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98.7 km
~8 days
3315 m
Multi-Day
The Lake Waikaremoana Loop is a 98.7 km trail that starts in , Wairoa, New Zealand. Based on our data, the hike is graded as Extra Difficult. For information on how we grade trails, please read measuring the difficulty of a hiking trail on hiiker. Also, check our latest community posts for trail updates. This hike can be completed in approx 5 days. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info read about how we calculate hike time.
Activity types
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Lake Waikaremoana Loop take to hike?
The Lake Waikaremoana Loop is a 98.72 km multi-day route with 3,315 m of climbing, so it is a substantially bigger undertaking than the classic one-way Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. Strong backpackers usually plan for several days on the trail, and the Extra Difficult rating means daily distances, elevation, and logistics need careful pacing.
Is the Lake Waikaremoana Loop the same as the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk?
No. The classic Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is the well-known 46 km one-way track between Onepoto and Hopuruahine in Te Urewera, usually completed in 3 to 4 days. The Lake Waikaremoana Loop listed here is a much longer 98.72 km circuit with 3,315 m of elevation gain, so it is a different and more demanding route.
Is the Lake Waikaremoana Loop in New Zealand open right now?
The Lake Waikaremoana area and Great Walk network in Te Urewera are operating again, with bookings open for the 2026/27 season and the track described by the Department of Conservation as fully open again after repairs. Even so, conditions in this remote Wairoa backcountry can change quickly, so current alerts and access conditions should be checked before setting out.
Can you drive to the Lake Waikaremoana Loop trailheads?
Yes. Road access reaches the Lake Waikaremoana area, and Onepoto Road leads 10.3 km southeast from the visitor center area to the Great Walk start near Onepoto. The Āniwaniwa area is also reached by road and serves as a key access point for walks around the lake, so the loop is generally approached by vehicle rather than by urban transit.
Is the Lake Waikaremoana Loop a Great Walk in New Zealand?
Lake Waikaremoana is one of New Zealand’s Great Walk destinations, but the official Great Walk is the one-way Lake Waikaremoana Track rather than this full 98.72 km loop. This loop goes well beyond the standard Great Walk distance and, with 3,315 m of ascent, sits firmly in a more strenuous backcountry category.
Is the Lake Waikaremoana Loop one of the hardest hikes around Lake Waikaremoana?
Yes. With a total distance of 98.72 km, 3,315 m of elevation gain, and an Extra Difficult rating, the Lake Waikaremoana Loop is a far tougher objective than the standard 46 km Great Walk around the lake. The combination of length, cumulative climbing, and multi-day commitment makes it a serious endurance route in the Wairoa and Te Urewera area.
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