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Surrounded by lush farmlands and forestry, Kohutapu Lodge overlooks the pristine Lake Aniwhenua - teeming with Rainbow and Brown trout. Accommodation options range from self contained units, lodge cabins, powered and non-powered sites set in expansive gardens, with large well equipped communal kitchen, lounge with sky TV, and pool table, BBQ area, private lake access & boat hire. Aside from the myriad of hunting a fishing experiences right on our doorstep, guests who are interested will also have the opportunity to hear our stories, taste our food and be hosted by our whanau (family) – all of this within a landscape that is breathtakingly beautiful, in a region untouched by the hand of commercialism. Guided cultural tours are also provided. As visitors are welcomed into the rohe, a karakia (prayer) is offered to protect them while they are in these lands, as our guides escort visitors to and past sites of historical significance, sharing tales en route to Kohutapu Lodge. Owned and operated by a local Maori family, we are delighted to share with you our stories, our culture, our kai (food) and the warmth of our manaakitanga (hospitality).
Our group included my wife, my brother, and sister in law. We had an incredible cultural and culinary experience at the Kohutapu Lodge. This Maori, family-owned lodge provides excellent lodging, food, and walks led by Maori guides. The walks are through the rainforest, along the river, and offer scenic views of sacred mountains. Our guide Taz provided an immersive experience teaching us about the significance of the flora and fauna to the Maori, historical perspectives on colonization, and his experience as a member of the local tribe of eel people. His willingness to share and his sense of humor made for a wonderful experience. In addition to our walks, we were treated to a hangi dinner and a discussion from owner Nadine on the mission and vision of the business which is to help the local Maori community with food, spiritual connections, and experiences for the youth in that area. Listening to Nadine and her staff was truly an inspiration. They spoke passionately about teaching their youth about their culture and how they provide opportunities for their youth to meet other indigenous populations through out the world. We would highly recommend that travelers in New Zealand consider the Kohutapu Lodge for outstanding hospitality, the opportunity to learn about Maori culture, and to be inspired by this family fully committed to not only their own community but to people throughout the world.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was such a rich experience, we learnt so much more than you could ever learn in books or online and it was amazing to spend the day with people who were so willing to show us their culture. We were welcomed in with open arms where they told us the stories of their tribe and their people, cooked us an amazing hangi lunch (they even catered for vegans) , and took us on a guided tour around Whirinaki Forest, telling us about the land that they and their ancestors call home. Beyond our experience, we learnt of all of the work they do for their local community and you could tell from the way that they spoke so passionately about everything that these people are amazing. If you ever find yourself anywhere in NZ, travel as far as you need to to spend some time at Kohutapu Lodge, you will not regret it. Ngā mihi nui!
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Date of stay: September 2023
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Staying here is a real cultural experience. Nadine and Taz (her husband, Karl, was busy with the hangi for dinner) were wonderful hosts, especially considering that we arrived shortly before dinner (my fiends had been visiting with local whānau that afternoon and we were running late). The rooms were superb (and warm - we're from Hawaii) and the location is gorgeous. Nadine was very informative about the programs that they have instigated, taking local young people around the Pacific to interact with other indigenous groups - these are some dedicated people. The highlight was our walk through the Wharinaki Forest the next day with Taz Takirau. If you don't do anything else in NZ. do this. Just wish we had had more time here.
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Date of stay: November 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Do the Whirinaki Forest walk with Taz
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow - what a truly beautiful place they have here. My family and I just got back from a really amazing holiday here. My 2 year old felt right at home and we all felt so welcome from day one, the communal facilities were always clean and we felt very part of the lodge by the end of our stay. We had a lake view cabin, but regardless of where you sleep you still can see the beautiful view from their wonderful outdoor set up. It’s very much a place where we reset and recouped after big days at Whakatane or Rotorua. Will most definitely be coming back, and very much are looking forward to our family holidays here in the future. Thankyou to your family for welcoming us in with open arms.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we toured New Zealand, we were so interested in learning more about the Maori indigenous people, we searched for just the right experience. And we found it at the Kohutapu Lodge and Tribal Tours based in Murupara NZ on the north island. We toured ancient caves with rock carvings from early ancestors, beautiful rich woodlands and the lodge itself. We were treated to an extraordinary lunch that had been buried, smoking in a pit of hot rocks. Nadine (who I called the lady of the lodge) told us stories of their unique modern challenges, and her young relative Tez shared stories of their long standing culture Tez and his lovely wife also performed the traditional war dance. After returning to the USA, we have spread the word about these wonderful people and the beautiful area they call home. Check them out!
