Ruapehu Lodge Accommodation, New Zealand

Blackfern Lodge Introduction

A one stop experience amidst the warmth and wonders of New Zealand's natural beauty and history.

Blackfern Lodge and The Forge make a unique and heavenly country retreat. Our accommodation near Ruapehu is situated in the heart of the North Island, in the legendary King Country. Majestic waterfall, meandering stream and native bush surroundings ensure this Ruapehu lodge accommodation will enchant you.

Our Ruapehu Lodge Accommodation

Tranquility, privacy and a special atmosphere make our Ruapehu lodge accommodation unique. Each room at our Ruapehu lodge provides 21st century comfort and capture an aspect of local history.

Our Ruapehu lodge has five well-appointed twin-share en suite rooms, which are finished in native timber (rimu, matai and tawa). All rooms are supplied water from the lodge's own natural spring.

The Forge – The Forge is situated downstream from our Ruapehu lodge on the Ongarue Stream. This Ruapehu accommodation has 7 sets of bunks and 2 beds, providing beds for up to 16 people. Pillows and pillow cases are provided. Shower and toilet facilities are provided.

The Forge is self-catering – all food and drink is B.Y.O. unless pre-arranged. The kitchen of this Ruapehu accommodation is fully equipped and includes a refrigerator. Tea, coffee, milk and sugar are provided.

Restaurant and Bar at our Ruapehu Lodge Accommodation

Dominating our Ruapehu lodge's setting is the Black Shag Cookhouse, overflowing with back-country authenticity. The chef will spoil you with country cuisine from her giant mill oven and coal range.

The bar is a huge matai stump. Surrounded by memorabilia and antiques. Blues, rock 'n' roll and orchestral music all add to the atmosphere at our Ruapehu lodge.

Dinner at our Ruapehu lodge is a relaxing, candlelit affair with convivial conversation recounting the days activities.

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Location of our Ruapehu Lodge Accommodation

To get to our Ruapehu lodge from Te Kuiti, travel south on Highway 30, which is the extension of Te Kuiti's main street. Highway 30 is a major tourist route between Rotorua and the Waitomo Caves, so it is an easy, interesting drive that follows the Main Trunk Railway.

Thirty kilometres south, just past the disappearing settlement of Mangapehi with its forlorn empty school buildings, there is a signed road to Waimiha. This leads over the tunneled Poro-o-Tarao hill to the valley beyond. In turn, this links with the Ongarue Valley just before Waimiha.

Activities at our Ruapehu Lodge Accommodation

The area around our Ruapehu lodge accommodation offers a number of activities, including:

• Scenic River Walk – Takes in Kauwariki waterfall, native bush, rainbow trout, native birds and a short river crossing on the flying fox (approximately two hours)
• The Bushman's Trail – A five-hour walk, view the remains of those giant tree stumps
• The Timber Trail – This bike trail between Pureora and Ongarue is nearly finished, and visitors will be able to ride it from Blackfern Lodge. We also offer a shuttle service for the Timber Trail
• Take a romantic moonlit ramble and share the night with our resident glow worms
• Mountain Biking trails (own bike)
• Explore this 30 acres at your own leisure and marvel at the creativity of Papatuanuku (mother nature)
• At the days end, the Black Shag Cookhouse will take you back in time, entertainment will be unique, when you get into the Madams Wardrobe
• All activities at our Ruapehu lodge are guided

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In Recognition

The staff and family of Blackfern Lodge in Ruapehu have been awarded the New Zealand Tourism Guide Environmental Award in recognition of their conservation efforts, specifically in relation the the work they have done to eradicate pests in order to protect the rare Whio (Blue Duck).