Te Urewera National Park
Te Urewera National Park
Te Urewera National Park
4.8
About
Immense and rugged national park features the largest forested wilderness in New Zealand's North Island.
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4.8
13 reviews
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Terrible
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Beinghana
Cusco, Peru20 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
Please note that Te Urewera has not been a designated National Park since 2013. The Te Urewera Act 2014 recognises Te Urewera as it's own legal entity.
"Te Urewera now owns itself, and exists for its own sake.The TĹ«hoe tribal authority, Te Uru Taumatua, provides operational management of Te Urewera and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. The Department of Conservation provides support and assistance with former national park assets."
"Te Urewera now owns itself, and exists for its own sake.The TĹ«hoe tribal authority, Te Uru Taumatua, provides operational management of Te Urewera and the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. The Department of Conservation provides support and assistance with former national park assets."
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skiwiflyer
Park City, UT354 contributions
Despite what the TripAdvisor description says, this park is NOT located in Gisborne. It is a large area of natural wilderness that is mainly accessed via SH38 between Rotorua and Wairoa. Its northern reaches can also be accessed from the Eastern Bay of Plenty area near Whakatane.
One of the reasons it has remained largely untouched beautiful 'bush' is its difficult access with all access routes gravel roads. If you are keen on visiting pristine native forest and enjoy tramping, don't let this put you off. The local Maori are referred to as "Children of the Mist" probably because this area often has mist hanging around the hills and lakes.
Arguably the jewel in the crown of this national park is Lake Waikaremoana. It takes 2 hours to reach the lake from Murupara (just outside the northwestern corner of the park) mainly on a narrow gravel windy although scenic road. Make sure you get fuel before you start driving this road. If you don't have your own vehicle its not very easy to access.
Lake Waikaremoana is best visited if you have a boat (e.g. want to go trout fishing) or like tramping. Although it is beautiful, if you aren't keen on either of these pursuits it is a long way to travel.
One of the most famous and popular walks (tramps) of the area is the Great Walk that goes around the edge of approx half of Lake Waikaremoana. This walk takes between 3 and 5 days and overnight accommodation is in campsites or huts. This tramp does need to be booked via Department of Conservation (www.doc.govt.nz) - in advance in the high season (usually December to February) but you could probably turn up the day before the rest of the year.
We completed this tramp in December 2008 and thought it was fabulous. It helped that we had great weather and saw some of the magnificent views. Much of the tramp follows the lake edge giving you opportunities for swimming and fishing (with a fishing licence) but for one or two days the track climbs over the Panekiri Bluff. This involves a lot of up and downhill but on a nice day the extensive views make this a very worthwhile effort. There are water taxis that you can take to the start and from the end of the track (it is not a circuit) and you can also be dropped off at some of the other huts if you only want to do a portion of the track. They will also drop off bags if you don't want to carry all your luggage.
Te Urewera National Park and especially Lake Waikaremoana is a very isolated part of the North Island. If you do visit here you will be away from crowds but with limited facilities. This place is for people who like 'to get away from it all'.
One of the reasons it has remained largely untouched beautiful 'bush' is its difficult access with all access routes gravel roads. If you are keen on visiting pristine native forest and enjoy tramping, don't let this put you off. The local Maori are referred to as "Children of the Mist" probably because this area often has mist hanging around the hills and lakes.
Arguably the jewel in the crown of this national park is Lake Waikaremoana. It takes 2 hours to reach the lake from Murupara (just outside the northwestern corner of the park) mainly on a narrow gravel windy although scenic road. Make sure you get fuel before you start driving this road. If you don't have your own vehicle its not very easy to access.
Lake Waikaremoana is best visited if you have a boat (e.g. want to go trout fishing) or like tramping. Although it is beautiful, if you aren't keen on either of these pursuits it is a long way to travel.
One of the most famous and popular walks (tramps) of the area is the Great Walk that goes around the edge of approx half of Lake Waikaremoana. This walk takes between 3 and 5 days and overnight accommodation is in campsites or huts. This tramp does need to be booked via Department of Conservation (www.doc.govt.nz) - in advance in the high season (usually December to February) but you could probably turn up the day before the rest of the year.
We completed this tramp in December 2008 and thought it was fabulous. It helped that we had great weather and saw some of the magnificent views. Much of the tramp follows the lake edge giving you opportunities for swimming and fishing (with a fishing licence) but for one or two days the track climbs over the Panekiri Bluff. This involves a lot of up and downhill but on a nice day the extensive views make this a very worthwhile effort. There are water taxis that you can take to the start and from the end of the track (it is not a circuit) and you can also be dropped off at some of the other huts if you only want to do a portion of the track. They will also drop off bags if you don't want to carry all your luggage.
Te Urewera National Park and especially Lake Waikaremoana is a very isolated part of the North Island. If you do visit here you will be away from crowds but with limited facilities. This place is for people who like 'to get away from it all'.
Written 10 February 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Ellen W
Napier, New Zealand203 contributions
Dec 2015
After half a dozen visits, I was looking forward to slipping in to the routine: walks, photography, chat with the DoC staff. But no this time was extra special the stars blew me away. Dec 15 16 prime time for meteorite watching.
