Experiencing the Great Walk through the environs of Lake Waikaremoana is truly the experience of a lifetime. The Lake Waikaremoana Track generally follows the contours of the huge lake, and is contained entirely within the limits of the Te Urewera National Park. Over a duration of three or four days the trail will lead you across stretches of untouched rainforest, wetland areas of shrubland, and a mystical ‘goblin forest’. Visitors will encounter majestic waterfalls, rivers and ghostly mist-shrouded valleys.
The renowned Lake Waikaremoana trail features the largest extent of native forest within North Island. This area is the traditional home of the people known as ‘Ngai Tuhoe’, and is also reputed to be the abode of the ‘patupaiarehe’, legendary fairylike creatures with a penchant for mischief. In the tranquil beauty of the forest you will almost hear fairy voices and ethereal music.
The challenging ascent to the Panekire Bluffs is perhaps the most difficult part of the track, but it provides a wonderful reward; sensational views across forests, lakes and seemingly never-ending mountains.
Verdant beech forests characteristic of the southern hemisphere cover much of the environs of Lake Waikaremoana. As you go higher you will see that the red beech trees give way to the distinctive silver beech. Visitors are enthralled when they first see the magical ‘goblin forest’; the twisted and bent silver beeches, weathered by winter snows and the winds, are adorned with moss and lichen. As visitors traverse the headlands they will encounter the unmistakable rimu trees which tower over the other vegetation. 
The region is a birdwatcher’s delight, with numerous avian species to be seen in the environs. Particularly appealing are the wood pigeons (kereru), the tui with its melodious calls, playful fantails, paradise ducks, grey mallards, white-faced herons and kingfishers.Several other activities may be experienced at Te Urewera, including shorter less challenging walks. The Onepoto Caves track will take you on an exciting underground adventure. You may also hire canoes ad kayaks at Lake Waikaremoana.
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