The Mangakara Nature Walk caters for people of most ages and fitness levels so you can learn about and appreciate our native forests.
The first European settlers valued the forest more for the ready supply of timber to meet their building needs. Fortunately this part of the Mangakara Valley escaped the woodman's axe and remains here as a unique part of the original forest for us to see and appreciate.
The walk through podocarp-hardwood forest descends into a small valley, where it forms a loop and crosses the Mangakara Stream. A guide is available from the lodge warden or
Dept. of Conservation (Waikato Area Office)

There are up to 160 Km of walking tracks in the Pirongia Forest Park and these compliment the relaxed atmosphere at the lodge. The many routes leading up to the summit of Mt. Pirongia (959 metres) follow ridges which afford excellent viewpoints. Podocarps such as Rimu and Totara are found at the lower altitudes along with Tawa and ferns. As you go higher, the forest changes; hardy plants like Kamahi and Horopito are found on the exposed ridges and, near the summit, thick mats of mountain flax, coprosmas and ferns are common.

There are plenty of picnic opportunities with spectacular views of the Waikato, which contrasts sharply with the thick mountain vegetation. Two open grassy areas are suitable for camping, the use of which are free. One is situated 45 minutes walk up the Kaniwhaniwha Stream and the other is along the Bell Track. The only hut in the park sleeps 6-8 on two platform bunks. The hut has matresses and a water supply but does not have a fire or cooking facilities. A camping shelter and campsites are located adjacent to the hut, where visitors must use their own cooking equipment. Hut tickets can be purchased from the Dept. of Conservation (Waikato Area Office).

The confidence course is designed to build teamwork, encourage learning and gain new experiences in a safe setting. It is set within a landscaped area at the foot of the lodge property with bush-lined walkways connecting the various activities. It is made up of seven separate activities, which have been well used and enjoyed over the years.

The lodge has some sports equipment for your use. You can enjoy:

• 2 Large Trampolines
• Volleyball Set
• Cricket sets
• Petonque (and Bocce for the children)
• Frisbees
• Indoor Bowls Set
• Archery

• Soccer Ball and Football
• Ping-Pong
• Archery
• Quoits
• Marker Cones
• Croquet Set
• Telescope

The Climbing Wall has been specially designed to increase in difficulty the further to the right that you climb.

Start over at the left and you'll soon gain the confidence to climb even the far right.

Climbing is a matter of trusting your partner and your equipment - all you need is a qualified instructor and
a 'give it a go' attitude.

To add something extra to your stay at the lodge, why not try Abseiling?

The wall is situated in the lodge grounds, only 100 metres from the veranda. It's there, waiting for you to experience the wonders of abseiling, and also to gain satisfaction in your own personal acheivement.

Go on, feel on top of the world - take the abseiling plunge!

Although the wall is free to use for those staying at the lodge, you do require a qualified instructor.