BOP Yakity Yak Kayak Club > Lake Waikaremoana
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Lake Waikaremoana
(last update 21st March 2012) -departure time adjusted on Friday 23rd (on advice that the gravel road is really slow!) - now meet 6:45am, leave by 7:15am Lake Waikaremoana is located in Te Urewera National Park in the North Island of New Zealand, 60 kilometres northwest of Wairoa and 80 kilometres southwest of Gisborne. It covers an area of 54 km². From the Maori Waikaremoana translates as 'sea of rippling waters'  We'll be travelling to the lake on Friday 23rd with the subaru (the trailerwon't be available . Car pooling is advisable and be aware that it is a long, long, bendy unsealed road to get to the lake. We'll be staying at the Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp and will use this as the base to paddle out from each day. The weather at the lake can be very temperamental so having a base will mean we have access to alternative things to do if we can't kayak, plus a hot shower! Accommodation I have booked the cheapest accommodation available which is the bunkhouse which sleeps 10. The bunkhouse availability will be on a first come first serve basis (this will cost between $16 per night based on 10 sharing). Chalets cost $90 for 2 people a night, cabins cost $55 for 2 people a night. Camping is available if preferred. Can people let me know if they want the bunkhouse as I will need to book your place in advance. If you pefer a cabin or chalet or to camp, please book directly with the campsite. Bring bedding / sleeping bags. Updated Trip Plan The following are listed to come on this trip (if you do not see your name when you think you should or something is incorrect please let me know asap):
Updated Trip Plan Friday 23rd March - meet at the shop at 6:45am to car pool - depart by 7:15am. Drive to Mokau Inlet boat ramp (off Waikaremoana Road) at Lake Waikaremoana, on route to Motor Camp. Arrive here at around 11:45am. Paddle from out of the Mokau Inlet and up the Whanganui Inlet passed the Waihirere Bluff & Falls towards the Te Anaputaputa Cave, stopping for lunch in one of the bays. We'll then paddle back to the boat ramp. In total it should about a 12km paddle. All your gear/valuables will need to be packed in to your kayak as I have been advised that some locals can take an interest in your vehicles here. After the paddle we will then drive on to the motor camp. Plan B : If anyone feel uncomfortable with the situation when we get to the Boat Ramp we will continue on to the Lake Waikaremoana Motor Camp and paddle from there instead towards the Matuahu Point and back. Saturday 24th March - Be ready to launch at 9am from the Motor Camp. Take all your gear plus food for an overnight stay (just in case the weather closes in and we have to camp out).The aim is to paddle to Te Kaungaomanaia (the Narrows) about 14 kms from the Motor Camp (slightly less if we don't hug the coastline). We'll lunch in a suitable bay the other side of the narrows before heading back across the lake. Be prepared for a paddle for up to 30kms! This day will be very dependent on the weather and wind direction. Other shorter alternative paddles are available or if it's really bad on the water we'll go tramping instead. Sunday 25th March - Ready to launch by 9am from the Motor Camp. Paddle to the Onepoto Bay Boat Ramp about 7kms away and then a short walk to the Onepoto Caves. Lunch and then return to the motor camp before departing for Tauranga in the late afternoon.  A good level of paddling fitness will be required for this trip as well as full sea kayaks (no sit-ons or recreational short sit-ins on this trip, sorry). Kayaks and equipment can be hired for the trip. You need to provide your own food and drink (for on and off the water) for each day. There will be a fee to cover the cost of the bunkhouse for those booked to use it. Below is a list of recommended gear you should bring with you that will need to go in your kayak each day. Other gear will be provided by the leaders and remaining gear will stay at the Motor Camp. Basic Kayak Gear List Kayak Paddle (spare split set if possible) Spraydeck PFD Paddle Float Bilge Pump Thermal Base layers (tops and bottoms) Waterproof Jacket Waterproof/wetsuit trousers Shorts Booties Hat Whistle Knife Sling / tape line with karabiner Dry Bag containing spare set of base layers Dry bag for food/drink Dry bag for phone & keys Suncream Bug Spray 1st Aid Kit Repair Kit for boat (duct tape etc) Headlight/torch Emergency shelter / Tarp (if you have one) - good for kayak sailing too! Food & plenty of drinking water Anyone with a VHF radio please bring it along Other items Bring walking boots and waterproofs in case we go tramping instead of kayaking if the weather is poor. Bedding / sleeping bag. All participants of trips need to be current members of the Yakity Yak Club and have completer a 2 day Sea Kayak Skills Course. Contact Estelle on 07 5747415 for further information and to book your place on the trip asap as places will be limited.
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