Access

The start of the track is signposted opposite the parking bay 200 metres north of the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre.

Track

This wide, even and well graded track climbs steadily but gently through red and silver beech forest to a day shelter on the shores of Lake Waikareiti. (1¼ hours). There are nearby toilets.

Geology

Because Lake Waikareiti is landlocked, populations of aquatic species may be genetically distinct, although further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. The exceptionally high water quality is partly due to the fact the lake is free of introduced aquatic macrophytes. As such, it forms a useful baseline for scientists studying other modified habitats.

The story of the lake’s formation is different to that of its larger sibling. 18,000 years ago, a 10 km wide slab of rock fractured from its underlying foundations and slid from the smooth slope to the north-west. The start of the walk at SH 38 is the foot of the debris.

The resulting landscape is one of hummocks and hollows, infilled with wetlands and lakelets. The poor drainage in the areas of low relief inhibits forest growth, exposing the areas to extremes of weather.

Flora

Alpine plants thrive outside their normal range and unique vegetation assemblages occur.

Fauna

Six forested islands are sprinkled throughout the lake, their bulbous forms disguising its true size. Rahui Island, the largest, is free of possums and suffers only occasional rat infestations. A small landing on the northern side accesses a ladder to a tiny lake. This has the distinction of being ‘a lake on an island in a lake on an island’.

European History

The lake was first seen by European eyes in 1871 by Sergeant Bluett while searching for Te Kooti.

The lake was sold to the Crown in 1921 by local Maori, who found little use for it because it was lacking in resources.