Frequently Asked Questions

Ngatuhoa lodge is in the Kaimai-Mamaku ranges approx. 40 minutes drive from Tauranga central.

Click here for the road map

No. However, it is possible for the nearby campsite to be booked separately to the main lodge facility.

Groups who have booked the campsite only do not have access to the main lodge facilities but do have access to all activities apart from abseiling (A separate $250 charge per group).

No. All weekend booking are for a minimum of two nights and are restricted to a Friday check in and a Sunday afternoon checkout.

Yes. There is another lodge on this road as well as other users. Please be extremely careful when navigating your way to or from the lodge.

Many activities involve getting wet and dirty. We advise bringing old clothing; wool or polypropylene is recommended over cotton.

A suggested individual gear list includes:

• Sneakers, running-shoes, boots or sandals. Jandals are not recommended.
• 4 pairs of socks, preferably wool
• 2 pairs shorts
• 1 pair track pants or similar
• 2 wool jerseys/bush shirt/swanndri/polar fleece
• 2 shirts, preferably wool
• Raincoat
• Sunhat and beanie
• Bathing suit, nightclothes
• Personal toilet gear including 2 towels and any medication needs
• Sleeping bag and/or blankets, pillow & pillowcase
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Tea towel
• Plastic plate, bowl, mug, cutlery and a few clothes pegs.

The group must bring;

• First aid kit - including insect repellent and antihistamines for wasp or bee stings
• Toilet paper
• Cleaning needs - dish detergent, tea towels, disinfectant, pot scrubbers etc

The road from Omanawa to Ngatuhoa is a private road, through private land owned by the Ngamanawa Incorporation. The park boundary is just above Ngatuhoa Lodge. 

The road is administered by Trustpower to give access to hydro-generation works. It has a locked gate, and your booking will include instructions on obtaining the key.

• Keep gates shut or locked
• Drive with your lights on
• Maintain substantial distance between vehicles driving behind any dust created by the vehicle in front.
• Keep to speed limit of 25km/hr

All users of the road are required to be familiar with the hazards listed below, and to use the roads and waterways in a responsible manner and in accordance with the rules. Trustpower reserves the right to exclude any person or vehicle abusing these rules.

• The road is loose metal with tight corners and steep hills. 
• Drivers need to look out for works trucks.
• Front wheel drive vehicles pulling trailers can lose traction on the steep uphill grades. We strongly advise using rear-wheel drive or 4WD vehicles for towing.
• If using a bus, please ensure bus drivers are experienced in these conditions. As the road passes through managed forest, it is recommended that all vehicles be aware of the risk of fire.

Once parked at the lodge in the designated parking area, vehicles must not be used except in an emergency. All excursions should be on foot.

Please take notice of warning signs indicating;

• Construction and maintenance vehicles
• Overhead power lines
• One-way bridges
• Stock wandering
• Slips, washouts, flooding
• Fallen trees
• Deceptive bends
• Rough surface
• Steep and hilly
• Dusty, narrow, winding

NO. Please respect the security requirements.

• The gate must not be left open and unattended
• Groups entering or leaving must always travel in convoy under a responsible leader
• The leader must open the gate and see that it is shut and locked when the last vehicle has gone through.
• Read more about Gate Access here