Waikuku Lodge

The place

Historic DOC lodge in the Aorangi Forest Park (Wairarapa), 32 km southeast of Martinborough. **Built in 1921 from locally sawn timber** — a former farmhouse set in reverting pasture at the northern end of the park. Capacity of 24 people at the main lodge, or 3 separate cabins of 10 people each. Access: from Martinborough, turn onto Lake Ferry Road at the Awhea-White Rock sign, 8 km then Ruakokoputuna Road (which becomes Haurangi Road); an unmaintained gravel road, narrow and winding, crossing farmland (possible washouts). Limited phone/internet coverage. Seasonal rates: low season (May-Sept) whole lodge NZ$180/night, cabin 35; mid-season (Oct-April) 210-258 / 41-47; high season (Dec-Feb) 222-272 / 55-63.