Activities

All the things you can do while staying at the Lodge

The Lodge was designed and built for school camps. The goal is to give students the opportunity to learn about and enjoy Northland’s native forests. To achieve this, we have a range of outdoor activities that are available for anyone that uses the Lodge. Being located in a Department of Conservation (DOC) reserve, the Lodge is at the start of a network of tracks maintained by DOC.

Bush Walks and Tramps

These tracks range from a short stroll suitable for most fitness levels to a full day’s hike across the ranges for the more experienced. Check out our Tramping page for details.

Burma Trail

There is a 300m long rope trail running from the Lodge road, through the bush, across a small stream and ending just below the Lodge. It is great fun to follow in the dark of night.

Confidence Course

This course, built with the help of the New Zealand Navy, provides challenges and fun for all age groups. It includes rope walks and climbs and swings, wall climbs and a flying fox. The confidence course and harnesses available at the Lodge are regularly inspected and maintained.

Bivouac Building

There is a spot near the main clearing that is frequently used for building bivouacs. You can find piles of materials to build your own or fix up one left by others. Building a shelter in the bush is a great learning and team building experience.

Possum Trap Line

As part of our conservation efforts we have created a trap line for Lodge visitors to use. The line consists of 13 traps that are simple to use and can be baited with simple ingredients such as apples and peanut butter.

Camping Out

There are clearings and grassed areas right next to the Lodge and out past the Confidence Course that are suitable for pitching tents. A great way for the kids to get the independent experience without being far from base.

Swimming Hole

There are numerous streams running through the Tangihuas. The cool, clear stream below the grassed area on the way to the Confidence Course has a swimming hole in a beautiful shaded spot.

Orienteering

There are two orienteering courses set-up around the Lodge, a long one and a shorter one.

Female weta found in a bait station in the lodge conservation area

Nature Identification

The Tangihua Ranges contain a variety of different habitats filled with a variety of native flora and fauna. This website has detailed information on the types of habitats, plants, birds, insects and even fish that you might find if you search hard enough.

To enquiry about or book the Tangihua Lions Lodge, click here.

You may be interested in our conservation project aiming to restore the forest. If so, visit our conservation page.