Te Urewera National Park

The lakes and forest areas of Te Urewera have given this park a name for wild, remote beauty. The park has an extensive track system, and the Lake Waikaremoana Track, at 46km long, is known as one of New Zealand's Great Walks. Huts are situated along the track and most can also be accessed by boat. Shorter walks include one up to the Lake Waikareiti.

Though much of the park isn't easily accessible, this has helped protect much native wildlife, and almost all North Island native forest birds can be seen to thrive in the park.

Te Urewera is home to the Tuhoe people or the 'Children of the Mist', in reference to the tradition that they are the offspring of Hine-puhoku-rangi, the celestial mist maiden.

Te Urewera National Park lies between the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay in the North Island. For more information about the park and how to prepare for your visit check out the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.