New
Zealand's fourth largest national park is the ancestral home of the enigmatic
Tuhoe people. Legend traces the parentage of the Tuhoe to Hine Pukohurangi
(the mist maiden) and Te Maunga (the mountain), which is why the Tuhoe are
known as 'children of the mist'.
Beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, the focus for many activities in the park, was
formed about 2200 years ago by a colossal landslide that blocked the Waikaretaheke
River. The lake is more than 250 metres deep in parts, and many visitors remark
that it resembles a fiord. The track around the lake is one of New Zealand's
'Great Walks'.
Key
Highlights
The Te Urewera National Park protects the largest area of native forest remaining
in the North Island. The high, misty ridges are covered with silver and mountain
beech. At lower levels, the forest is dominated by red beech, rimu, rata,
tawa and kamahi. Nearly all of New Zealand's native birds live in the forest,
including rare species such as the North Island brown kiwi, blue duck (whio),
yellow-crowned parakeet (kakariki), bush parrot (kaka), New Zealand falcon
(karearea) and the blue-wattled kokako.
For
hikers, kayakers and fly-fishing enthusiasts, the park's main attraction is
Lake Waikaremoana. From the visitor centre at Aniwaniwa, short and long walks
provide access to the lake's spectacular scenery and legendary fishing spots.
In a small basin above the big lake is island-dotted Lake Waikareiti, a haven
for native aquatic life.
Hiking
The park has an extensive track system, including the 3-day Lake Waikaremoana
Track which leads around the western lake edge, climbing onto the crest of
the Panekiri Range before dropping to the shoreline. Six shorter walks begin
close to the Aniwaniwa visitors' centre - they range from a 20 minute stroll
to Aniwaniwa Falls to the challenging six hour Ruapani Circuit. A choice of
other short walks can be found near the motor camp.
Boating
and fishing
Brown and rainbow trout are found in Lake Waikaremoana, and fishing licenses
can be bought from the motor camp store. Kayaks and canoes are available for
hire. At Lake Waikareiti, the Department of Conservation has a number of rowboats
for hire.
