Nestled on a ridge overlooking the vast Waipoua Forest, where iconic kauri trees have been living for over 3,000 years, Waipoua Lodge offers luxury accommodation in an original kauri homestead surrounded by native forest and pasture stretching as far as the eye can see.​

As well as award winning hospitality, the purpose of a stay at the lodge is to experience the Waipoua Forest. A forest where only native bird song breaks a deafening silence whilst you stand in awe, surrounded by trees that have been living here since bronze age man.​

Your experience will be enhanced with authentic stories, memorabilia and history of the mighty kauri and the early pioneers who fought the odds to live in this challenging environment 100 years ago. At Waipoua Lodge you can have the same authentic experience, but today delivered in the comfort of a New Zealand luxury 5-star accommodation.​

With only four luxury guest suites (The Stables, Calf Pen, Woolshed & Tack Room) we offer somewhere very special to relax and unwind whilst indulging yourself in some delicious cuisine, personal and warm hospitality, plus of course spectacular scenery of the unspoilt natural ancient Kauri Coast environment.

​Waipoua Lodge is perfect for a 1, 2 or 3-night stay to relax and enjoy all of the Kauri Coast, but if time is limited, one night is perfect to enjoy meeting the ancient trees.

Directions…

Driving Instructions from Auckland to Waipoua Lodge
There are two options of which route to take from Auckland which gets very congested during rush hour (7.00 to 9.30 am and 3.00 to 6.30 pm):

Option 1: State Highway 1 northbound which will take you through Auckland city and any rush hour traffic;

or
Option 2: State Highway 16 westbound which is more scenic and whilst longer can be faster during rush hour traffic. This route joins back into State Highway 1 at Wellsford.

Toll Road – State Highway 1
If you decide to take State Highway 1 you will encounter a toll road. Tolls can be paid and selected service stations and online.

Whichever direction you decide to take they both will join together at Wellsford and follow SH1 north to Brynderwyn where you will turn left onto SH12. There is a large new orange ‘Kauri Coast’ sign 500m before the turning. Follow SH12 all the way to Dargaville where you will cross the river and reach a T junction. Turn left and follow the road through Dargaville until you cross another small bridge and the river is on your left. You will then have a sharp right turn signposted Waipoua Forest (Corner Store on junction). Turn right and you will find the lodge, on the right, exactly 45kms from this turning – there is a Kauri Gum Store opposite. If you reach the start of the Waipoua Forest you have gone a little too far.

Outside of Auckland, be careful using a GPS as it can send you on unsealed shorter roads which are not faster and often difficult to drive. We recommend you stay on SH1 & SH12.

 Driving Instructions from the Bay of Islands
Note: Please be careful using a GPS as it can recommend shorter but unsealed roads which are difficult to drive and will take longer. Please stay on the main highways eg SH1, SH12 or SH10.

En-route you might like to stop at the Boatshed Cafe in Rawene for lunch and then spend some time enjoying the sights as you drive along the Hokianga Harbour. The Hokianga is the true birthplace of Maori culture in New Zealand being the place where Kupe the first Maori to come to New Zealand, landed and called home. At the Scenic Lookout as you ascend from Omapere there are some wonderful new information boards telling all about the Maori and pioneering history and a great view of the harbour entrance and dunes.

From Omapere you will go through Waimamaku where if you are keen on puzzles a visit to The Labyrinth is a must do. Louis has a huge assortment of challenging puzzles and games and is a great local character (www.nzanity.co.nz).

Next you will reach the Waipoua Forest which is home to our iconic and ancient kauri trees and definitely a Must See!

Please note that the road from Omapere to the lodge is only 38kms but it will take you approximately 45 minutes (plus stopping time) as it is quite winding.

 Driving Instructions from the Far North
Note: Please be careful using a GPS as it can recommend shorter but unsealed roads which are difficult to drive and will take longer. Please stay on the main highways eg SH1, SH10 or SH12.

En-route you might like to stop at the Boatshed Cafe in Rawene for lunch and then spend some time enjoying the sights as you drive along the Hokianga Harbour. The Hokianga is the true birthplace of Maori culture in New Zealand being the place where Kupe the first Maori to come to New Zealand, landed and called home. At the Scenic Lookout as you ascend from Omapere there are some wonderful new information boards telling all about the Maori and pioneering history and a great view of the harbour entrance and dunes.

From Omapere you will go through Waimamaku where if you are keen on puzzles a visit to The Labyrinth is a must do. Louis has a huge assortment of challenging puzzles and games and is a great local character (www.nzanity.co.nz).

