Getting there
Find directions to access Lake Waikaremoana.

Waikaremoana can be approached from two directions on SH38 which runs from Waiotapu in the north to Wairoa on the East Coast. SH38 passes Te Karetu where Te Urewera Visitor Centre (Te Kura Whenua) and the Waikaremoana Holiday Park are located.

The highway is a gravel surface for about 90 km between Murupara (north of Te Karetu and Tuai (south of Te Karetu). This may be difficult for lower vehicles and 4WD/SUV is recommended.

On Google Maps, enter Waikaremoana Holiday Park to get to both the Waikaremoana Holiday Park and Te Urewera Visitor Centre at Te Kura Whenua.

To and from Great Walk

The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk can be accessed from either end – Onepoto or Hopuruahine landing. Hopuruahine is about half an hour's drive from Te Karetu.

Hopuruahine road is not currently suitable for 2WD vehicles. This may impact access to Hopuruahine landing Great Walk-end car park.

The start of the track at Onepoto is approximately 20 minutes drive from Te Karetu – follow State Highway 38.

Walkers can travel to either end of the walk via water taxi. Book early. 

Water taxi

Tūhoe offers a water taxi service to and from each end of the Great Walk, and to individual huts and campsites around the lake, out of Te Urewera Visitor Centre (Te Kura Whenua).

The water taxi service is usually available from October to April. It is not available during the winter season.

Check Ngāi Tūhoe website for information or phone Ngāi Tūhoe on +64 6 837 3803 or email teureweravc@ngaituhoe.iwi.nz 

Parking 

Parking can be very busy at the lake during the summer season. All parking is at the owners’ risk – do not leave valuables in your cars.

Where parking space is available:

  • near the lakeside towards the Waikaremoana Holiday Park entrance (up to 10 days free parking)
  • at Onepoto (at the Great Walk-end car park, and near the boat ramp)
  • at Hopuruahine Landing (at the Great Walk-end car park. This car park is 2 km off the main road. Hopuruahine road is not currently suitable for 2WD vehicles. This may impact access to this car park).

There is free day-time parking available at Te Urewera Visitor Centre at Te Kura Whenua, however no multi-day parking is available. This is to make space for other manuhiri (visitors).