From Napier to Wairoa on State Highway is about 1.5 hours and from there an hour to Waikarwemoana on State Highway 38. There are a few sections (about 7 km) of unpaved road before reaching Te Urewera Park and the start of the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. From the Rotorua side, State Highway 38 travels through the Kaingaroa Forest to Murupara, a small forestry town. The Whirinaki Forest Park turn off is located at Te Wahati, approximately 38 km further along. From there the road is unpaved for 70 km or so as it climbs and winds its way through the ranges of the park. The short section of paved road through the small settlement of Ruatahuna is surrounded by forested mountains and is well off the beaten track. Winding its way past native forest, mountain streams, waterfalls and lake shore cliffs, the road reaches the Conservation Visitor Centre, the starting point for many Lake Waikaremoana short walks.
From Gisborne:
From Napier:
From Rotorua: