Te Urewera National Park

Created in 1954, Te Urewera National Park is the fourth largest of New Zealand’s national parks and the Tuhoe peoples ancestral home. The park has a long and complex history that dates back to the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840. The ownership of the land by the Crown has been much disputed over the years and will likely be for years to come.

Some 2200 years ago, a landslide blocked the great Waikaretaheke River and created Lake Waikaremoana. Resembling a fiord, the lake, the deepest lake on North Island, has depths of up to 250 meters. Around the perimeter of the lake is the Lake Waikaremoana walking track, which has the distinction of being one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. The track has hiker huts along the way that can be booked by trekkers in advance. In addition to this walk, there are several other walks within the park.

Te Urewera National Park provides protection to the largest remaining area of virgin native forest on the North Island. Mountain and silver beech grow on the ridges and kamahi, rata, red beech, and tawa grow at the lower levels. This incredible diverse native bush supports most of the birds native to New Zealand, including the bush parrot, yellow-crowned parakeet, blue duck, New Zealand falcon, and the North Island Kiwi. A program to control possums has been initiated to ensure that the native species survive.

Aside from the spectacular scenery, the jewels of the park are diverse Lake Waikaremoana and beautiful Lake Waikareiti. Lake Waikareiti is the location of Rahui, an inlet that hosts one of the extremely rare occurrences of a lake within a lake.

Fishing, hunting, and boating are all activities that are allowed within Te Urewera National Park. Deer and pigs have been introduced for hunting purposes however you need to plan ahead and get a permit. Fishing permits are also required but can be bought in the park. With Lake Waikaremoana teeming with rainbow and brown trout for the avid fisherman, it is well worth the trip just to fish. You can rent rowboats and kayaks to explore the lake. The use of jet skis is strictly prohibited so don’t bother loading yours up for your getaway.

Walking the trails is a popular pastime in the park. With many of the walks being a day or longer, there are hiker huts scattered throughout the trails in the park. Don’t forget to book one in advance.

Te Urewera National Park is a park to put on your “must see” list for your visit to New Zealand.