Te Urewera Treks
Te Urewera Treks
5
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Whanau (family) owned and operated, with indigenous ties to Te Urewera and the Whirinaki Rainforests. Come and stay with us on our land, just off the Te Urewera Rainforest Route in Ngaputahi. Whakatau Rainforest Retreat provides glamping type accommodation, so that you can connect with nature and still be comfortable. Walking, hiking and other local activities can be created as a package. Our kaupapa (mission) is to transform strangers into friends and whanau, by sharing our culture, our way of life and our home (the forest). Nau mai, haere mai...
Rotorua, New Zealand
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5.0
32 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jane Lyle
Tauranga, New Zealand7 contributions
May 2021 • Family
I was privileged to have the opportunity to hikoi Te Urewera ki Whirinaki with Hinewai and my 14 year old moko recently. As Tangata Tiriti I can only reflect on how special this experience was. I've been in the ngāhere many times before, but being there with Hinewai, who generously shared so much kōrero about Te Ao Maori, whakapapa, tikanga and our place in the world was a unique and wonderful experience. She lives her values of manaakitanga and sustainability in every way. The trip was well planned, the kai incredible, and our safety and well-being was paramount. If you think the cost is a bit expensive for a walk in a public space, I encourage you to think again, as it was possibly the best money I've ever spent. I can honestly say it was the best thing I've done in a very long time.
Written 10 June 2021
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.
AllanandPela
Hamilton, New Zealand5 contributions
Dec 2020
This was a fantastic experience for us. Hinewai was marvelous. She knows Te Urewera so well - the flora, the fauna, the whakapapa, her turangawaewae - this was her place and she loved sharing it with us. She was a superb host and guide. This was one of the most significant highlights of our hiking and traveling journeys over many years.
Written 22 December 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.
cdn n
New Plymouth, New Zealand2,061 contributions
Oct 2020
This experience was long in the making.
Hinewai very patiently answered my many, many, questions, and through long emails on each side, we worked out a suitable itinerary.
I chose the Custom Experience, as I have very specific interests, and if you do, too, then I would recommend it. If your interests are covered by her usual offers to Whirinaki or the River Canyon etcetera, then do that, as they are cost effective and well planned, and Custom Experiences cost... well, a respectable amount of money, due to the complex planning and bookings involved.
Due to a medical condition, camping is not a possibility for me. So Hinewai made some telephone calls, and booked me into Te Tii Chalets in Ruatahuna. She organised all the catering too, so much that I had snacks for the next three days! She also organised for me to go on another excursion with other guides, and then charged me an all-inclusive price. I won't give it, as custom experience means just that, and some will me more, or less, costly than others. What matters is that you get what you pay for.
The itinerary included:
Lunch at Whakatau Retreat, including Rewena Bread.
Finding and moving a plant to expand the rainforest.
Supplies for dinner at Te Tii and introductions to the guides to Maungapohatu.
More karakia (prayers), waiata (songs), and moteatea (chanted poetry), than I could count.
2:1 guiding on both days.
2 nights at Te Tii Chalets.
A trip up to Maungapohatu - only possible with guides as it is private property.
Lunch at Maungapohatu and transfers each way by 4WD.
Dinner at the Black House Cafe, Mataatua Pa.
You may look at the list of tours she offers, and dismiss them on the grounds you can go to some of those places on your own. While true, reconsider. Because Hinewai, and her guides, know this country like the back of their hands. If I had gone, for example, to Whirinaki by myself, I would have had a beautiful walk, but it would have been a solitary experience, without the liveliness, jovial chat, information on Rongoa, and teaching on how to tell which tree is which, and this is only possible with guiding. In short, guides enrich your experience with local knowledge that you do not hold.
I have long been interested in the community Rua Kenana set up in the remote location of Maungapohatu, and Ngapani and Nick took me up there. A beautiful karanga (call on to the Marae, of both the dead and the living), was done by Ngapani as Nick and I approached the Meeting House. Unlike most Meeting Houses (wharenui), you may eat in this one. It is also decorated with the clubs (Holy Trinity), spades (the hard-working people), and diamonds (the lost diamond of Te Kooti), in the same shapes found in a deck of cards, but with hidden meanings. The wharenui is very brightly decorated, and is full of photographs of the kaumatua (elders) past, and present, of the Marae.
The wharenui dates from the Edwardian community, as does a small hut, and the remains of Rua's house still stand quite a distance from the main village. As said, you can only get here with a guide. As local history is oral, different people tell you different things, and you can only make up your own mind, as to what may have happened. Do be aware that some people - known as Iharaera (Israelites) - still follow his teachings today, and that other groups within the iwi - tribe - opposed Rua then and now. He's a rather divisive figure... you need to do your research before you come, and be aware you might not be reading what the person you are talking to considers to be correct.
