The Lodge
Awakino operates a 27 bunk accommodation lodge, situated at 1100 metres on the access road, 300 metres below the field base buildings. This is normally at the limit of the winter snowline, and is accessible on skis from the main field down two side gulleys (Arthurs run and the old access tow gulley). 4WD access is normally available to the lodge, otherwise it is a 30 minute walk to it from the top car park in the valley below.
The lodge has two bunkrooms, and is heated by a combination of coal/wood burners and generated electricity. Fitted with flush toilets, hot showers, full kitchen facilities, dining room/hall, deck with a view and an outdoor heated spa. The lodge is original, dating back to the earliest days of skiing in New Zealand. The best thing is that the lodge has NO cellphone coverage, so the modern world can't find you in this mountain hideaway.
Bookings for the lodge, which is normally open on Fridays and Saturdays when the field is open are essential. Outside of these times the lodge can be readily booked by the public through contacting the club. Two rates are available - with services (gas/electricity), and without electricity.
The lodge is a perfect place for activities other than skiing, such as mountain instruction courses, tramping and mountain biking in the summer.
We want to provide guests with an authentic mountain experience, so please be aware that this is not a hotel. Our lodge is a big old mountain hut, and we rely on the help of volunteers to keep everything running smoothly. There is electricity available when the generator is running, but we recommend that guests bring power banks to keep their phones and devices charged.
While we provide basic amenities such as pots, pans, plates, and cutlery, guests should bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, food and drink, and towels and toiletries.
- No smoking: Smoking or vaping is not allowed inside the lodge due to the high fire risk and comfort of other guests.
- Respect the area: Please be mindful of the natural surroundings and avoid damaging vegetation and structures.
- Leave cars unlocked: Due to our remote location, it's recommended to leave your car unlocked for emergency shelter in the event of fire.
- Be a tidy kiwi: Clean up after yourself and leave the lodge in the same or better condition than when you arrived.
- Take your rubbish home with you: Please take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. No roadside pickup out here!
- Respect other guests: Be considerate of other guests staying at the lodge and keep noise levels down in bunkrooms.
- Do your dishes: Please wash your own dishes after using them and put them away.
- Leave passageways and doors clear: Keep passageways and doorways clear for safety and ease of movement.
- No fireworks: Fireworks are strictly prohibited due to the high fire risk in the area.
- No hunting: Hunting the area is not allowed without prior permission from Awakino Station and any necessary hunting permit from DOC.
- Sleeping bag or bedding: Each visitor must bring their own sleeping bag or bedding to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
- Food and drink: Our kitchen is ready for you, but visitors need to bring all their own food, snacks, and preferred drinks.
- Towels and toiletries: Bring your own towel, toiletries, and soap — stay fresh and clean during your mountain stay.
- Power bank: Electricity is available when the generator is running, primarily for the ovens. To keep devices charged, we recommend bringing a power bank.
- Warm clothing: The mountains can be brisk — make sure to pack plenty of warm layers and weatherproof clothing.
- Hiking gear: Visitors keen to explore should bring sturdy shoes, a backpack, and a map or GPS device for venturing out.
- Sun protection: The sun hits harder at altitude — don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Books, games, or other entertainment: Bring along a good book, a deck of cards, or a few games to enjoy the evenings off the grid.
- Cutlery, bowls & plates: The kitchen is well-stocked — no need to haul up your entire kitchen drawer.
- Camping cookers: Our gas hob and two ovens are ready for action — save the camp stoves for another trip.
- Pots & pans: We’ve got a full supply of cookware (and even a hidden wok!). Leave the heavy kitchen gear at home.
- Loo paper: Our flush toilets are regularly stocked — one less thing to carry!
- Water: The lodge taps run fresh snow-melt straight from the mountain — drink up!
- Bulky speakers: The lodge hall features a Bluetooth sound system that would make our neighbours hate us if we had any.
- Firewood or coal: We've got you covered — our stockpile is ready to keep you toasty all night.
- Massive chilly bins: A small cooler bag will usually do the trick, and there’s a stream nearby for chilling your beverages naturally.
- Fancy clothing: The mountains are rugged, muddy, and adventurous — leave the designer jeans and suede boots at home!
- Valuables: We're far from town, but it's best to leave irreplaceable or high-value items at home, just in case.
Alcohol policy:
Alcohol is allowed at the lodge, but we ask that guests consume it responsibly and in moderation.
We do not provide alcohol for guests, there is no bar or purchase options availiable, so please bring your own beverages.
Please note that excessive drinking and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
We ask that guests clean up after themselves and take their empty bottles and cans with them when they leave.
Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden on all access roads.