Next you will reach the Waipoua Forest which is home to our iconic and ancient kauri trees and definitely a Must See!

Please note that the road from Omapere to the lodge is only 38kms but it will take you approximately 45 minutes (plus stopping time) as it is quite winding.

 

Nearby Activities…
Heritage Attractions, Museums, Gardens, Scenic Attractions, Climbing, Golf, Horse Treks, Walking/Trekking

Nearby popular destinations…

Waipoua Forest – Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere

Trounson Kauri Park

Kai Iwi Lakes

Maunganui Bluff Beach

Nelsons Kaihu Kauri

Hokianga Harbour

Dargaville Museum

Kauri Museum

Tokatoka Peak

Tariff…
From $625 per room per night.

The Stables Suite – Spacious luxury for two, our stable suite is the perfect place for couples. With 1 king bed which can be split into 2 king singles, a large bathroom with a caw foot bath and rainfall shower. Separate lounge area with a 42 inch flat screen television. Private patio area and an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens. Suitable for 2 adult and up to 1 child.

The Tack Room Suite: For the weekend away with friends. Our Tack Room Suite is our only 2 bedroom suite, which makes it the perfect place for friends and families. Each room has 1 king bed which can be split into 2 king singles. Separate lounge area with a spacious private deck overlooking the native gardens of the lodge and Waipoua Forest. Separate en-suite bathroom with shower and a kitchenette. Suitable for 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

The Wool Shed Suite: For the family. The Wool Shed Suite is our main family suite suitable for 2 adults and 2 children over 7 years old. The room has a large lounge area which is great for families. The suite has 1 king bed which can be split into 2 king single beds and a mezzanine floor with 2 single slat beds. The bathroom has a claw foot bath and shower, this suite has the largest deck being with a great view over the forest and gardens.

The Calf Pen Suite – For the love birds. Our Calf Pen Suite is the perfect place for honeymooners and couple alike. The most private and tuck away of all rooms the Calf Pen suite has 1 King bed which can be split into 2 king singles, a large bathroom with shower, separate lounge area with a private patio overlooking the vast and ancient Waipoua Forest. The Calf Pen suite has great indoor/outdoor flow with all the privacy you need. Suitable for 2 adults.

Waipoua Forest – Footprints Waipoua – Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere – Home for thousands of years to the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world. An absolute must see for any visitor to Northland is Tane Mahuta and the other ancient and mighty kauri trees of the Wai-poua (Maori for water & old) Kauri Forest. Footprints Waipoua offers a range of guided tours to suit everyone

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trounson Kauri Park – Trounson Kauri Park is a 450 hectare forest reserve restoration project.  It seeks to restore the former richness of native biodiversity this forest once boasted, allowing people to enjoy a glimpse of what pristine kauri forests were once like. Being predator-free means that Trounson Kauri Park is one of the few mainland places where Brown kiwi can be found living in their natural habitat.  The night walk into the forest takes guests into the nocturnal environment of approximately 200 kiwi. If you would like to learn more about the night walk please let your hosts know

 

 

 

 

 

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Kai Iwi Lakes – Situated less than 30 minutes from Waipoua Lodge, the stunningly beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes cover an area of 305 ha (approx 755 acres). The crystal clear and extremely safe fresh water is suitable for a huge range of water based recreational activities such as kayaking, swimming and fishing, plus the surrounds provide the perfect place to walk, hike or simply relax by the water’s edge.

 

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Maunganui Bluff Beach – In contrast to the pristine, calm waters of the East Coast and Bay of Islands, the Kauri Coast is rugged, wild, exhilarating, uninhabited and often undiscovered.

Kauri Coast ocean beaches are places to reflect and wonder in awe at the magnificence of the New Zealand landscape. Situated approximately 16 kms from Waipoua Lodge, Maunganui Bluff Beach is an amazing example of the wild and rugged west coast of Northland, New Zealand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hokianga Harbour – Twelve thousand years ago Hokianga was a river valley flanked by steep bush-clad hills.  As the last ice age regressed, the dramatic rise in sea level slowly flooded the valley turning it into a tidal, saltwater harbour with abundant sheltered deep water anchorages. Located 40 minutes drive from Waipoua Lodge, it is the perfect place for a day trip.

The true birthplace of Maori in New Zealand.