Written 19 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
Hamilton, New Zealand128 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
Drove through the Urewera's from Gisborne via Tiniroto and Frasertown across to Murupara. Stopped at the Aniwaniwa visitor centre and did a few short walks to 3 beautiful waterfalls. Would have done some longer walks, however it was drizzling with rain. The drive through the forest was an experience in itself. Lake Waikaremoana was stunning from a few really good vantage points. The road is predominantly gravel for about 2 hours. It is very winding and very narrow in places and you feel a bit like a rally car driver! Worth the trip and would love to go back and do the "great walk" one day.
Written 6 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kateykate
Wellington, New Zealand47 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We drove the Te Urewera Rainforest Trail from Wairoa across to Murupara. It was an amazing drive through absolute wilderness and also the stunning beauty of Lake Waikaremoana. It's definitely a challenging drive with lots of gravel sections, and especially during winter a 4WD made the trip a bit easier. Make sure you allow a full day for the trip so that you can have time to stop and admire the scenery and take in the atmosphere.
Written 1 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith-B-Robinson
Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada917 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
If you are someone that likes to get off the beaten path, escape the crowds and go somewhere that feels like you're the only one around at times, Te Urewera NP is just the place! Assuming you have your own transportation, the drive can be long and slow, as you follow (at times) narrow, winding gravel roads. But for those with the patience and determination, the reward of entering this remote, isolated and untouched National Park makes it all worthwhile.
From what we had read before going, Te Urewera is almost continually shrouded in cloud, mist, fog and rain - so don't forget your rain gear. However, when we visited, we lucked out and didn't see a single cloud in the sky during our stay!
Offering amazing scenery, plenty of hiking trails, lots of bird life to watch, and apparently very good fishing, Te Urewera is a true outdoor enthusiasts' dream!
From what we had read before going, Te Urewera is almost continually shrouded in cloud, mist, fog and rain - so don't forget your rain gear. However, when we visited, we lucked out and didn't see a single cloud in the sky during our stay!
Offering amazing scenery, plenty of hiking trails, lots of bird life to watch, and apparently very good fishing, Te Urewera is a true outdoor enthusiasts' dream!
Written 21 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy P
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands415 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Lets start by saying I enjoyrd it. This track took some finding, but maybe our instructions were not so good. It is several miles of unpaved road to get there. Recomend 4x4, but I think a normal car can make it. At the trail head is a toilet of sorts. Bring your own paper.
Tha path itself is generally easy going, but ther are places where i thought that i had become a mountain goat. Very narrow, with a steap drop.The walk is mainly throu a tropical gungel. All sorts of trees, ferns, mosses. Surprisingly not so many birds.
The whole point of the walk is to get to the waterfall. Not the most impressive, but still worth it.
We came back the way we went, but I think it is possible to come back on the other side of the valley.
We had our packed lunch at the one table near the waterfall.
The walk is about four hours.
Tha path itself is generally easy going, but ther are places where i thought that i had become a mountain goat. Very narrow, with a steap drop.The walk is mainly throu a tropical gungel. All sorts of trees, ferns, mosses. Surprisingly not so many birds.
The whole point of the walk is to get to the waterfall. Not the most impressive, but still worth it.
We came back the way we went, but I think it is possible to come back on the other side of the valley.
We had our packed lunch at the one table near the waterfall.
The walk is about four hours.
Written 5 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Auckland, New Zealand59 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Urewera National Park trip.
We had the best guide ever! Anh Tuyet Tran - thank you Anh.
Although not born in New Zealand, this lady had done her homework. She had the history, the geography and the steering wheel well and truly under control. Her commentary, organization and attitude was perfect, a real joy to experience. Match that with the environment, the accommodation, the meals and you have a perfect week. We saw plenty of logging trucks in the area and Anh could have driven one of these too.
It was great to be in the real New Zealand bush too.
Jan & John Heynen
We had the best guide ever! Anh Tuyet Tran - thank you Anh.
Although not born in New Zealand, this lady had done her homework. She had the history, the geography and the steering wheel well and truly under control. Her commentary, organization and attitude was perfect, a real joy to experience. Match that with the environment, the accommodation, the meals and you have a perfect week. We saw plenty of logging trucks in the area and Anh could have driven one of these too.
It was great to be in the real New Zealand bush too.
Jan & John Heynen
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJawandering
Lethbridge, Canada355 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
You need a good vehicle and plenty of time to get here by very twisty roads. Plan to stay at least 3 days. Be sure to do some well signposted walks in this remote area. The native temperate rainforests are exquisite! This is a high rainfall area so dress accordingly.
Written 18 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hone T
Te Awamutu, New Zealand53 contributions
Dec 2016
A brilliant and exhilarating place to visit and listen to. The trees, talk, the birds sing songs, and the animal life bring spirits to life
Written 6 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ripora T
Huntly, New Zealand
I would like to rent holiday cabin for 2 nights what would that cost
Written 2 July 2016
Ripora T
Huntly, New Zealand
Kia ora We are Tuuhoe from Ruatahuna we would like to know how to book a Self contained unit for 2 day and how much would it cost
Written 2 July 2016
Hi
If you are on a time limit would you suggest maybe missing this national park and favour other places?
thanks
joanna
Written 12 October 2015
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