History/Culture : Gisborne Accommodation, Gisborne Lodge, Hawkes Bay Accommodation, Waikaremoana Accommodation

Lake Whakamarino Lodge was built between 1925 and 1928 to house workers who built the hydro scheme that formed this beautiful lake. In 1995 the Lodge and grounds were returned by the Crown (NZ Government) to the original Maori iwi (tribe) Ngati Hinekura Te Whanaupani of Ngati Ruapani ki Waikaremoana.

The comprehensive Waikaremoana Hydro Scheme is now operated by Genesis

Children of the Mist

The remote nature of Te Urewera has for centuries cloaked and sheltered the Tuhoe and Ruapani, the local Maori people. Tuhoe spiritual and cultural traditions are closely linked with the forested hills of the national park.

In pre-European times, life was determined by the practical demands of an annual cycle of food gathering. Te Urewera nurtured an industrious and resilient people with strong links to the land. No part of the forest was left unexplored.

The Waikaremoana catchment is dotted with areas of private land; some held sacred by the Tuhoe and Ruapani people. Where the lake track crosses private land, you are welcome to pass through, but please stay on the marked track.

Natural History

Lake Waikaremoana was formed 2200 years ago by a huge landslide, which blocked a narrow gorge along the Waikaretaheke River. Water backed up behind this landslide to form a lake up to 248 metres deep. In 1946 a hydroelectric development lowered the lake level by 5 metres.

The area is formed from young mudstone, siltstone and sandstone, mostly about 10 -15 million years old. These sediments were originally part of the sea floor, but about two million years ago uplift brought them above sea level.

The mountains and hills of the area have been shaped by continuous erosion. Major valleys like Aniwaniwa have been carved deeply from soft mudstones, while the more solid sandstones have tended to form ridges like Panekiri.

The vegetation of the Waikaremoana area is like a great green cloak, mantling countless ridges and valleys. There are more than 650 types of native plant present in the park, some very rare. The vegetation pattern is ever changing; volcanic activity, fire, storms, possums and deer have modified the forest in many areas. The forest is regenerating along the shore where the lake level was lowered for power generation.

Many birds live in the forest. Among the more notable are kaka, kakariki, New Zealand robin, New Zealand falcon, rifleman, and at night, morepork and North Island brown kiwi. Grey, mallard and paradise ducks are common on the lake edge, and New Zealand scaup, kingfishers and white faced herons are found in sheltered areas.

Both of New Zealand's rare native bat species, the long-tailed and short-tailed, are present in the park.

Deer, pigs and possums are found throughout Te Urewera National Park. They compete with native wildlife for food. Possums also eat young birds and eggs.

Department of Conservation

A great way to see this magnificent sceney is to take a guided Eco-tour of Lake Waikaremoana. You can book your tour when you reserve your accommodation at Lake Whakamarino Lodge.

To Contact Us:
Ph : +64 6 837-3876 Fax: +64 6 837-3872 info@lakelodge.co.nz