Building a sustainable future

Caring for the forest, our people and our future

Timber Trail Lodge and Transport operates in one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural environments. We believe protecting this place, supporting our people and contributing to the surrounding communities are inseparable from delivering a memorable visitor experience.

Our approach is guided by the Tourism Sustainability Commitment and focuses on four connected areas: operating a resilient business, caring for our visitors and staff, supporting our community, and reducing our environmental impact.

Off grid eco-lodge accommodation, Ruapehu.

Sustainable by design

Timber Trail Lodge is fully off-grid. We generate our own electricity, collect and manage our own water, and operate our own wastewater and waste systems.

This makes the careful use of energy, water and other resources essential to both sustainability and the resilience of the Lodge.

Reducing our carbon footprint

The Lodge uses solar generation and battery storage, with diesel providing backup power as well as energy for hot water and heating.

We are progressing a staged upgrade that will expand solar generation, improve the electrical control system and introduce heat-pump technology. The project is expected to reduce diesel consumption substantially, lower carbon emissions and improve the resilience of the Lodge’s off-grid energy system.

Eco-tourism accommodation in Pureora Forest.

Off-grid eco-lodge accommodation in Piropiro.

Using water carefully

All water used at the Lodge must be collected, stored and managed on site.

We ask guests and staff to use water thoughtfully, particularly during busy periods and dry weather. Shorter showers, reporting leaks and avoiding unnecessary water use all make a difference.

Our wastewater is managed through an on-site treatment and dispersal system.

Reducing waste

Reduce, reuse, recycle

We separate waste wherever practical, including recycling, compostable material, food suitable for pig feed and general landfill waste.

Our goal is to reduce solid waste by 20% each year. We are also working with staff, guests and suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging and prevent waste before it reaches the Lodge.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Timber Trail Lodge. The lodge is completely off the grid while still being modern, comfortable and welcoming. The food was outstanding and the staff were friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend the lodge to those seeking nature and/or adventure getaways!

Natalie R

The whole team went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Great food and endless tea! Accommodation was comfortable. Worked seamlessly with the Timber Trail Shuttles before and after the trip. Thank you!

Lucy - Aug 2021

We were well looked after. The team at the lodge were friendly and knowledgeable. The food was AMAZING and a real highlight for our always-hungry teenage sons. Lovely accommodation. Very informative commentary via Rob and great service from the bike hire/shuttle team. Top it off with stunning scenery and loads of fascinating history. A must do for families

Nikki J - July 2021

Great weekend doing the Timber Trail, 2 nights at the Timber Trail Lodge worked perfectly. Fantastic local knowledge and stories from Rob in the shuttle, Kia Ora Rob! Accommodation is superb, clean and comfortable rooms, great food after a good days MTB riding and a beer or 2 from the bar. Locally owned and operated with great stewardship of local environment and land. Thoroughly recommended!

Rob d - May 2021

Fantastic rooms, beautiful place and very helpful and friendly staff and fantastic food, catered for dairy free with ease and care. Beautiful setting and loved the beanbag on the deck. Loved everything. Thanks team Timber Trail Lodge.

Wendy

Loved this place. Family of 6 adults had a ball. Everything is well organised. Rooms excellent, great food.and a pizza to keep you going after your first days riding. You do need to be fit enough to get there! Go for the full package. It’s worth it.

Drivel K

Great value for money, awesome team looked after us so well. Totally recommend these guys you can not go wrong! Clean, new, licensed, comfortable, outstanding food, all amenities well serviced and no complaints from any of our guys.

Barry

Protecting and restoring nature

Pureora Forest is home to nationally significant native forest, plants and wildlife. We take seriously our responsibility to protect the environment in which we operate.

Our work includes:

*Maintaining predator-trap lines around the Lodge and nearby forest
*Controlling weeds and wilding pines
*Planting and maintaining native vegetation
*Supporting local conservation and biodiversity projects
*Encouraging visitors to clean bikes, footwear and equipment before entering the forest

We also support Friends of the Timber Trail, which helps maintain and enhance the trail, along with other organisations involved in caring for the surrounding environment.

Pureora Forest Park

Native planting

Protect and enhance

The Lodge was built on former plantation-forestry land. Our planting programme is helping restore native vegetation around the site and reconnect it with the surrounding forest.

We also control invasive weeds and wilding pines to support native regeneration while the new planting becomes established.

Native New Zealand Forest accommodation.

Predator control

Restoring nature's balance

Introduced predators such as rats, stoats and possums threaten native birds, bats, insects and plants.

We maintain 50 traps around the Lodge and nearby forest to help protect local biodiversity. A group of local volunteers supports this work, and we are investing in new trapping technology to make the programme more effective.

The lodge

Supporting the trail

The long-term success of our business depends on the health, safety and quality of the Timber Trail.

We support trail maintenance, conservation work and volunteer initiatives, including hosting working bees and helping bring people together to care for the trail.

We also work with trail organisations, the Department of Conservation and other stakeholders to advocate for the future of the Timber Trail and Pureora Forest.

Visit Friends of the Timber Trail

Supporting our community

We aim to ensure that tourism creates lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for the communities surrounding the Timber Trail.

We provide local employment across the Lodge, transport and bike-hire operations. Wherever practical, we use regional suppliers, showcase local products and support community groups and causes through donated vouchers, prizes and practical assistance.

The lodge