 

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Dargaville Museum – The delightful Dargaville Museum situated in Harding Park with its bush walks and historic Po-Tu-O-Te Rangi pa site provides a lovely area to picnic.  This local museum is full of memorabilia reflecting the lives of early settlers and also has the largest pre-European Maori canoe on exhibition in New Zealand.  The museum also houses a working model railway and village. The Museum is open 9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily  (closed Christmas day)

 

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Kauri Museum – The Kauri Museum is steeped in history and a minimum of 1.5 hours should be allowed to fully be able to take in the majority of exhibits and there is also a nice cafe onsite for lunch, coffee or tea. The museum is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily (closed Christmas day)

 

 

 

 

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Tokatoka Peak – This peak is hard to miss, pointing out of the ground like something out of a movie but it is actually a rare phenomenon – it’s the plug of an ancient volcano. It is located on Tokatoka Road, off State Highway 12, 17 kilometres south of Dargaville. The walking track is a short, steep climb only taking around 20 minutes, but the view from the top is spectacular giving those who climb a 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

 

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Baylys Beach – 40 minutes drive from Waipoua Lodge, Baylys Beach, is a small seaside community of colourful baches, seaside cottages, fresh sea breezes. Baylys Beach is the gateway to Ripiro Beach, New Zealand’s longest driveable beach. This 100km long beach is backed by high, golden sand dunes and is the site of many shipwrecks, including a three-masted, 36 gun French man o’war. Many of the salvaged shipwreck relics are now on display in the Dargaville Museum and a commemoration plaque has been erected as a lookout on the road down to Baylys Beach. Baylys Beach is also the gate way to Ripiro Beach which is New Zealand’s longest drivable beach.

Your Hosts, Phil, Lily & Grace

Phil and Lily met at high school and married in 1982 in Whitianga. Phil became a butcher and went on to purchase his fathers butchers shop which they ran for four years before in 1986 they decided to purchase the Waingaro Hot Springs Hotel. With four young children they enjoyed running this lovely, busy country hotel with two bars, a bistro and accommodation, all with a great family atmosphere.

In 1990 they decided to give dairy farming a try. Lily comes from a farming background and felt it would be the perfect place to raise the children. Over several years, four moves and two more children, Phil and Lily finally settled in South Waikato for 20 years on a 300 hectare dairy farm. In addition to the six children, Phil & Lily are now also proud grandparents to 13 grandchildren – in total a very close family who have all been very successful in achieving their goals through life.

Grace their 5th child is 23 years old and is going to be part of this exciting new Waipoua Lodge venture. She studied at George Seymour in 2014 and then spent 6 months on an internship in Florida working at Disneyworld. She returned and has continued in the hospitality industry gaining valuable skills over the past 4 years working at the Millennium in Taupo and more recently at the Holiday Inn in Rotorua as an events/conference co-ordinator.

Both Phil and Lily enjoyed the hospitality industry and always considered running another business where the focus would be dealing with people in a more relaxed, peaceful and private environment, away from the hustle/bustle of life, providing guests with a great place to relax, unwind, enjoy and be spoiled.

Easy going, happy, friendly people, they all enjoy lots of hobbies including music, reading, art, fishing, gardening & walking and in particular sports with Phil having been a rugby referee up to international level for 15 years.

High Leys Lodge is located 4 kilometres out of Te Anau along the Milford Road in Patience Bay. Set in 4 acres of established garden with panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park, this boutique lodge offers an adult only, private, peaceful and luxurious escape.  There are 3 double rooms, all with en-suites; the two King rooms have stunning lake views, and the Queen room has a garden view.

 

A gourmet breakfast is provided each morning, and a complimentary glass of NZ wine and home-made canapés are served in the evening.

 

Guests have access to a large guest lounge to relax and enjoy the ever changing view.  All day tea and coffee making facilities are available complimented with delicious home baking.  The terrace and outside courtyard areas also offer a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

 

Tour bookings can be also be arranged for a wide range of activities and adventures; simply ask on arrival.

 

Directions…
Enter into the outskirts of Te Anau on State Highway 94 from Mossburn. Turn right into Sandy Brown Road and then right onto the Te Anau Milford Highway. Cross the Upukerora River and head up the hill for approximately 1km. Turn left into Patience Bay drive, right into Murchison Drive and right again into Kiwi Burn Place. At the end of the cul-de-sac keep going up the private driveway. High Leys is at number 34 on the right hand side.

Nearby Activities…
Explore Te Anau with its bird park, easy short walks, local cafes and boutique cinema showcasing Ata Whenua – a stunning movie of the Fiordland region.  From there take a trip on the lake – whether it be jet boat, sail boat or cruise to the glow worm caves they are all equally enjoyable.  Te Anau is also the gateway for both Milford and Doubtfuls Sounds.  Pick your mode of transport – coach, helicopter or self drive.