As Ruatahuna is a small community, I was introduced to a few neighbours of Ngapani and Nick's at Mataatua Pa, and one of them took me - free of charge - to a very significant tree on private land where the Tuhoe believe they originated from, and to the large garden at the local school, where children actually learn useful things, like how to feed themselves, which is in stark contrast to my own school days.
I really recommend Te Urewera Treks for all of the above reasons. Maori may appear to live similar lives to New Zealand Europeans - as in similar food, homes, work, and so on. Remember this can be a superficial veneer, as beneath this lives a culture enriched by its reo (language), tikanga (customs), whanaungatanga - family ties, but in a rather richer and more extensive depth than many Western societies, whakatauki (proverbs), rongoa (traditional healing methods), and so on. Hinewai can introduce you to all of these, and more. So drop her a line. Her tours, and the people she introduces you to, might change your lives' directions, too.
Hinewai very patiently answered my many, many, questions, and through long emails on each side, we worked out a suitable itinerary.
I chose the Custom Experience, as I have very specific interests, and if you do, too, then I would recommend it. If your interests are covered by her usual offers to Whirinaki or the River Canyon etcetera, then do that, as they are cost effective and well planned, and Custom Experiences cost... well, a respectable amount of money, due to the complex planning and bookings involved.
Due to a medical condition, camping is not a possibility for me. So Hinewai made some telephone calls, and booked me into Te Tii Chalets in Ruatahuna. She organised all the catering too, so much that I had snacks for the next three days! She also organised for me to go on another excursion with other guides, and then charged me an all-inclusive price. I won't give it, as custom experience means just that, and some will me more, or less, costly than others. What matters is that you get what you pay for.
The itinerary included:
Lunch at Whakatau Retreat, including Rewena Bread.
Finding and moving a plant to expand the rainforest.
Supplies for dinner at Te Tii and introductions to the guides to Maungapohatu.
More karakia (prayers), waiata (songs), and moteatea (chanted poetry), than I could count.
2:1 guiding on both days.
2 nights at Te Tii Chalets.
A trip up to Maungapohatu - only possible with guides as it is private property.
Lunch at Maungapohatu and transfers each way by 4WD.
Dinner at the Black House Cafe, Mataatua Pa.
You may look at the list of tours she offers, and dismiss them on the grounds you can go to some of those places on your own. While true, reconsider. Because Hinewai, and her guides, know this country like the back of their hands. If I had gone, for example, to Whirinaki by myself, I would have had a beautiful walk, but it would have been a solitary experience, without the liveliness, jovial chat, information on Rongoa, and teaching on how to tell which tree is which, and this is only possible with guiding. In short, guides enrich your experience with local knowledge that you do not hold.
I have long been interested in the community Rua Kenana set up in the remote location of Maungapohatu, and Ngapani and Nick took me up there. A beautiful karanga (call on to the Marae, of both the dead and the living), was done by Ngapani as Nick and I approached the Meeting House. Unlike most Meeting Houses (wharenui), you may eat in this one. It is also decorated with the clubs (Holy Trinity), spades (the hard-working people), and diamonds (the lost diamond of Te Kooti), in the same shapes found in a deck of cards, but with hidden meanings. The wharenui is very brightly decorated, and is full of photographs of the kaumatua (elders) past, and present, of the Marae.
The wharenui dates from the Edwardian community, as does a small hut, and the remains of Rua's house still stand quite a distance from the main village. As said, you can only get here with a guide. As local history is oral, different people tell you different things, and you can only make up your own mind, as to what may have happened. Do be aware that some people - known as Iharaera (Israelites) - still follow his teachings today, and that other groups within the iwi - tribe - opposed Rua then and now. He's a rather divisive figure... you need to do your research before you come, and be aware you might not be reading what the person you are talking to considers to be correct.
As Ruatahuna is a small community, I was introduced to a few neighbours of Ngapani and Nick's at Mataatua Pa, and one of them took me - free of charge - to a very significant tree on private land where the Tuhoe believe they originated from, and to the large garden at the local school, where children actually learn useful things, like how to feed themselves, which is in stark contrast to my own school days.
I really recommend Te Urewera Treks for all of the above reasons. Maori may appear to live similar lives to New Zealand Europeans - as in similar food, homes, work, and so on. Remember this can be a superficial veneer, as beneath this lives a culture enriched by its reo (language), tikanga (customs), whanaungatanga - family ties, but in a rather richer and more extensive depth than many Western societies, whakatauki (proverbs), rongoa (traditional healing methods), and so on. Hinewai can introduce you to all of these, and more. So drop her a line. Her tours, and the people she introduces you to, might change your lives' directions, too.
