KOHUTAPU LODGE & TRIBAL TOURS
Experience all that authentic Māori culture has to offer
KOHUTAPU LODGE & TRIBAL TOURS
Experience all that authentic Māori culture has to offer
MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STAY
At Kohutapu Lodge, we offer more than just a place to stay – we invite you into our world. Overlooking the serene Lake Aniwhenua, our whanau-owned lodge is built on the deep traditions and stories of our land and people. This is not a performance or a typical tour – it’s an authentic, intimate experience of Māori life.
We live on site, and we share our home, history, and culture with you. Whether you're enjoying a traditional hangi, walking through our ancient rainforests, or hearing our stories, you’ll find yourself connected to something real and meaningful.
If you seek an experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated and truly connected, you’ve found the right place. It’s not about rushing through – it’s about slowing down, being present, and immersing yourself in a genuine Māori cultural journey.
We don’t do big crowds or five-star hotel luxuries. Instead, we offer the chance to be part of our family, experience sincere hospitality, and see the world from our perspective. Here, every moment is woven with culture, providing a true escape to rest and reflect.
Here, you won’t just visit... you will belong.
a trusted and recognised brand
At Kohutapu Lodge, we humbly embrace the whakatauki (proverb), “Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka,” which reminds us that the kumara doesn’t boast about it's sweetness. In the same way, we don’t focus on seeking recognition or accolades, but rather, focus on what truly matters: creating a meaningful experience for our manuhiri (guests) and using tourism as a force for good.
At Kohutapu Lodge, we believe in harnessing the power of tourism to make a positive impact. Whether it’s supporting our community, protecting our environment, or collaborating with other Indigenous cultures, these principles are woven into the very fabric of who we are.
While we don’t focus on seeking accolades, over the past six years,
Kohutapu Lodge has been honored with several New Zealand Tourism Awards in recognition of our commitment to community, regenerative tourism, industry collaboration, and empowering indigenous youth. These awards reflect our dedication to creating meaningful change, but our true reward lies in the impact we make on the lives of the young people and communities we serve.
