We chose Lake Waikaremoana
We have chosen Lake Waikaremoana as our virtual walk as it is the walk that is closest to us. We would like to find more out about the special gems in the North Island. Lake Waikaremoana is also where 'Harry Wakatipu' is set. That is the book we are reading. You can learn about it under another tab.
'History of the Lake' by Jameel
Lake Waikaremoana was once the Waikaretaheke River. But a landslide blocked the river and formed a dam the water pressure went very high and the river exploded which broke the outsides of the river but leaving the dam exactly where it was. All the water from the river started to pour into the deep pit. After a few years later the pit of 248 metres filled with fresh water. Trout started to come up through the Waikaretaheke River. These are the birds that live in the forests around the lake: The Morepork, Kakariki, bellbird, the rifleman and the north island brown kiwi. The area is made out of sandstone, mud and rocks all million years old. Lake Waikaremoana was thought to be a gift of Ruamoko and Haumietekiteki for fresh water and trout.
The lake has much more history that I haven’t talked about, for more info go to DOC.govt.nz
The lake has much more history that I haven’t talked about, for more info go to DOC.govt.nz
'Kiwi recovery work' by Fiona, Lucy.P and Aaliya
An average of 27 kiwi are killed by predators EVERY WEEK. That’s a population decline of around 1,400 kiwi every year (or 2%). At this rate, kiwi may disappear from the mainland in our lifetime. Just one hundred years ago, kiwi numbered in the millions.
A single roaming dog can wipe out an entire kiwi population in a matter of days.
Kiwis eat worms and other smaller insects and bugs.
Kiwis also eat berries, seeds and some leaves. Species include totara, hinau, miro and various coprosma and hebe.
A single roaming dog can wipe out an entire kiwi population in a matter of days.
Kiwis eat worms and other smaller insects and bugs.
Kiwis also eat berries, seeds and some leaves. Species include totara, hinau, miro and various coprosma and hebe.
Some unusual foods
Brown kiwi are known to eat bracket fungi and frogs. They are also known to capture and eat freshwater crayfish/koura. In captivity, kiwi have fished eels/tuna out of a pond, subdued them with a few whacks, and eaten them.
There are approximately 70,000 kiwi left in all of New Zealand.
Brown kiwi are known to eat bracket fungi and frogs. They are also known to capture and eat freshwater crayfish/koura. In captivity, kiwi have fished eels/tuna out of a pond, subdued them with a few whacks, and eaten them.
There are approximately 70,000 kiwi left in all of New Zealand.
'Activities on the lake' - Summarised by Fiona
#1. Day 1 at Onepoto Hut walking to Panekire Hut 4-9 hours
9km
Panekire make it worthwhile because of its view there.
The walk/track starts from the Onepoto shelter you go
through Armed Constabulary Redoubt Parade Ground
before carefully climbing up to the top of Panekire
Bluff. Then follow the undulating ridgeline before
reaching Puketapu Trig (1180 metres) then to Panekire
Hut is ahead.
#2. Day 2 at Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut 3-4 hours 8km
From Panekire Hut, the track leads Southwest down
the top of Panekire descent. The track is very steep
off the range into rolling valleys of beech , podocarp
and kāmahi forest and the lake.
#3. Day 3 at Waiopaoa Hut to Marauiti Hut 5 hours 12km
Walk to Waiopaoa stream a short distance before
crossing grassy flats and heading through kānuka
forest on lake shore. The track weaves through rimu
wooded areas along the lake edge to Marauiti Hut.
#4. Day4 at Marauiti Hut to Hopuruahine landing 4-6 hours
17km
Another moderate day of walking with plenty of
fantastic photo opportunities and chances to relax
beside the lakes edge. From Waiharuru Hut, the track
goes over the Pukehoe ridge following the kiwi
enclosure fence line down all the way to Tapuaenui
Campsite The track ends with a classic New Zealand
suspension bridge. Trips ends