The Lodge is located on the edge of the Rangitaiki River. The Rangitaiki Basin is the surrounding land that is bordered by the Urewera National Park and the Kaingaroa Forest, a giant man-made pine forest. All around the basin are small to medium size streams that flow into the Rangitaiki and Whirinaki rivers. These have a brief respite when they all flow into the famous Lake Aniwhenua. Why is it famous? Because it one of the few lakes in the world where you really can catch a monster trout. The largest so far is 20lbs! It holds both Rainbows and Browns.

The area is rich in beauty and wildlife. The Urewera is known for its misty mountain tops and dense rain forest of ancient trees. The lower canopy consists of the easily identifiable Nikau Palms, the Seven Finger and Five Finger trees, Makomako(wineberry), and the fragrant tea trees (Manuka and Kanuka). Rising high above them are the giants...Rata, Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea. Some of these rise up over 60 metres tall.

Darting all through this bush is a variety of birdlife. Fantails (small warbler-like birds) follow you everywhere. There are also the New Zealand Pigeon, some Finches, the tiny Silvereye, the brilliant teal of the New Zealand Kingfisher, the Morepork (a small owl who songs likes its name) and the dark blue feathered and orange-billed Pukeko. In the out lying areas of the forest, you see the California Quail, Ring-necked Pheasant, New Zealand Scaup, the Grey Duck, the Mallard Duck, and the poignantly squawking Paradise Duck.

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae)
Also called the Parson Bird

The Tui is renowned for its songs. It sings many different songs from high in trees where it perches with its body feathers fluffed and its tongue partly extended. It is the first bird to sing in the morning and the last to sing at night. Sometimes it evens sings well into the night if it is near or at full moon. It is found all around the Urewera as it likes to live on the borders between native forest and suburban gardens with exotic vegetation. The Maori used to keep Tuis caged and taught them to talk. They were also used as cloak adornment and sometimes food. Their call is easily recognised and much sought after in New Zealand.