Written 22 October 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.
jade2014900
Whakatāne, New Zealand78 contributions
Mar 2020
We were blessed to attend “Tane Mahuta - God of the Forest guided tour”. We planted young Miro and Totara, strolled through the beautiful Whirinaki forest, had a delicious sustainably made lunch at the waterfalls, met new friends from Germany and heard amazing cultural stories. Hinewai's knowledge and cultural storytelling is so engaging. My spirit was lifted, sense of calm overcame me and the awe of being surrounded by thousands of years of historic ngahere (forest) was mind blowing. I'm a Kiwi and I've traveled all across New Zealand. This was one of the most amazing nature experiences I've ever had! Thank you Hinewai and the Te Urewera Treks whanau (family) 🙏.
Written 11 March 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.
Karen Shepherd
3 contributions
Oct 2019
We had the privilege of staying at Te Urewera Treks Bush Camp in October. The stay started with a Whakatau (greeting) from Hinewai’s team. The Whakatau includes a Maori welcoming mihi, then a relaxed sit down for a refreshing drink and some kai. We stayed down in Whare Kahikatea which is right beside the stream. So lovely to go to sleep (and wake) to the babble of the stream. The following morning we planted some native trees and then took a walk to the Whirinaki forest which included a waterfall. Interesting to note some of the native vegetation. We live three hours away from Te Urewera and some of the vegetation we have, is not found in the Te Urewera area (eg Kawakawa and Nikau). It was also lovely to hear the native birdsong. Hinewai is really knowledgeable about the native flora and fauna and is a great story teller who explains some of the meanings around the Maori culture which makes it really interesting. Was also nice to take her lead to just take in the beautiful surroundings in peace and quiet. Enjoyed some more delicious homemade kai for lunch before setting off for home feeling relaxed and reenergised. If you’re looking for an authentic Maori experience, this could be the place for you.
Written 5 December 2019
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.
PatriciaD999
Stewkley, UK30 contributions
Nov 2019
My daughter and I did the Whirinaki Loop Trek. It was a beautiful area and our guide was a fount of knowledge on the trees, plants and Maori customs. We're so glad we did this and when back in NZ will do another activity, maybe the bushcamp or tree planting.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written 3 December 2019
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.
Paul Bol
3 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We have had a wonderful stay at the bush camp of Te Urewera Treks. Our host Hinewai took great care of us from the special Maori welcome, right to the bbq. Because we arrived on Valentine's Day she treated us to a bottle of sparkling wine.
A beautiful situated camp and a must-see on your trip around the North Island !!
A beautiful situated camp and a must-see on your trip around the North Island !!
Written 8 March 2019
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.
Tine
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Friends
We walked the 4 day trek half around lake Waikaremoana - no power, no mobile networks, only rain water - pure nature! Thanks to our guide Hinewai it was best organized. It was exciting what she digged out of her backpack for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first two nights we've spent in huts that are at lake level. The days were sunny and warm and so we enjoyed the bath in the clear water of lake Waikaremoana.
The last two days took us up to and then down from Panekiri hut. We left the fern forest and entered a forest full with fabulous moss covered beeches. On top there are some amazing outlooks: standing on rocks with a view down to the lake.
The tour with Te Urewera Treks is highly recommended
The last two days took us up to and then down from Panekiri hut. We left the fern forest and entered a forest full with fabulous moss covered beeches. On top there are some amazing outlooks: standing on rocks with a view down to the lake.
The tour with Te Urewera Treks is highly recommended
Written 11 February 2019
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.
KarinJulie
Tiel, The Netherlands65 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
My husband and daughter (nearly 11) stayed 1 night at the bushcamp. We Were given a warm maori welcome from Hinewai our host. The bushcamp was set beautifully between the native trees and the only sounds were from birds and the stream. We felt very comfortable and had a unique and lovely experience and for a few hours we could completely relax. We would stay there again if we were to head over that way.
Thank you Hinewai
Thank you Hinewai
Written 26 December 2018
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.
WanderLust Mike
Los Angeles, CA640 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Te Urewera Treks took us hiking along the Whirinaki Loop through lush podocarp rainforest with our local Maori guide, Mere. We met her at the Department of Conservation in Murupara. it was a bit wet and muddy, so good hiking shoes or boots were a must.
The New Zealand tree ferns were amazing! New Zealand has over 100 species of ferns, and the silver fern is their national emblem.
We learned so much from Mere, and were thankful for her knowledge of the rainforest fauna and flora. We're avid hikers and eco-tourists, so seeing the lush, green New Zealand forests was an absolute must for us.
Escape the tourist traps and crowds. Get out to the real New Zealand. It's a breathe of fresh air you'll never forget. Kia ora Aotearoa. <3
The New Zealand tree ferns were amazing! New Zealand has over 100 species of ferns, and the silver fern is their national emblem.
We learned so much from Mere, and were thankful for her knowledge of the rainforest fauna and flora. We're avid hikers and eco-tourists, so seeing the lush, green New Zealand forests was an absolute must for us.
Escape the tourist traps and crowds. Get out to the real New Zealand. It's a breathe of fresh air you'll never forget. Kia ora Aotearoa. <3
Written 24 February 2018
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.
No questions have been asked about this experience