty.
The Te Kura Whenua Visitor Centre is a physical representation of this connection. It is a "living building," designed to have a net-zero environmental impact. It serves as a meeting place and a hub for sharing the stories of the land. Taking a moment to visit the centre before your hike will give you a much deeper appreciation for the ground you are walking on.
Once you’ve made your way back down the hill, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite.
Your first stop should be the cafe within Te Kura Whenua. It’s a beautiful spot to grab a hot coffee or a light snack while soaking in the architecture and the local history. It’s more than just a cafe; it’s an educational experience.
If you’re looking for something more substantial or a place to stay the night, the Waikaremoana Holiday Park is just a kilometre away. They have an onsite shop for essentials and basic food options. It’s a great place to swap stories with other hikers and enjoy the view of the main lake, Waikaremoana, as the sun begins to set over the ridges.
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
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
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
1km away
A full-service holiday park offering a range of accommodation from campsites to chalets, with an onsite shop selling essentials and basic food options, perfect for pre or post-hike needs. [1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13]