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.
Further information
Arrival and departure
Check-in is available from 2:00pm. Check-out is strictly by 10:00am. Any requests to vary these times must be arranged in advance with the Lodge Manager.
Deposits and Cancellations
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance must be paid in full 7 days before your stay.
Cancellations made:
7-14 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total hire cost is payable
Less than 7 days prior: 100% of the hire cost is payable (unless the booking can be replaced).
Cleaning
Groups are responsible for leaving the lodge clean and tidy for the next manuhiri (guests). We provide brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning equipment and supplies. A cleaning checklist is displayed in the lodge and must be followed with all cleaning jobs completed before departure.
A cleaning fee of $100 per hour will apply if additional cleaning is required to the required standard.
Groups are required to bring their own washing up liquid, tea towels, cloths and toilet paper.
Pre-arranged Cleaning contract
A pre-arranged contract clean is available for $400, subject to availability. The contract clean includes cleaning of the bathrooms, vacuuming and mopping of floors, cleaning of the oven/stove, and cleaning of the windows. Note this is for the lodge, ablutions and accommodation block, and does not include the apartment.
Before leaving the Lodge, please ensure that it is left tidy, with all rubbish and belongings removed, and dishes done and put away.
Any soiling that goes beyond what is considered normal or reasonable will result in an additional cleaning fee, which will be charged at a rate of $50 per hour.
What you need to bring
There is no WiFi or shop nearby, so please come prepared.
You will need to bring:
Bedding (sheets, pillows, duvets or sleeping bags) and towels. All guests must use a bottom sheet on the mattresses.
Tea towels, cloths, dishwashing liquid
Toilet paper
All food and drink supplies – the nearest shop is in Manapōuri, with supermarkets in Te Anau or Tuatapere
First Aid Kit for your group
Rubbish bags – all waste must be taken with you when you leave.
Firewood - alternatively firewood is available for lodge use at $40 per day (please arrange in advance).
Damages and breakages
Please report any damage or breakages during your stay to the Manager. Repairs will be organised by the Manager. Costs will be charged to the group. We appreciate honesty and care for the facility.
Pets
To protect the surrounding environment and mahinga kai values, no pets are permitted on-site or inside the lodge. We want to protect our wildlife and taonga species on site.
Exceptions may be made only with prior written approval from the Lodge Manager.
Smoking
Te Kōawa is a smoke-free environment. Fire is a significant hazard at the property, and we must take all steps to avoid fire.
There is strictly NO SMOKING in any building, or elsewhere on the property, except in the designated area on the lodge deck. Please use the ashtray provided and respect the lodge and whenua.
Fires
No fires are permitted anywhere on the property except in the logburner in the lodge. Please ensure hot ashes are put in the metal bucket provided until they are completely cold.
No candles are permitted anywhere on the property, inside or outside the lodge.
On departure
Please leave the lodge clean and tidy, with furniture back in the correct place, heating and lights off, windows closed and doors locked. Keys must be placed back in the lock box.
Our environment
We ask you to respect our environment and make sure all lights and heaters are switched off when not in use.
Heating is not to be left on when guests are away for the day, or not in the room.
Please use water wisely and sparingly as we are on a limited supply of rainwater from our rainwater tanks. Water is filtered and treated by UV and is completely safe to drink.
Please take all rubbish with you. There will be a waste disposal fee for any rubbish left behind.