This
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$425 adults, NZ$355 children (10-12 years)
Group size:
2 - 12 (treks can be organised for only one person at the two
person rate i.e. NZ$850)
Pick up
at 9am 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
Tree Planting Option
In
conjunction with local Maori, Te Urewera Treks is committed to
restoring native trees to areas of Te Urewera previously
stripped by logging. If you would like to help in this
endeavour, we offer a native tree planting option as part of this
two-day trek for an additional
NZ$100. Visit
www.restorerainforest.comfor more information on the Te Urewera Rainforest
Restoration Project that we are involved with.
Good walking boots or shoes, preferably with ankle support
Overnight pack to carry your drink bottle, clothing,
and personal items
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)
We can
also store personal belongings that you don't want to carry
with you on the trek