Nearby popular destinations…
Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Fiordland National Part,
Many of New Zealand’s great walks can be accessed from Te Anau including the Milford Track, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track.

National Park.

Tariff…
From $275 to $395 per room per night.

The Luxmore King Room is the largest of the rooms offering a king bed with stunning views towards the north end of Lake Te Anau, across to Mount Luxmore and over the garden.  There is an en-suite bathroom with salon grade eco.logic guest amenities which cleanse both the body and soul. They contain certified Fairtrade ingredients and are packaged in recycled plastic bottles.

The room also has a flat screen TV and complimentary wifi.

In addition to their bedroom, all guests have access to the large guest living and dining room where they can sit back and enjoy the every changing view.   A large gas fire offers additional ambiance and warmth on a cold day.

On warmer days a large terrace to the front of the house accesses the garden and a courtyard to the rear offers an alternative sheltered space to sit and relax.

The South Arm room is our second king room.  It has stunning lake views over the garden and across to the South Arm of Lake Te Anau where you can watch the boats cruising up and down the lake. The South Arm room has a flat screen TV, walk in wardrobe area and en-suite bathroom with walk in shower.  Salon grade eco.logic guest amenities cleanse both the body and soul. They contain certified Fairtrade ingredients and are packaged in recycled plastic bottles.

In addition to their bedroom, all guests have access to complimentary wifi,and large guest living and dining room where they can sit back and enjoy the view.  A large gas fire offers additional ambiance and warmth on a cold day.

There is a large terrace to the front of the house which accesses the garden, and a courtyard to the rear which offers an alternative sheltered space to sit and relax.

Complimentary tea, coffee and home baking are available throughout the day.

The Takatimu Room is named for the range of mountains passed on the way to Te Anau, and has a queen bed, flat screen TV, complimentary wifi and a beautiful view over the garden. It has an en-suite bathroom with salon grade Eco.Logic guest amenities to cleanse both the body and soul. These contain certified Fairtrade ingredients and are packaged in recycled plastic bottles.

As with all rooms, guests have access to the large guest living and dining room where they can sit back and enjoy the view.  A large gas fire offers additional ambiance and warmth on a cold day.

There is a large terrace to the front of the house which accesses the garden and a courtyard to the rear which offers an alternative sheltered space to sit and relax.

Complimentary tea, coffee and home baking are available throughout the day.

Hosts Sarah and John Greaney have had varied careers across a range of industries and workplaces. John has been the owner/shareholder a number of retail operations across his career, is a strong strategic thinker and entrepreneur.  Sarah has a banking, HR and facilitation background and has worked with a wide range of corporates throughout the country.

 

Both John and Sarah have strong connections to the Te Anau community. Sarah is deputy chair of the Te Anau Community Board and a trustee of the Fiordland Retirement Housing Trust, whilst John is a trustee of the Fiordland Trails Trust and is an advisory member of Ride Southland.

 

Sarah is originally from the UK; together John and Sarah have travelled extensively and so look forward to hosting guests from around the world.

Church Hill Lodge, (in conjunction with Church Hill Restaurant) has three spacious, intimate, stand alone suites with full glass frontages and private decks maximizing views of spectacular Halfmoon Bay where you can relax, unwind and soak up the panoramic views, native bush setting and bird life.

 

Idyllically located within easy walking distance of all amenities or if a retreat is what you are after all your needs can be met without leaving the lodge.

 

Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapes and transfers upon arrival and departure are included.  Lodge guests will also have exclusive access to other dining experiences within the restaurant.

Directions…
As we are an island destination everyone arrives at Stewart Island by plane or ferry.  Please let us know which way and at what time you are arriving and we will be at the flights centre or wharf to meet you.

Nearby popular destinations…
Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Manapouri, Catlins, Dunedin, Invercargill

Tariff…
From $595 per room per night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Hosts Deanne & Chris Sara ….Church Hill was the creation of Deanne in 1999. Deanne had long thought about having a restaurant and when the opportunity arose on Stewart Island she took it and consequently Church Hill Restaurant & Oyster Bar became a reality.

Deanne and Chris returned in 2012, after Church Hill had been leased since 2003, to re-establish the restaurant and return it to a premiere dining experience on Stewart Island.

The Kamahi Road site was the location of the first holiday home on Stewart Island. The restaurant maximises the charm of the old building, with beautiful views, a cosy open fire and separated dining areas reflecting the layout of the previous old villa.

