The Lodge

The Timber Trail Lodge was completed in 2017. It is purpose-built for convenience and comfort. It is off-grid, using a combination of solar and diesel to power up a bank of batteries. It is the only fully catered and licensed accommodation actually on the trail.

Our 5 Star Silver Qualmark rating means we are in the top tier of New Zealand accommodation providers.

With two bedroom wings joined by a huge bright and inviting central area we call the Hub, the building is spacious and provides multiple opportunities for relaxation after a busy day. The Hub features floor to ceiling windows highlighting the awesome views of the surrounding forest, plenty of couches, bean bags and chairs, and a large fireplace for those chillier evenings.

An expansive deck runs the length of the lodge, designed to catch the sun all day and a great place to relax with a refreshing beverage.

Lodge management are multi-skilled and dedicated to providing you with the best experience and customer service possible.

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Food and Drink

Good food is essential for the enjoyment of a great outdoor experience, especially after a long day of physical effort.

Our room rates include all meals, this includes a packed lunch for your bike ride or perhaps a day out walking

You can help yourself to tea, coffee and filtered water at any time. We operate a small bar, serving wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

The evening dinner menu offers a selection that is designed to appeal to a range of tastes and dietary requirements. The dinner menu changes daily and is served family or sharing style at our large communal tables.

Sample menu:

Breakfast

Selection of cereals, home-made muesli, home-made yoghurt, fruit, toast, spreads, cooked breakfast served buffet style with scrambled eggs, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans

Lunch

Filled roll, wrap or sandwich, chocolate brownie, fruit, muesli bar

Dinner

Our main dish is normally one of Pulled Lamb with herbs, Roast Chicken, Salmon or Pulled Pork. The main dish is accompanied by a range of delicious vegetable side dishes.

Dessert

A selection of cakes or other desserts baked fresh that day

Most dietary requirements can be catered for with prior arrangement, please inform our booking office at time of booking

Sustainability

We want all of our guests to experience sustainability in practice, and leave with a greater appreciation of minimising impacts and protecting natural environments.

Below is a snapshot of some of the sustainability practices we undertake on a day-by-day basis at the lodge:

A composting system, for food and paper scraps, feeds our vegetable garden. You may enjoy some of those vegetables on our menu.
Recycling glass and other reusable waste.
Minimising packaging and unnecessary consumption of paper and plastic products.
Our water comes from an on-site spring, and is supplemented by rainwater from our roof. We have particle and UV filters to ensure our water is 100% pure and clean.
Minimising water use in showers. Water is a valuable resource and we don’t want to waste it.

Operating a fully biodynamic waste-water system. The cleansed water it produces is used to fertilise the plants in a dripper field below the lodge. In times of water shortage, it can be adapted to recycle fully processed water back through the toilet cisterns.
Our goal is to have 95% of electricity generated by solar panels within three years of opening.
Offsetting carbon that is emitted, through our diesel generator and water heaters, the fuel we burn in transport, and the wood-burning fireplace, by the trees we are planting, and native forest we are regenerating. We also buy carbon credits to offset any excess carbon emissions
Involving ourselves in local initiatives to control weeds and pests, replant areas of former plantation forestry, and protect the superb native forest in Pureora Forest Park.
Understanding that conservation, and the need to be careful of water and electricity use, doesn’t mean hardship or no hot showers. But it does mean having an awareness and determination to protect and enhance.
Due to our remote location and sustainable practices we have limited water and electricity supplies and cannot offer laundry facilities for your riding gear. Please bring sufficient clothing for your entire ride.