Waikaremoana Lake Track - Waiharuru Hut

We did this walk on New Zealand's first ever Matariki public holiday - 24 June 2022. Hopuruahine Landing to Waiharuru Hut and return. My husband project managed the building of this hut 20 years ago and, after living at Kaitawa for 8 years in the 90's, this was our first trip back since the land was returned to Tuhoe. No longer a National Park, the Visitor Centre we worked in has now been demolished, and DOC isn't running operations anymore. We didn't see anyone until the 2nd day, and had a 40 bunk hut all to ourselves!! This beautiful and timeless remote rainforest with no mobile phone signal is a great place to escape and recharge, and we heard kiwi during the night!!

Mokau Falls on the road to the track end

view from the road to Hopuruahine

misjudged the timing (my fault) and ended up walking the
last part in the dark!

soooo grateful for the dry firewood stacked next to the fire

amazing way to celebrate NZ's first Matariki public holiday!!

The building of this hut was Richard's project in 1999. A barge was used to transport building materials across the lake, and a canvas living space was created for 
the builders to stay in. 

Whanganui Hut, not open to the public anymore

Could smell this fish smoker as we wandered along the track!
Not a bad catch!