Te Urewera Treks

Te Urewera Treks offers a range of unique 1- to 3-day wilderness treks in the vast and magnificent indigenous forests of Te Urewera and Whirinaki, just over an hours’ drive from Rotorua. Our local Maori guides bring the forests alive with their extensive knowledge of the area’s history, Maori legends, wildlife and traditional uses for native plants.

All treks include return shuttle to Rotorua, meals, accommodation (for overnight treks) and an optional hot pool dip at the end.

ONE-DAY TREKS:

The Whirinaki Loop (1-day): enjoy a day trekking through the ancient podocarp trees of the world-renowned Whirinaki Forest - British botanist David Bellamy called it ‘one of the great forests of the world’. Enjoy the abundant birdlife, crystal clear waterfalls, and a relaxing natural hot pool on the way home. The trek includes lunch, snacks and return shuttle from Rotorua. 4-5hrs of relatively easy walking on well formed trails. Adult: NZ$175pp Child (8-12yrs): NZ$140.

Te Urewera Ridgeline (1-day): this trek offers magnificent views over Te Urewera National Park to Tuhoe’s (local Maori tribe) sacred mountain Maungapohatu. Learn about local history, Maori legends and traditional food sources, again finishing with a dip in a natural hot pool. The trek includes lunch, snacks and return shuttle from Rotorua. 6-7hrs of walking on moderately difficult, unformed wilderness trails. Adult: NZ$175pp Child (10-12yrs): NZ$140.

Te Urewera Tree Planting Trek (1-day): enjoy a morning trekking in the amazing podocarp and beech trees of the virgin Whirinaki Forest and then spend the afternoon planting trees as part of a forest restoration project on Maori lands in Te Urewera. A great way to offset some of your carbon costs. The trek includes lunch, snacks and return shuttle from Rotorua. Adult: NZ$250pp Child (6-12yrs): NZ$195pp.

OVERNIGHT TREKS:

Te Urewera Whirinaki Combination (2-day): this trek combines the best of the Whirinaki and Te Urewera with magnificent indigenous forests and expansive views. We overnight in our private bush camp in large, comfortable tents with hot showers and all camping equipment provided. The trek includes all meals and return shuttle from Rotorua. Adults: NZ$425pp Child (10-12yrs): NZ$350pp.

Ultimate Te Urewera (3-day): starting in the immense podocarp forests of the Whirinaki and finishing beside the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana this 3-day trek takes in the two icons of Te Urewera. We spend the first night in our private bush camp in large, comfortable tents with hot showers and all camping equipment provided. The second night is at a Department of Conservation campsite. The trek includes all meals and return shuttle from Rotorua. Adults: NZ$675pp Child (10-12yrs): NZ$595pp.

Tree Planting Add On
A half-day tree planting option can be included into the two- and three- day trekking experiences for an extra NZ$100pp. The additional cost includes up to nine native tree seedlings for planting, a certificate, and a NZ$25 contribution to the local trust for the ongoing management of the trees.

PRIVATE BUSH CAMP:
Enjoy sleeping under the stars, surrounded by native forest, and situated beside a lovely stream.  In our small, private bush camp all the hard work is done with all camping equipment provided – large comfortable tents, camp beds, mattresses, sleeping bags, BBQ for cooking, hot showers and eco-toilet. NZ$30 per site (up to 2 people). NZ$10 for each extra person. Dinner, bed & breakfast: single NZ$90pp, twin share NZ$75pp.

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