It had been the Squires family holiday home dating back to the early 1900’s and they had called it “Tenola at Church Hill”. Tenola is an anagram randomly drawn from a hat from the letters of lean-to. It was located on the hill next to where the church stands, hence, Church Hill.

Deanne runs the kitchen and Chris runs front of house, and Deanne’s passion for great food is equally matched by Chris’ passion for hosting out front.

From the start of the 2017-18 season Church Hill will be a lodge as well as a restaurant. Deanne always considered the Kamahi Road site a great location for a lodge so in 2014 we set about developing the lodge.

You are only minutes from everything you will need at Church Hill but you will still feel as if you are miles from everywhere. It was developed to ensure that as little of the natural bush was disturbed during construction.

As avid travellers ourselves we know what it is like to be away from home. The lodge has been developed with the needs of the traveller being very much in mind. It is all about offering what we would enjoy, and what would enhance our experience while traveling. It is the little things that make the difference and that is the concept of Church Hill.

So once more Church Hill will be a holiday home that offers our guests a warm and friendly environment, leaving you with an experience that creates a memory worth keeping from your time on the Island.

Church Hill Boutique Lodge Package Stays

Coming to Stewart Island and want to have your stay, play and food all sorted? Why not consider a package stay at Church Hill.
Church Hill Boutique Lodge packages are designed to highlight the best of what our restaurant, accommodation and island have to offer.
Package stays are always subject to availability due to the combination of items offered. You will need to contact us directly if you wish to book a package stay so we can best meet your requirements for your stay with us.

Church Hill Boutique Lodge have the following package stays available:

Honeymoon

We know how special a honeymoon is. Since you have chosen to spend it on our beautiful island we would love to be part of this wonderful time in your new life together.
Maximise your time together by letting us take care of all the small things. You can dine with us, walk around our gardens and spend your days and nights in style. 

Minimum stay: 2 nights​

Package Includes:

• A bottle of bubbles in your room on arrival
• Chocolates in your room on arrival
• A picnic lunch on the day of your choosing

Terms and conditions:

• It must be your honeymoon and we want to see you holding hands and smiling.

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Tramper Pamper

Many people head to the island to partake in the wonderful tramping that is on offer. Out on the tracks life can be very basic so why not bookend your tramp by including a stay at Church Hill. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant the evening before you hit the track and the evening you arrive off the track.
Many accommodation options don’t cater for one night stays so this is a perfect option for those travelling for the specific purpose of tramping away from Oban. 

Minimum stay: 2 nights (each end of tramp) 

Package Includes:

• 3 course dinner for 2 on the night before and after your tramp
• Drop off and pick up from your tramp
• Storage of your excess luggage during your time away from Church Hill
• Access to washing and cleaning facilities for tramping equipment

Terms and conditions:

• You must have stay nights at each end of your tramp
• Package is based on 2 people share twin room
• Some menu items for your meals may attract a supplementary cost
• Alcoholic drinks not included in the package price
• Drop off and pick up from tramp at an agreed time and place

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Executive Burn Out

What better place to unwind and recover than at the bottom of the world. Switch your life clock to island time and let us do the worrying.
We know how to relax and we know the value of relaxation. All it takes is stepping back from your life and sharing in ours.
This package is aimed at the busy corporate who just wants to, or can’t seem to, say no to their phone or inbox.
This is your perfect excuse: “I’m on Stewart Island” 

Minimum stay: 3 nights 

Package Includes:

• Anything possible personalised to your needs. You need only tell us what you are looking for and we will arrange it for you or with you.
• We suggest you think about the things you never make time for and arrange to do them – Church Hill version of “Fantasy Island”

 Terms and conditions:

• You promise to relax and let us do the worrying

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Long Stay Bonus

There are many things to do on Stewart Island and we want to reward your time with us by offering you a bonus from Church Hill Restaurant. 

Minimum stay: 5 nights 

Package Includes:

• A $300 credit at Church Hill Restaurant 

Terms and conditions:

• You must stay at least 5 nights.
• Restaurant credit available to be used on food and beverages only from Church Hill Restaurant

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All For You

It is as it says; the whole establishment for you and your group. This gives you exclusive use of all three suites, restaurant and grounds. 

Stay nights min: 1 

Package Includes:

• Exclusive use of lodge and restaurant
• Evening meals for all those staying (maximum of 6 lodge guests)

Terms and conditions:

• Alcoholic beverages not included