The Whirinaki Loop Trek

This trek takes you into the Whirinaki Forest Park where you'll see some of the most magnificent indigenous podocarp forest found anywhere in the world. You will also hear about Hineruarangi, guardian of the Whirinaki Valley.

From Rotorua we drive about 1.5 hrs to the start of the trek near the largely Maori settlement of Minginui. We enter the forest following a loop trail through enormous podocarp trees including rimu, matai, miro, kahikatea and more. Along the way you will experience the abundance of native birdlife including bellbirds, tui, kereru, kaka, and fantails. Lunch is by a lovely waterfall.

On the way back to Rotorua we stop off at some natural hot pools for a soothing dip.

This trek takes 4-5 hours depending on the group. It follows well formed trails of gentle to moderate steepness. This trek runs all year round with scheduled dates from October to May. Bookings are essential.

Fitness level needed: average to good

Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate

Price: NZ$195 adults, NZ$160 children (8-15 years)

Group size: 1 – 12

Te Urewera Ridgeline Trek

This trek is unique to Te Urewera Treks and takes you into the heart of Te Urewera. You will experience wonderful views of Tuhoe's sacred mountain, Maungapohatu and the magnificent expanse of Te Urewera National Park. Hear about the past practices and traditions of harvesting kereru (native wood pigeon) and other stories of this ancient trail.

From Rotorua we drive about 1.5 hrs to the summit of Tarapounamu - a place of special significance to the local Tuhoe people. Your trekking experience starts in virgin beech forest following a major ridgeline, before eventually dropping down into indigenous podocarp and broadleaf forest. Along the way you will encounter a wide variety of indigenous birdlife including kereru, tui, bellbirds, fantails, and kaka. Our guides will also show you places of historical significance and point out some plants used in traditional Maori food and rongoa (medicine).

On the way back to Rotorua there is an optional stop off at some natural hot pools for a soothing dip.

This trek takes about 6-7 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent rests. This is a true wilderness trek with no formed trails. The terrain is rugged and of gentle to moderate steepness. This trek runs all year round with scheduled dates from October to April.

Fitness level needed: good to very good

Degree of difficulty: moderate

Price: NZ$195 adults, NZ$160 children (10-15 years)

Group size: 2 - 12 (treks can be organised for only one person but a minimum 2-person rate will apply)

Te Urewera Tree Planting Trek

New for the 2009/10 summer season, we are now offering a 1-day trekking and tree planting experience. During this trek you will experience the magnificence of virgin native forest as well as help us to restore native indigenous trees to areas previously stripped by native logging.

The day starts in Rotorua where you will be picked up by your local Maori guide for the day. The morning is spent walking in the magical Whirinaki Forest hearing the stories and legends of the Maori people from the area and the role that trees have played in the creation according to Maori.

After a delicious homemade lunch you undertake the planting of native New Zealand trees such as rimu, totara, matai and native beech that in 1000 years will be fully developed members of the podocarp and beech forests that dominate the Urewera region.

Your part in the restoration of this very special landscape gives you status as Kaitiaki Tautoko, or honorary guardian of the forest. And for every visitor participating in this experience we donate NZ$25 to the Te Urewera Rainforest Restoration Trust as a contribution towards the ongoing restoration and management of the forest. As an added bonus, you will also be helping to offset some of your carbon miles.

This trek runs all year round with scheduled dates from November to March.

 

Degree of difficulty: easy

Price to 30 Sep 2011: NZ$290 adults, NZ$230 children (8-15 years)

Group size: 2 – 12 (treks can be organised for only one person but a minimum 2-person rate will apply)

All one-day treks include:

Pick up at 8.30am in Rotorua and drop off back in Rotorua about 6pm that evening

Lunch and snacks

All park fees

Maximum group size of twelve

At least one local Maori guide

 

What you need to bring:

Good walking boots or shoes, preferably with ankle support

Day pack to carry your water bottle, excess clothing and personal items (we can hire day packs on request at the time of booking)

Drink bottle filled with water

Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and hat

Layers of clothing e.g. woollen or polypropylene T-shirt, long-sleeved sweater, and waterproof jacket

Long, lightweight trousers are recommended

Swimsuit and towel (for the hot pool dip after the trek)

Don't forget your camera or video camera

We can store personal belongings that you don't want to carry with you on the trek