| New Zealand walking holiday exploring the remote Waikaremoana area. Discover fascinating Maori history and incredible geology cloaked in dense rainforest from comfortable lodgings. |
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| Price from 750 NZD /person |
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Day 1 - 2-4 hours walking (Lunch Dinner)
Pick-up Rotorua. En route to Waikaremoana we walk amidst New Zealand's best example of native podocarp forest. The towering trees at Whirinaki sparked a dramatic environmental protest against native logging, and you will understand why English Botanist David Bellamy sights this forest as one of the world's finest. Picnic beside an impressive waterfall, with the chance to sight the endangered native blue duck, before continuing on through dense rainforest to Waikaremoana.
The afternoon is spent either exploring the local museum or kayaking across the lake to Aniwaniwa Falls. In the evening we climb to the top of the landslide that created Lake Waikaremoana over 2000 years ago, to watch the sunset over the lake. Retire to the lodge for a tasty dinner, fine wine and good company.
| Day 2 - 3-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After a delicious cooked breakfast day two of our walking holiday takes us on a stroll through magnificent ancient beech forest to the tranquil Lake Waikareiti. Reached only by walking track, this lake is free of introduced aquatic plants, giving it outstanding water clarity. Take a rowboat to one of the Lake's islands for a picnic lunch amidst abundant birdlife and pristine forest that flourish in this pest-free environment.
In the afternoon we find the largest rata tree in the country, over 1000 years old! A stunning walk reveals the vibrant lime foliage of the tawa tree and brilliant crimson rata flowers. Then we visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for an informal chat with a Tuhoe elder about the region’s fascinating history and culture. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and provides a real feel for the area and it’s tangata whenua (people of the land).
| Day 3 - 3 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch)
Taste one of New Zealand's famous "Great Walks" - the Lake Waikaremoana Track. Day three of our New Zealand walking holiday takes us on a steady climb through mixed broadleaf podocarp forest and rewards us with inspiring views over Lake Waikaremoana and the forest-clad mountains of Te Urewera National Park, New Zealand. Spectacular sandstone rock bluffs drop sheer to the lake 600 metres below. If weather permits a scenic boatride begins our journey back to Rotorua, followed by a lakeside picnic and the opportunity for a rejuvenating soak and celebratory champagne in an amazing natural hot spring!
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| PHOTOS (click on the thumbnail to open a bigger version) |
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| Duration:
3 days - Starts at:
08.30 am - Finishes at: 05.30 pm |
| Starting point: Pick-up from your Rotorua accommodation |
| Finishing point: Drop-off at your Rotorua accommodation |
| Payment Types:
Credit Cards, Cheque |
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| Inclusions: |
- 2 nights lodge accommodation
- All meals, snacks and drinks
- NZ wine with dinner
- Return Rotorua transport
- Marae visit
- Scenic boat cruise
- Professional, experienced guides
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| - The Urewera Discovery Tour was definitely the highlight of my trip to New Zealand. The country is spectacular and we wouldn't have found it on our own. Rob and Hilary were professional, competent guides as well as thoroughly enjoyable company.
Their knowledge of the area and enthusiasm for sharing it added immeasurably to the experience. The trip was not too strenuous but provided adequate time for walking, swimming, beautiful sights and of course, cups of tea. I would recommend this journey for anyone interested in New Zealand 's incredible wilderness areas.
- Denise Ernst, New Mexico |
| - Wonderful in every way. Caring guides, nothing any trouble, very helpful.
- Monica Cantwell, NZ |
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