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Date of stay: December 2022
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:The drive through the mountains to the lodge is absolutely gorgeous.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I came here 10 year ago and I returned again for another wonderful, serene, idyllic visit to this beautiful hidden away gem by the lake. Less than an hour away from Rotarua this is one place you should not miss out on. Great culture, wonderful friendly people and you can also experience the great tastes of a Hangi meal. **5star** a must for your holiday to the North Island.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:The tip is.. just book to stay here, you won't regret it!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carl and Nadine offer a great experience for families and groups wanting to get away and experience life a bit different from the city. They're avid hunters and always keen to share a story, or an insight or offer some guidance to young ones out on their first hunt. It was the start of duck shooting season so they had visitors from around NZ enjoying their spot right on Lake Aniwhenua at the edge of Te Urewera. Their facilities are very reasonably priced, communal kitchen, even a bar and fire pit. They are happy to work with guests to provide experiences that will leave an indelible impression and often put down hangi for their guests and community. If you want to experience true manaakitanga in a family friendly spot and support a business that truly gives back to their community - don't go past this whanau.
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Date of stay: May 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nadine ToeToe, Owner at Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours
Responded Nov 4, 2020
Kia ora e hoa, nga mihi nui for your kind review of our place, and the manaaki we share. We can't wait to welcome you back home, soon. Arohnaui xox
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed here for one night as part of the organized tour. Not really a lodge person but usually a hotel person. But the tour organized it. Anyway this property is good for what it is. Clean, central and friendly. Family business owners are friendly, hospitable and generous. We visited as part of the Māori cultural experience with Māori culture, Haka dancing and hangi dinner (a dinner cooked underground to create an earthy flavor). Post dinner activity includes camp fire. It was a good experience. They also have farm animals for you to pat, which is a bonus for an animal lover like me. Bathroom is a bit tired though but they are family business and don’t have much money to upgrade and I get that. Overall I enjoyed my stay.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nadine ToeToe, Owner at Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours
Responded Nov 16, 2022
Kia ora Daniel! Thanks so much for your lovely review, we are glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us!! We look forward to one day hopefully being able to upgrade our bathrooms again. It has been a tough 2.5years without our tourism income (we were 98% reliant on the international market). Fingers crossed more wonderful people like you are able to come and visit us, so we can do much more not just with our site here - but also within our community and for our people. Thank you once again for your kind words, from your Kohutapu Lodge Whanau
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What an amazing venue. We stayed for a 60th birthday and wow! The hangi and desserts, the hospitality, the cleanliness of the place, comfort of the rooms and the warmth of all of the staff WAS SECOND TO NONE. Beautiful location on the side of lake Aniwhenua, volleyball court for the kids with a range of sports equipment. The bar and kitchen overlooking the hangi pit, lake and communal areas was just picturesque. Thank you again to your amazing staff, who made us feel like family. Nga mihi nui!
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Date of stay: December 2020
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Room Tip:All rooms are located close to all facilities.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visited this Lodge as part of a New Zealand tour run by Kirra tours. Our tour included a walk through part of the rain forest to see ancient Māori rock carvings. Our guide was Kitty part of the family who run the Lodge. Knowledgeable and humorous she got us all participating in the Haka and flax weaving! Enjoyed a delicious ground cooked Hangi luncheon in beautiful surroundings! Fabulous
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Murupara area.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Lake Aniwhenua Lodge
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandBay of Plenty RegionMurupara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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