LOCAL ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
Lake Aniwhenua Lodge Motel is so perfectly located, being within an hour’s drive ofRotorua, Whakatane&Taupo. Here you can have the best of both worlds. The outdoor peace and tranquility and yet, only a short drive to the main centers.
BEER CAN MUSEUM
Visit the Beer Can Museum to see 12,000 beer cans from 120+ countries,including the worlds #1 beer can. Plus,10,000 brewery pieces, bottles, openers, labels & lights. Plus,20 vintage farm tractors and cars.
Entry fee $5.00 –For appointment Phone 07 366 4039
Time from Lodge – 10 minutes
WINERY
Visit this private biodynamic vineyard. Learn about its’ concept and partake in some wine tasting. If you like, you can purchase a bottle or two.
By appointment & weekends only – Phone 07 366 4827
Time from Lodge – 6 minutes
OSTRICH FARM
Visit this commercial Ostrich farm.
Time from Lodge – 6 minutes
WATER SKIING
There a designated water skiing area at the northern end of Lake Aniwhenua. Free
BIRD WATCHING
Lake Aniwhenua attracts a magnitude of bird life and is perfect for observing them on the water and in the natural wet lands. Free
TROUT FISHING
With such a wide range of lakes, rivers and streams in the area, anglers are spoilt for choice. Spin or fly fish for wild Rainbow and Brown trout. All anglers require a trout fishing license in New Zealand. This can bepurchased from the Lodge tackle shop. We also hire, rods, reels, waders, nets and row boats.
Trout fishing license required
Free or hire a professional guide from the Lodge
DEER & PIG HUNTING
Deer and wild pigs inhabit the surrounding pine and native forests. Red deer, Rusa deer and ‘captain cooker’ pigs.
Free or hire a professional guide from the Lodge
GAMEBIRD SHOOTING
Ducks, swan, pheasant & quail inhabit the many lakes, rivers and forests. A game bird license is required and the shooting season runs from May – August.
For more information contact Fish & Game NZ – www.fishandgame.org.nz (eastern region) Phone 07 357 5501
TRAMPING / WALKING
Discover the many designated trails and walking tracks through Whirinaki Forest Park. See the awe-inspiring native trees tower into a magnificent canopy. This forest has been described as one of the greatest rainforests of the world and one of the finest of New Zealands remaining giant podocarp forests. There are short to full day walks, ample to suit the whole family.
Arohaki Lagoon Track - Time 4hr return – 3km
Whirinaki Waterfalls Track – Time 4hrs – 9.3km
H Tree Track – Time 45min loop - 2.2 km
Sanctuary – Time 1hr loop – 2.16km
Entry - free
Time from Lodge - A pleasant, scenic, 30-40 minute drive.
For more information visit or contact the Department of Conservation / Te Urewera Whirinaki Area office in Murupara.
Ph +64 7 3661080 or email – muruparavc@doc.govt.nz
For a guided tour or pick-up / drop-off service we recommend – WhirinakiTrax–
Phone 07 3664756 or visit www.getoutthere.co.nz
WHITE WATER RAFTING & KAYAKING
Combine spectacular back country scenery and great fun filled rapids, waves and calm stretches, for an awesome ride down the Rangitaiki River. The upper river section by Murupara is Grade 3-4 while the lower river section by Lake Aniwhenua is Grade 2 & 3-4. Put the kayaks or raft in upstream of the lodge and enjoy a pleasant ride back to the shore. Kayak over the beautiful Aniwhenua falls and down river. Whether you want an adrenalin thrill or a leisurely paddle the choice is yours.
Free or take a guided tour
Time from Lodge - 15 minutes to meet with guided tours
Kiwi River Safaris – www.krs.co.nz free phone 0800 723 8577
River Rats – www.riverrats.co.nz free phone0800 333 900
HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Based in Murupara. For scenic flights or transport into the bush.
Phone 07 366 5267 - www.lakelandheli.co.nz
Time from Lodge – 15 minutes
JET BOAT TOURS
Experience a thrilling ride with breath taking excitement and gorgeous scenery. The tour starts at Lake Matahina, the North Islands largest earth dam. Travel 25km up the Rangitaiki River, passing best trout fishing waters, sheep dairy farms andtunnelledwillow trees. Navigate a natural gorge enhanced by weeping falls, caves and dominating white water rapids culminating at the enigmatic, ignimbrite cliffs of the Aniwhenua Falls. Allow 1 ¼ hours for this real jet boating experience.
Time from Lodge – 15 – 20 minutes
Kiwi Jet Tours – www.kiwijetboattours.com
Free phone 0800 800 538
GOLF
There is an 18hole golf course in Murupara.
Phone 07 366 5846
Time from Lodge - 15 minutes
MOUNTAIN BIKING
The Whirinaki mountain bike track is purpose built and weaves through one of the most spectacular and interesting forests in the world. The track is designed for the eco mountain bike rider and requires a medium fitness and skill level (grade 2-3). The track is 16km and most people complete it in 2-4 hours. Shorter sections of the track can also be ridden.
Cost - Free
Time from Lodge –about 40mins
For more information – Phone 07 366 1080 - www.doc.govt.nz
TE UREWERA NATIONAL PARK
Bordering Galatea /Murupara, this vast native forest is famous for it’s lakes and forested beauty. It extends along both sides of State Highway #38,through to Lake Waikaremoana and Wairoa.
The forest offers a magnitude of fishing, hunting, tramping and outdoor activities.
WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING
Swim with dolphins and view whales in their natural environment. As you travel out to sea your guide will be informative regarding the wildlife and marine mammals and you will see dolphins, birds, fish and the species of whales. The wild dolphins are a breathtaking sight, especially when in large pods. They effortlessly ride the wake of the boat and the more venturous dolphins provide acrobatic displays.
phone 0800 354 7737
Time from Lodge – Pleasant 45 minute drive
www.whaleanddolphinwatch.co.nzfree
WHITE ISLAND TOURS
Enjoy this incredible experience of exploring the inner crater of New Zealand’s only active marine volcano – White Island! Located 49km off the coast of Whakatane. The tour offers visitors a 6 hour adventure to this fascinating island volcano.
Ph +64 7 3089588
Time from Lodge - Pleasant 45 minute drive
LAKE WAIKAREMOANA GREAT WALK
This is one of the most popular North Island tramps. It follows the lake shore and through the most beautiful natural native scenery, from beech forest to dense rainforest. Bird life in the area is abundant. This great walk covers a distance of 46km and expected time is 3-4 days. There are also short walks. Travelling from Murupara to LakeWaikaremoana is an official touring route. For much of the 80-90km scenic journey, the road is gravel and very windy and narrow with driving speeds of only 30-50km/hr. It is best not to underestimate your travel time. Sometimes, due to weather conditions the road is temporarily closed. Should this happen, there is a road closure notice board for travellers to see as they leave Murupara. Travellers usually like a stop-over at our Lodge so as not to navigate the road too late in the day.
Cost - Free entry
Time from our lodge – allow about2 ½ hours