Whirinaki Urewera Combo

This 2-day trek gives you the best of both the Whirinaki and Te Urewera - magnificent indigenous podocarp and beech forests as well as expansive views over Te Urewera.

From Rotorua we travel 1.5hrs to the start of the trek at Tarapounamu - a place of special significance to the local Tuhoe people. We start the trek through beech forest along a major ridgeline where you will experience fantastic views over the expanse of Te Urewera. This is a true wilderness walk with no formed trails but follows an old Maori trail. Along the way our guides will show you places of historical significance and point out some plants used in traditional Maori food and rongoa (medicine). You may also encounter wild deer or pigs.

We overnight in a comfortable private bush camp, with hot showers, a BBQ dinner and good New Zealand wine.

On day two we travel to the Whirinaki Forest Park. We enter the forest following a loop trail through enormous podocarp trees including rimu, matai, miro, kahikatea and more. Along the way we 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 an optional soothing dip.

Day one is a wilderness trek over rugged terrain and is of moderate difficulty. It takes about 6-7 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent rests. Day two follows well formed trails of gentle to moderate steepness. Day two takes about 4-5 hours including breaks.

A range of treks are scheduled between October and April.

Fitness level needed: very good

Degree of difficulty: moderate to difficult

Price: NZ$485 adults, NZ$415 children (10-15 years)

Group size: 2 - 12 (treks can be organised for only one person at the two person rate i.e. NZ$970)

Departure Dates:

2011: 21 Oct, 9 Nov, 7 Dec, 19 Dec

2012: 21 Jan, 4 Feb, 16 Feb, 3 Mar, 21 Mar, 30 Mar, 12 Apr, 28 Apr, 7 May

Two-day trek includes:

Pick up at 8.30am in Rotorua and drop off back in Rotorua about 5.30pm the next day

Day 1: lunch, dinner and snacks

Day 2: breakfast, lunch and snacks

All park fees

All camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, pillows, pillow cases, camp stretchers, etc)

At least one local Maori guide

 

What you need to bring:

Good walking boots or shoes, preferably with ankle support

Overnight pack for clothing and personal items

Day pack for carrying drink bottle, camera and extra clothes for walking e.g. rain jacket

Drink bottle filled with water

Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and hat

Torch

Camera or video camera

Long, lightweight trousers are recommended

Layers of clothing e.g. woollen or polypropylene T-shirt, long-sleeved sweater, and waterproof jacket (additional warm clothes recommended for the evening - it can get cold)

Underwear, socks, pyjamas, towel & swimsuit

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