Lake Waikaremoana
Lake Large North Island lake surrounded by native forest
Within Te Urewera, Lake Waikaremoana offers native forest, boat cruises and the multi-day Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk; trampers use shoreline tracks, DOC huts and encounter Māori history in the region.
Lake Waikaremoana is a large lake in New Zealand’s North Island, within the Te Urewera area. It is one of New Zealand’s recognized conservation landscapes and a focus for multiday tramping.
The lake is the destination for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, a tramping route of roughly 46 kilometers that typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete and includes backcountry huts and track infrastructure. Boat access and lakeside viewpoints are used by trampers and day visitors.
The lake occupies a basin within the Te Urewera forested area; management and visitor services are provided under New Zealand conservation arrangements. The area has long-standing significance to local iwi and is managed with recognition of that relationship.
Geographically the lake sits inland in the northeast of New Zealand’s North Island, within the Te Urewera region; its shoreline and track network are accessed from roads that approach the lake’s eastern and southern ends.
- Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk: A Great Walk of New Zealand covers the lake and requires 3 to 4 days to complete
- Conservation and management: Located within Te Urewera, the lake is managed with conservation and visitor facilities by New Zealand authorities
Tips for Visiting Lake Waikaremoana #
- If you plan the Great Walk, book DOC huts or campsites well in advance (particularly in summer); hut availability is limited and fills early.
- Start sections early in the day for clear lake views and to avoid afternoon rain-patterns; allow time for the Panekire Bluff side-trip, which provides the best panoramic viewpoint over the lake and is worth the extra effort.
- Check road conditions on the unsealed access road into the park and confirm any seasonal closures or shuttle/boat services beforehand - some operators run launches that let you do shorter, one-way walks.
Best Time to Visit Lake Waikaremoana #
Best from late spring through summer (September-February in NZ) for hiking and boating, with summer offering the warmest conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lake Waikaremoana #
Lake Waikaremoana's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1644 mm/year), wettest in March, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (160 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
