Booking Policies

Booking and Cancellation: A minimum charge deposit of $350 per night for lodge bookings and $60 per night for campsite bookings will be required to confirm bookings. The deposit is refundable in full if you cancel your booking at least 8 weeks prior to the start date of your booking. If you cancel within the 8 week period immediately prior to your booking, or if you fail to show up on your booking dates, the deposit will be retained by Ngatuhoa Lodge. We reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time if we believe that your intended use of the facility does not accord with lodge policies; capacity limits may be exceeded; Environmental or severe weather concerns or Government or public health orders require closure or restrictions on the facilities; your intended use of the facilities will put staff, visitors, park buildings and facilities or wildlife at risk. If we cancel your booking for above reasons, your deposit will be non-refundable. We reserve the right to cancel your booking without reason at any time 4 weeks prior to the start date of your booking. If we cancel your booking without reason, your deposit will be refunded in full.

Commercial use: Ngatuhoa Lodge, including the campsite, is intended primarily for educational, community, and recreational use. It may not be booked for outright commercial purposes, as we seek to preserve the lodge’s focus as a place of learning and connection with nature.

Check in & out times: Lodge and campsite bookings are welcome to check in anytime from 3pm on the first day of their booking and must leave no later than 2pm on the final day.

Terms & Conditions of Use: Ngatuhoa Lodge is a charitable organization situated on Department of Conservation (DOC) land. The Lodge provides accommodation and various activities for educational and school groups, as well as private bookings, subject to availability. While Ngatuhoa Lodge will take all reasonable measures to create and maintain a safe environment for guests using its facilities and participating in its activities, certain risks and responsibilities remain outside the control of Ngatuhoa Lodge. By making a booking, you acknowledge and accept that Ngatuhoa Lodge is not liable for, nor does it have a duty to manage, the following: Use of DOC Trails: Guests are responsible for their own safety while hiking on the various DOC trails surrounding the lodge and campsite. Medical Needs: Guests are responsible for managing their own medical needs, including but not limited to dietary requirements, epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens), inhalers, and any other medical conditions that may present heightened risks. Adult Supervision: It is the responsibility of the booking party to arrange for competent adult supervision for all activities conducted at the lodge. Road Conditions: Ngatuhoa Lodge is not responsible for the safety or condition of the roads leading to the lodge. Guests travel to and from the lodge at their own risk.

Behaviour expectations: All visitors are expected to respect the environment by protecting plants and wildlife, staying on marked tracks, and taking special care around the many waterfalls and waterways. We ask that staff, leaders, and fellow guests are treated with courtesy, and that all facilities and equipment are used responsibly. Groups should recognise and appreciate the cultural heritage of the land and its significance to local iwi, while also valuing the unique character of the site with its rich trails and natural features. By booking and participating, all groups agree to uphold these expectations so that Ngatuhoa Lodge remains a safe, inspiring, and sustainable place for future generations.

Booking size limits: No more than 80 people are permitted to stay in main lodge area. No more than 40 people are permitted to stay in the campsite.

Risk Awareness: The activities and facilities at Ngatuhoa Lodge inherently involves risks and potential hazards. By making a booking you agree that you have been made aware that participating in the activities offered by Ngatuhoa Lodge can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. These risks could result in injury (physical or mental) or even death. Participation in the activities are voluntary and not mandatory. Access to all the relevant risk disclosure, analysis & management can be found on the Ngatuhoa Lodge website for activities offered by Ngatuhoa Lodge.

Health & Safety Policy: Ngatuhoa lodge is a hazardous area. Water Hazards are present. Group leaders are required to make sure their group is aware of the policies outlined in this docuemnt, the relevant standard operating procedure forms (SOP’s) and the outlined hazards therein. These documents can be found here (SOP’s)

General Activity Usage: All activities at Ngatuhoa Lodge are to be used in accordance with their SOP (standard operating procedure) and RAMS form (Risk Assessment Method Statement). These can be found on the website or at the lodge upon request. By making a booking at Ngatuhoa Lodge you agree to use all the activities correctly and take responsibility for organising the various activity facilitators needed to operate safely. You also agree to take responsibility when or if errors, malpractice and incorrect use result in injuries and potentially death while using an activity at Ngatuhoa Lodge. You agree that ultimately it is the responsibility of the school, group leader, or person(s) who made the booking if injuries or death occur while staying at Ngatuhoa Lodge and/or using any of the activities found there.

Adventure activities (Zipline & Abseil): The zipline can only be operated by trained persons approved by the lodge custodian. The abseil can only be used by professionally trained individuals. Use of the zipline & abseil involves an element of risk including but are not limited to falls from heights of up to 20 meters,risk of fingers, hands, hair or clothing getting caught in moving zipline trolleys, exposure-related issues due to weather conditions, slips, trips, and falls, falling objects from above, like tree branches, epiphytes or abseil equipment.

Drug & Alcohol: At Ngatuhoa Lodge, your safety and the safety of our staff, family, and all visitors are paramount. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. We strictly prohibit the use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances is strictly prohibited on the Ngatuhoa Lodge premises. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana (where illegal), narcotics, and synthetic substances. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use. Any violation will result in immediate termination of the booking, and guests will be asked to leave the premises. Law enforcement may be notified if necessary. Alcohol use is not permitted by staff or students during any school camp. Ngatuhoa Lodge is a completely smoke free and vape free environment, both indoors and outdoors at all times.

Damages to Property or Equipment: If equipment is damaged due to improper use, you will be charged replacement costs. If damages are made to any structure due to reckless behaviour you will be held responsible for repairs and the associated costs.

Restricted areas: Guests are not permitted to enter the workshop, go behind the toilet blocks or enter the custodians private residence unless otherwise authorized.

Rubbish Disposal: A $500 fee will be applied if your group leaves rubbish at the lodge that needs to be removed by a lodge volunteer or our custodian. All rubbish, including food and cardboard, must be taken out with the group who made the booking.

Cleaning: All areas used by the booked group must be cleaned by the group before they checkout. Cleaning supplies will be provided by Ngatuhoa Lodge. A $500 fee will be applied if your group does not sufficiently clean up.

Hunting & Fishing: We do not allow any hunting to be conducted from our premisis or through any of the private land blocks en route to Ngatuhoa Lodge. No eeling. Fishing can be conducted with the correct licence.

Dogs: Due to several factors, we do not allow dogs to be brought onto our site.

Pest Control: We expect all guests to take care not to introduce any unwanted or invasive plants, mosses, pests, or pathogens into our area. Please ensure that boots, wetsuits, and clothing that may have come into contact with these organisms are thoroughly cleaned before arrival.

Noise: As the custodian resides near the main lodge, we ask that loud music and activities in and around the lodge be kept quiet after 10:30 pm

Fires: Fires must not be lit anywhere apart from designated areas such as fireplaces, cooking areas, marshal heaters etc.

Gate Access: The access gate on Omanawa road must not be left open. 

Children: Children aged 5 and under stay free of charge.