CONTACT US
Have a question? Check out the answers below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will our accommodation cost?
The best way to get a quote for your exact needs is to email office@kokakolodge.org.nz or phone 09 292 4349. We normally charge a day rate per person for school groups. On weekend and holiday stays, we have a day rate which changes depending on the size of your group. We're always happy to answer any of your questions.
You can also fill out a Booking Form and we will get back to you quickly.
What will instructors cost?
It’s optimal to book one instructor for every 10 participants as this gives the best facilitation but you can run some activities without an instructor. Each instructor costs $350 + GST per day. You can’t hire instructors for part days - you pay their full day cost and then we design a programme to make sure you get the most out of your money for that day.
What activities can we do without hiring instructors?
Please see the last page of this Activities Menu for all of our self-led activities. These include our Burma Trail, our Glow Worm Trail, Orienteering, Team Building Games, Chariots, Day Tramps, Volleyball and Table Tennis.
What does it cost to hire your equipment?
Whether you are hiring instructors or using our equipment for self-led activities, there may be a cost per participant per day (only charged on the days you partake in activities).
Do we get charged per night or per day?
Our charge is per day and we normally don’t charge if a group is arriving the night before. For example, if you want to arrive late Friday afternoon or evening and stay Saturday and Sunday, you will be charged for two days at the day rate.
What equipment do you have in the kitchen?
- Large walk-in chiller
- Freezer
- Plenty of pantry storage for your food
- Large commercial oven
- Large gas-powered hobs
- Microwave
- Commercial dishwasher
- Commercial toasters
- Large pots, pans, serving trays, cooking trays
- Serving/Mixing bowls
- Cooking Utensils
- Plates, bowls, mugs
- Zip/Califont
- Large sinks
Rubbish/Recycling/Food Scrap Bins
Please bring your own tea towels and dishwashing liquid.
Do you have BBQs we can use?
Yes we have two BBQs on our back deck which you are welcome to use. Please let us know ahead of time that you might want to use them, so we can check our gas bottles are full. We also have two patio heaters for the BBQ deck area.
What is available in your Music Room (Stuart Room)?
- 75” Smart TV
- Whiteboards
- Piano
- Electric Drums
- Electric Bass Guitar
- Three Acoustic Guitars
- Table Tennis Table and Equipment
- Projector
- Sound System/PA
- Microphones
Are there noise or alcohol restrictions?
No, we don’t have noise or alcohol restrictions but we ask that you respect the environment around you and act responsibly.
How does your invoicing work?
We can send you a quote and once you’re happy with it, we send a deposit invoice (50% of the total amount to be paid ahead of time). Once the deposit invoice is paid, your dates are secured. After your stay, we will send you a final invoice.
How many showers and toilets do you have?
We have two Shower/Toilet Blocks which are separated into Male and Female (but these signs can be changed) In each one, we have three showers (with plenty of gas-powered hot water) and four toilets. We have a Unisex/Disabled Toilet with one shower and one toilet. They are all together in one Toilet Block, near the Bunk Rooms, Kitchen/Dining and Stuart Room (Music Room). We supply all hand towels, hand soap and toilet paper in the bathrooms.
Do the Bunk Rooms have heating?
No, the bunk rooms don’t have their own heating but we get a lot of feedback that, even in the middle of winter, they are nice and warm once occupied. We have heat pumps in the Dining Hall and Music Room.
Do you have a washing machine or dryer?
No, we don't have laundry facilities at the lodge, but we do have large washing lines for drying out items.
Can we drink the water at the lodge?
Yes we have very nice water and a large Drink Station where you can fill up water bottles.
Does the lodge have Wi-Fi?
Yes we have Starlink Wi-Fi throughout most of the Lodge.
Does the lodge have Cell Reception?
We have poor reception at the Lodge but you can get full reception at the top of Falls Road about 1km away. At the Lodge, we have spots where phone reception can be gained. There is also a Dining Hall phone number which can be given out to anyone wanting to get hold of you. In the event of an emergency, 111 can be dialed from that landline.
What is the layout of the Bunk Rooms?
We have three bunk rooms which take 12 people each, three bunk rooms which take 14 people each, one bunk room which takes 4 people. And then there’s the Stuart Room which is a large, heated room with 20 mattresses.
How do I make a booking?
Please email office@kokakolodge.org.nz or phone 09 292 4349 to book or to enquire about dates. You can also fill out our Online Booking Form and our team will get back to you.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes we are happy for you to bring your dogs, as long as they are under good control and kept on a lead. We prefer they are kept outdoors only.
Do you cater food?
No but you have full use of our Commercial Kitchen and we can recommend some great caterers.
When are your busiest times of the year?
Summer is our busiest time of the year but we find everyone has fun in the middle of Winter too. We have a huge marquee for shelter and lots of indoor space if it’s needed and two outdoor patio heaters near our BBQs.
Are there wasps at the lodge?
While we can’t control where wasps are present, we have noticed they can be around a lot during March to May. We do our best to locate and remove nests. We do advise that if you have any allergic group members, you bring along medication and inform the group of the risks.
Is it safe to swim at Hunua Falls?
The Hunua Falls are fresh water (not salt) so they don’t have the buoyancy of the ocean. Also, since it is flowing it is a little colder than a stagnant pond, swimming is not recommended unless you are very experienced around water (can comfortably swim more than 100m and/or can rescue someone like a lifesaver). When we do water activities all participants are in life jackets at all times (even if they can swim), we have other safety equipment (throw lines) and our instructors are specifically trained on managing this environment.
Do we share the lodge with other groups when we stay?
No you will have an Exclusive Hire and have the whole lodge to enjoy with your group.
Do we have to take away all of our rubbish and recycling?
No, you don’t have to take any of this with you. We’ve got large rubbish, recycling and food waste bins on site that are free to use and we encourage kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) so we’d love for you to help us sort out recycling, which we then place into larger recycling bins. Food waste is all given to locals to feed their pigs.
