Lake Waikaremoana / Te Urewera National Park

Lake Waikaremoana, a scenic gem on the south eastern boundary of the majestic Te Urewera National Park, is 67km from Wairoa and 16Okm from Rotorua on State Highway 38.

Legend tells that long ago a chief, Maahu and his wife Kau Ariki lived with their eight children at Wairaumoana. The people of the area drew their water from two springs, Waikotikoti and Te Puna A Taupara. Waikotikoti was very tapu and the water from here was used for sacred purposes only, while the water from Te Puna A Taupara was for domestic use. One evening Maahu sent his children to fetch water to quench his thirst. However, six of the children brought water from the sacred spring Waikotikoti which was closer. When Maahu discovered this he flew into a rage and turned his children to stone, Te Whanau A Maahu - The Offspring of Maahu. Haumapuhia, the remaining daughter, searched for her father and found him still enraged at Waikotikoti. When Maahu saw Haumapuhia arrive he thought that she too planned to collect water from this sacred place. Outraged he grabbed her and drowned her in the water. She immediately became a taniwha and like all good taniwha had an uncontrollable urge to reach the great ocean of Kiwa. First she thrust north but was barred by the Huiarau Range and so the Whanganui Inlet was gouged out. Next she thrust eastward and the Whanganui 0 Parua arm was formed. One after the other the arms of the lake were made in this fashion. Haumapuhia's fast desperate attempt to escape was made at Te Wharawhara near Onepoto. She forced her way through the narrow barrier but as she emerged head first she was overtaken by daylight, fatal to taniwha, and turned to stone. There she still lies buried in the bed of the Waikaretaheke River.

Geologists have established that about 2200 years ago a colossal landslide, 8km long and 4km wide and composed of huge sandstone slabs, blocked the course of the Waikaretaheke River and so formed Lake Waikaremoana. One enormous block is claimed to be 3km long and 1km wide. The resultant lake is large and deep containing about 9 cubic kilometres of water and having an area of 5500ha with the greatest depth being about 256m. The lake is 610m above sea level thus providing considerable potential energy for power generation. The three hydro-electric stations, Kaitawa, Tuai and Piripaua in the valley below, contribute about 500OGWh annually to the country's requirements.

Te Urewera National Park is the third largest in New Zealand extending over some 225,000ha and is the largest untouched native forest area remaining in the North Island. Few places in New Zealand have such a wide botanical variation as is found in Te Urewera National Park. It ranges from luxuriant kohekohe forest in the lowland to mountain beech on the mountain tops. Birdlife, although not obvious at first, is plentiful and up to thirty-five fully protected native species may be seen or heard. New Zealand's only two native land mammals, both species of bats, occur in this park. They are strictly protected. Skinks and geckos are also found here. The lakes and rivers of Te Urewera National Park contain some of the finest waters for trout in New Zealand. Trout were first introduced here in 1896 when brown and rainbow trout were released at Onepoto. Because of easy access most anglers are attracted to the lakes but for those who prefer the solitude of more remote areas many Urewera rivers provide excellent fishing.

From pre-European days the Urewera area has been the home of the Tuhoe who learned to live in harmony with the dense native forest and the harsh conditions. Because of the environment and its isolation this area became a stronghold of the Tuhoe who guarded it fiercely and have been able to retain their separate identity longer than most other tribes.

The Rev. William Williams is believed to have been the first European to have sighted and crossed Lake Waikaremoana. While on route from Gisborne to Rotorua with several local guides, he arrived at the bluff overlooking the lake, on 25 November 1840. As weather conditions were far from ideal there was a two day wait before he and his party were able to cross the lake in canoes supplied and paddled by local Maori. From Hopuruahine Stream they then continued by foot to Rotorua. Missionary visits by several denominations continued to the area until the rise of the Hauhau influence in 1865 when missionary activity ceased for about half a century.

In an attempt to stem the spread of Hauhauism in the 1860s, an Armed Constabulary outpost was established at Onepoto. Near the parade ground, overlooking Lake Waikaremoana is an explanatory noticeboard. Following his defeat at Ngatapa in 1868, Te Kooti fled to the dense Urewera forest and the Tuhoe people. After some years of fighting, the Tuhoe decided to make peace so Te Kooti retired to the King Country to live in exile until pardoned in 1883.

The Maori prophet, Rua Kenana also influenced development in the region. Around 1906 he set up his own religious group at Maungapohatu encouraging his followers to clear bush, grow grass and raise sheep and cattle. Rua is remembered as the first Maori leader to bring prosperity to the valleys of the Urewera and it is partly due to his power of persuasion in getting Maori owners to sell land to the Crown that this tremendous and unspoiled park will remain for all New Zealanders to enjoy.

Many walking tracks used by the ancient Maori have become roads and this area was no exception. However the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions added to the difficulty and although a vehicular road was completed to the Mokau Fails by 1899 it was not until 1930 that the through road to Rotorua was opened to traffic.

The first lodging house in the Waikaremoana area was built about 1874 near the A.C. Redoubt and was used until 1900. In 1903 Lake House on Whaitiri Point was officially opened and accommodation continued to be available until 1972. Today the site has been developed as a bushwalk suitable for disabled persons and wheelchairs.

The Department of Conservation cares for Te Urewera National Park and the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre. Officially opened in 1976, the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre, picturesquely nestled amongst the trees, houses displays, audiovisual material and park information. It is open every day except Christmas Day.

Waikaremoana Motor Camp on the lake shore at Home Bay is a fully equipped camping ground providing cabins, chalets, motels, caravan and tent sites. The camp shop sells basic supplies and petrol.

Te Urewera National Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, both active and passive and suitable for all ages. Hunting for deer and pigs is encouraged permits must be obtained. Fishing for both rainbow and brown trout in the lakes and rivers is excellent - anglers require a Rotorua Trout Fishing District Licence. Tramping is available thoughout the park from short relaxed walks to longer expeditions - leave your itinerary at Park Headquarters.

All forms of water sport can be enjoyed with boat ramps at various signposted locations. Camping areas and picnic spots are signposted around the lake.

Cats, dogs, horses or any other animals may not be brought into the National Park area.