20 March 2009
Gisborne Herald
By Martin Gibson
Lake Waikaremoana has been ranked as the best multi-day tramp in New Zealand, and a guided walk around the lake was third-best guided walk, in the latest "Wilderness" magazine.
The Waikaremoana Great Walk, which rarely appears on New Zealand's international tourism marketing, edged out Milford Track - often rated as one of the world's best walks.
Whakatane guides Rob Franklin and Hilary Sheaff, who own and operate Walking Legends, also beat companies operating in Milford Sound.
The couple put their success down to having worked hard over the past six years to run their hikes as smoothly, safely and enjoyably for their guests as possible.
People's enjoyment came to a large extent from the quality of the walk itself, said Mr Franklin.
"The track circumnavigates pristine Lake Waikaremoana, nestled amongst the rugged mountains of Te Urewera, and boasts secluded bays, some of the most impressive native forest in the country, breath-taking views over the lake, mountains and Pacific Ocean, and a fascinating and at times stormy history."
Following the success of their venture at the lake, the Whakatane couple extended their range of walking packages in 2007 to include a four-day excursion amid the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
The 46km Lake Waikaremoana track is situated in Te Urewera National Park, approximately 150km from Whakatane. The park contains the largest tract of untouched indigenous forest remaining in the North Island, and is one of the most diverse botanical regions in the country with over 650 different plant species. Rare native bird species, such as the brown kiwi, blue duck and kokako, are found in the park.
The Lake Waikaremoana track and Tongariro Alpine Crossing are two of New Zealand's nine Great Walks, and the only two in the North Island.
People who would like to tramp around Lake Waikaremoana will be pleased to know the Department of Conservation (DoC) has frozen fees for huts and campgrounds on public conservation land this year.
"In these challenging economic times it is common sense to ensure that people can continue to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about increased charges," said Al Morrison, the director general of conservation.
"The family-friendly policy of the Great Walks being free to under 18s will be retained."
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