Te Kōawa Lodge
A Place of Whanaungatanga and Whenua
Te Kōawa Lodge is a beautiful and welcoming space located at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu in the Jericho Valley, 45km southeast of Te Anau. Nestled at the foot of the Takitimu maunga, the lodge is surrounded by stunning mountain views, native bush, wetlands, and flowing waterways — including Jericho Stream and nearby Redcliff Creek.
Te Kōawa means “the stream” or “the small valley with a stream” — reflecting the whenua’s natural features and deep connection to wai. This name anchors the lodge in place, as a site of cultural restoration and reconnection.
Te Kōawa is an ideal venue for whānau gatherings, wānanga, work retreats, conferences, weddings, school trips, or team-building events. The lodge sits on a 445-hectare site, with walking and biking tracks and access into the Takitimu Conservation Estate.
Nearby, there are excellent opportunities for biking, walking, hunting, and fishing, with easy access to Borland Road, Lake Monowai, the Waiau awa, Rātāku Wetlands, and Lake Manapōuri.
Accommodation
The main lodge sleeps up to 26 people and is wheelchair accessible. It includes:
A spacious and well-equipped kitchen
Large open-plan lounge and dining area with stunning views of the Takitimu range
Comfortable seating and a log burner
A separate sleeping wing features 10 bunk rooms (one set of bunks per room). Separate men’s and women’s ablution blocks are accessed via a covered walkway. There is also room for up to 6 additional guests to sleep marae-style in a shared room off the lounge.
A fully accessible wet-floor shower and toilet is located in the main building, and a laundry with washing machine and dryer is available.
A Unique Cultural Experience
Te Kōawa Lodge offers a distinctly Kāi Tahu experience. Throughout the space, there is a focus on mahinga kai, te ao Māori, and local cultural narratives. We are establishing a new Pā Harakeke (and there are existing mature harakeke varieties in front of the lodge that are suitable for raranga/weaving). We also have a taonga species trail in the front that has information on Kā whetū o Matariki (the Matariki stars).
Behind the fireplace sits a striking mural by renowned Māori artist Sir Cliff Whiting. It depicts Mahuika, the atua of fire, and her five flaming fingers. According to the pūrākau (stories), Mahuika held the sacred fire within her fingers. When Māui came seeking the secret of fire, she gifted him the flames one by one — each finger representing a sacred spark. Eventually, fire was hidden within certain trees, where it can still be drawn out today. The mural sits behind the fireplace in recognition of this story, reminding us of the warmth, wairua, and resilience that ahi kā brings.
Other Accommodation
If you are a smaller rōpū/group, you may want to book our cosy self-contained two-bedroom apartment called Te Kārearea.
Bookings
Up until 30 November 2025, bookings or enquiries are handled by Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka who hold the lease. Please contact the office via phone at (03) 234 8192 or via email at office@orakaaparima.org.nz.
From 1st December 2025 onwards, bookings will be through Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust. To enquire, please fill in our booking enquiry form.
Alternatively, you can contact our Manager, Vanessa Horwell, on 021 0255 6918 or email info@tewaiaumahikakaitrust.co.nz.
