Pirongia Forest Park Lodge

Utter devastation on the Mangakara track. It is now closed as both bridges have washed away. We are very sad, so many of our groups walk that track.

Wow! Thankyou so much Wintec School of Trades. We love our new weta hotels, they are now proudly installed into a stand of trees, awaiting their new guests. As you can see we already have one booked in and enjoying the space!
We appreciate the support of Wintec in making these beautiful boxes for us.

We had an epic day here yesterday with the awesome teams from Taiea te Taiao -ecological corridor Waikato Enviroschools, NZ Landcare, Junior Landcare and Pūrekireki Wīwī Marae.

This was the Launch of the new Taiea te Taiao -ecological corridor Education Resource Box. A fabulous box of games and initiatives that is based at the Lodge, that can be used to teach students all about the corridor and steppingstones that are between Pirongia and Maungatautari mountains.

If you would like to find out more contact us on: [email protected]

A huge thankyou needs to go to Waipā Networks for donating and delivering the power poles for our new shade area on the zipline. Thankyou for your amazing support.

We are nearly finished putting up our sun shade on the end of the zipline. Couldn't have done it without the help of our wonderful committee member Derek Steenson ... more pictures to follow, but here is a local enjoying the view.

We run many camps for Senior Students so that they can participate in Outdoor Education activities.
Many schools use the Lodge, maunga, and our activity programmes to be able to acheive their qualifications.
The Government has proposed changes to NCEA that could remove Outdoor Education from the senior subject list. This would narrow opportunities for students, reduce pathways for schools, and undervalue the unique skills OE provides.

A massive thanks needs to go to the Garrett family "Homewood" for their generous donation to buy our picnic tables for the Sustainable Campsite. Heather and Les played a major role in the development of the lodge back in the early 80's and their daughter Kirsty and husband Adam were lodge wardens.
Sadly, we lost Les over 14 years ago, but the amazing Heather is still young in her 90's and a massive supporter of the Lodge.
Thankyou Homewood Team - we love our new benches!

A cracker of a day up on Pirongia Maunga. Best place to have your camp. Still have some availability this year of you're keen. [email protected]

A big shout out to the awesome Nate WoodyWorks for supplying the lodge with a huge donation of firewood. That will keep lots of students happy toasting their marshmallows! Thanks Nate for supporting us!

With special thanks to Te Awamutu Rotary we now have the funding to buy our tents and camping gear. The Sustainable Campsite will be open by October. Pretty exciting.

Thanks Rotary!