Homepage

Information

Accommodation

Activities

Schools

Prices

Contact Us

Information
The Society	Lodge Facilities
Study Possibilities	Privacy
Booking Procedure	Conduct

The Society Pirongia Forest Park Lodge Society was formed in 1984 to establish a permanent education facility. The site, by courtesy of the Department of Conservation, is on the north east slope of Mount Pirongia, inside the Forest Park Boundary.   Comprising an area of 4 hectares at the head of a small gully, the lodge grounds are bounded to the west by the bush line and to the north by a ravine and the Mangakara Stream. The Lodge is nestled at the edge of the bush at an elevation of 200 metres. Affording spectacular views, the grounds include native bush and open spaces for playing fields.

Back to Top

Lodge Facilities The lodge is a large cabin style building with bunk bed dormitories. It is fully wheelchair accessible.   The facility is ideal for school or youth groups, tramping or outdoor clubs - or for those that love the outdoors and are looking for a venue that offers access to the forest and a beautiful, peaceful location.   The lodge sleeps 42 people with two separate dorms for male and females and two smaller rooms (each sleeps three).   There is a large kitchen for food preparation and washing up and a dining room which can cater for up to 60 people at any one time.   A laundry and drying room is in the building and toilets and showers are attached to each dorm. The toilets and showers are also wheelchair accessible.   There is an 'incoming calls and toll barred' telephone, an overhead projector and screen and two outdoor barbecues. A level area can be used for outdoor games - see the Activities Page for more information).

Back to Top

Study Possibilities The Forest Park contains a rich sample of flora and fauna, while the local area (Pirongia) has considerable historical significance. Click this web page to find out about historic links for the area. Opportunites abound for forest, bird, animal and stream studies, compass and orienteering practise and video and camera work.   The Dept. of Conservation booklet 'Pirongia Forest Park' is available for purchase and contains a wealth of information, including tracks and their walking times with suggestions for 1 day, 2 day and 3 day tramps. (See Activities for more information).   Beginning from the lodge site is the Mangakara Nature Walk. (See Activities for more information). Taking about an hour to complete, the track has numbered posts to mark points of interest. A pamphlet describes what to look for at each of the twelve stations and is available from the Dept. of Conservation

Back to Top

Privacy Hirers of the lodge are entitled to privacy and exclusive use of the facilities. Casual visitors will not be allowed access during such times.   Potential users may arrange inspection by appointment with the Warden

Back to Top

Booking Procedure Lodge charges are inclusive of GST. The lodge is hired on the basis of cost per person per night - minimum fees do apply for smaller groups. See Prices for our current charges. To confirm a booking, you are required to complete and return a registration form (available only from the Warden). A deposit of one night's minimum fee ($200 for School/Youth Groups and $250 for Adult Groups) to be made within 10 days. Bookings will not be held if deposit and paperwork are not received within this time frame.   The Lodge wardens will supervise arrival and departure. At least half an hour's notice of departure time is required to allow for inspection of the lodge.

Back to Top

Conduct     Behaviour Groups not reasonably observing the requirements of orderly behaviour, care of property and respect for other residents will not be allowed further use of the lodge. The management committee places the responsibilty for the above with school principals or presidents of other organisations in the first instance.   Site Licence Restriction Our site licence prohibits any supplemetary accommodation such as tents, caravans, campervans etc.   Animals Animals are not permitted in the buildings and a permit is required from D.O.C. to bring them into the park.   Alcohol The society expects supervisors to fully understand the possible implications of having alcohol at the Lodge.   Refuse Disposal This is the responsibility of the residents. All refuse must be removed.   Breakages, Damage or Loss Breakages, damages or loss of equipment will be charged to those responsible.

Back to Top

Dept. Of Conservation, Waikato Area Office, P. O. Box 20025, Hamilton 3240 Level 5, 73 Rostrevor Street, Hamilton. Tel: (07) 838 3363  Fax: (07) 838 1004 Web Page: www.doc.govt.nz/

Back to Top

Page Designed by Feb. 2000  Page last updated:  February 2009.