Welcome to Blackfern Lodge
Luxury rustic accommodation, a unique one stop experience amidst the warmth & wonders of New Zealand's Natural Beauty & History. Established in 1998, Blackfern Lodge is a family run business in the heart of the King Country – the 1st accommodation provider to the Timber Trail since 2013. We are located at 1847 and 1731 Ongarue Stream Road, Waimiha, deep in the valley, where time stands still.
We offer unique, quirky, boutique style accommodation in three convenient locations - ideal for exploring Waitomo, the King Country, and the Ruapehu. Blackfern Lodge & Forge are located in Waimiha - ideal for getting off grid, and for those wishing to experience the Timber Trail through the mighty Pureora Forest. Blackfern Cottage conveniently located in Ongarue, for accommodation before or after your Timber Trail Adventure.
The Lodge
The Lodge comprises of 5 different en-suite rooms, and 1 with separate bathroom – ideal for couples, or groups – accommodating up to 12 people. The perfect place to relax and unwind after a day’s exploring the region or cycling through Pureora Forest Park. Enjoy a soak in the hot tub / spa under the stars at the end of the day. Be amazed by our majestic waterfall, ‘whio’(native blue duck), native orchids, long fin eel, rainbow trout feeding, short tail bats, glow worms and exquisite bird life. This is accredited to the Blackfern Ecological Restoration project started in 2005.A truly kiwi experience – unplug from technology and plug into nature!
The Forge
The Forge is situated a kilometre further downstream and comprises of 4 ensuite bedrooms, ideal for families or large groups.The rustic charm of the converted woolshed will delight you.Be amazed by our majestic waterfall, whio (native blue duck), native orchids, long fin eel, rainbow trout feeding, short tail bats, glow worms and exquisite bird life.This is accredited to the Blackferm Ecological Restoration project started in 2005. A truly kiwi experience - unplug from technology and plug into nature!
Ongarue Cottage
Blackfern Cottage is located at 50 Ongarue Village Road, Ongarue (20 mins from Taumaranui SH4) - at the southern end of the Timber Trail, only minutes away from all of the Trail Transport providers. The perfect to stay the night before, or the night after your Timber Trail Adventure, or a handy stop over to the ski fields. Self catered option only.
Explore our timber trail packages
Blackfern offers all-inclusive packages, to make your Timber Trail Adventure as easy and seamless as possible. Enjoy our home-cooked meals, or self-cater - the choice is yours! We operate our own shuttles, bag and car transfers, meals and bike hire exclusively for our guests.
Kowhai Package
Prefer a later start? We meet you at Pureora for a 10am start, your vehicle is transferred to our Cottage in Ongarue Ride 40 kms into Blackfern, for accommodation @ Blackfern Lodge or Forge in either a Twin Single or Double En-suite room Bags transferred from Pureora to Blackfern, and to Ongarue on Day 2 Begin Day 2 with a 3km adventure ride on our Bush Lokey, for a downhill start Ride 53kms to your vehicle Meals and bike hire can be added at an additional cost.
Totara Package
Our most popular option for a 1 night stay @ Blackfern 8:15 shuttle from our Cottage in Ongarue to Pureora for a 10am start. Ride 40 kms into Blackfern, for accommodation @ Blackfern Lodge or Forge in either a Twin Single or Double En-suite room Bags transferred from Ongarue to Blackfern, and back to Ongarue on Day 2 Begin Day 2 with a 3km adventure ride on our Bush Lokey, for a downhill start Ride 53kms back to your vehicle Meals and bike hire can be added at an additional cost.
Rimu Package
Prefer a more relaxed 2 night stay with us? Arrive at our Cottage in Ongarue for a 6pm shuttle into Blackfern for accommodation @ Blackfern Lodge or Forge in either a Twin single or Double en-suite room. Shuttle from Blackfern @ 8:30am to Pureora for a 10:00am start, ride 40kms back into Blackfern Bags transferred from Ongarue to Blackfern, and back to Ongarue on Day 2 Begin Day 2 with a 3km adventure ride on our Bush Lokey, for a downhill start Ride 53kms back to your vehicle Meals and bike hire can be added at an additional cost.
Matai Package
Arriving from different places or times? Drive into Blackfern for accommodation @ Blackfern Lodge or Forge in either a Twin single or Double en-suite room. Shuttle from Blackfern @ 8:30am to Pureora for a 10:00am start, ride 40kms back into Blackfern Begin Day 2 with a 3km adventure ride on our Bush Lokey, for a downhill start Ride 53kms to your vehicle which we have transferred from Blackfern to our Cottage in Ongarue, including your bags. Meals and bike hire can be added at an additional cost.
Here's what makes us so special
Blackfern Lodge is at the spearhead of conservation of the Whio Blue Duck, Rainbow Trout and many other native species in the area.
Take a leisurely 2hr Ecological Nature Walk along the banks of the Ongarue River.
After a fantastic first day on the Timber Trail, ride into the relaxed atmosphere at Blackfern Lodge.
What our guests have said
Read some of the reviews from some of the people who loved staying here.