I Chased Sunrise Above the Clouds in Te Urewera | Panekire Summit

We woke up at 3:30AM for a mission into one of New Zealand’s most remote and beautiful landscapes — Te Urewera. After a 1.5 hour drive along rough gravel roads from Ruatahuna to the Onepoto Trailhead, we began our climb up the legendary Panekire Ridge at Lake Waikaremoana. As the darkness faded, the journey rewarded us with incredible views across the wilderness — ancient native forest, golden sunrise light, and a surreal cloud inversion floating above the lake below. Reaching the summit was an unforgettable moment. After the climb, we slowed down, took in the views, and enjoyed a well-earned coffee above the clouds. This was one of those mornings that reminds you why we chase adventure — the early alarms, the rough roads, and the hard climbs are always worth it when you reach places like this. Join us as we explore the wild beauty of Te Urewera and experience Panekire Ridge at sunrise. Tiktok: bk_valor Instagram: bk.valor #TeUrewera #LakeWaikaremoana #PanekireRidge #NewZealandHiking #NZAdventure #OutdoorAdventure