Hiking and Bush Walking for School Groups

The Tangihua Lions Lodge is surrounded by tracks suitable for most ages and fitness levels

These walks are a great way for students to explore and learn about a native New Zealand forest.  This website has plenty of information about the native trees and plants, birds and insects you may find on your walk.

There are a range of walks that can be done starting at the Lodge.  All of these are along tracks are maintained by the Department of Conservation, so they are well marked, although some are better formed than others.

There is a range of walks, ranging from an easy stroll for most, to a challenge even for the fit. The walks that are suitable for your group depends on the age group and the fitness levels of both the students, and the adults.

Talking a group of students in to the bush can be a little daunting. Check out our pdf for suggestions on what you need and how to prepare.

Easy, short walks

Nature Trail

The Nature Trail is a well formed track with an easy gradient that goes past a wide variety of trees and plants.  The trail starts on the road into the Lodge and is easy to spot.  The walk up the road to start, along the trail and back to the Lodge takes around 1 ½ hours. 

Kauri Dam

The Kauri Dam walk starts near the turning circle on the road into the Lodge.  The track is short but steep in places.  It ends at a viewing area that looks out over the remnants of a dam that was built during the days of kauri logging. The walk from the Lodge to the dam and back again will take around 40 mins.

Easy, but slightly longer

Kauri Grove

The walk to the Kauri Grove is along a well formed track that follows the valley away from the Lodge.  As the name implies, the walk takes you to the Kauri Grove that has a large viewing platform overlooking some of the largest kauri trees left in the Tangihua.  The walk there and back takes around 2 hours with a group of students.  You do have to cross the river along the way.  It is normally shallow enough to rock-hop and avoid wet feet but it can flow fast after heavy rain.  If in doubt, do not cross.

Gentle half day tramp

There are a number of loops that can be done starting and ending at the Lodge.  The Tumanako track is the steepest of these and best done last so you are heading down it, not up.  A good loop on reasonably well formed tracks involves walking up the road to the Nature Trail, turning left at the end on to the Horokaka track and then back down to the Lodge via the Whakapono or Tumanako tracks.  All junctions are well sign-posted.

Tougher half day tramp

The climb up to Horokaka and walk back down is a good half day tramp for intermediate or high school students.  Be prepared for it to take 4 to 5 hours in total, including a stop at the top for lunch and to enjoy the view.  

The best way up is via the Whakapono Track that starts directly behind the Lodge and takes you on to the Horokaka track.

This track can be muddy and slippery, so make sure everyone has appropriate footwear.  

Full day out, for those with experience

If the climb to Horokaka has not been enough of a challenge, you can take the longer way back to the Lodge via the Tangihua Main Ridge and Te Haua Uru Route. The Main Ridge Track is even less well formed than the Horokaka track so should only be attempted by those with a very good level of fitness and agility.  

You should allow at least 6 hours to complete the full loop.