We are happy to cater for children, but please check out the track information for the degree of difficulty and make your own assessment regarding suitability. Very few tracks are pram-friendly so you may do a lot of carrying!

Kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis) is a disease which is threatening the survival of kauri trees in the Waitakere Ranges.  Help prevent the spread of kauri dieback by keeping to the defined tracks and cleaning footwear with the spray solution provided at stations along the tracks and in the caravans.

Pip is a qualified first-aider and we have first aid kits in all the caravans and at Wharerangi

Yes, we need to show you how to operate the caravan, brief you on the tracks you’ll be following and give you all the goodies you’ll need for your packed lunch etc.

Our usual check in time (like most hotels) is from 2 pm – if you arrive earlier you’ll find a range of things to do around the property and we’ll happily store your luggage for you. Our fully inclusive offering starts with the evening briefing and includes dinner, breakfast, morning and afternoon teas and lunch, as well as the transfer to the start and the movement and set up of the caravan.
If you would like to start your walk on the day of arrival, an earlier check-in is possible but, like other accommodation providers, there is a surcharge levied. This is because an early check-in affects our ability to attend to guests who are still active from the previous day, and also requires additional support from us above what is included in the 24 hour package.
For arrivals between 11 am and 3 pm, the surcharge is an additional 30% on top of that day’s rate. Those between 9 am and 11 am the surcharge is 75%, and before 9 am it is 90%.

Rainfall is not uncommon (the Waitakere Ranges National Park is a rain forest) so we advise guests to pack accordingly. We don’t cancel trips unless the tracks are closed or the Rangers advise against tramping in the particular weather conditions that prevail. In saying that, we equally don’t want guests to have to endure consistent days of wet misery. If the forecast indicates that the days of a guests planned tramp are going to be horrendous, we’re happy to chat through various other options available.

You will have a route map and directions – if you do lose your way get to an area with cell phone coverage and give us a call and we’ll do our best to talk you back on track.

Generally yes, although there are definitely areas along the tracks that have no coverage.

Yes, we have Wi-Fi at Wharerangi and in the caravans.

For food allergies, tell us at the time of booking and we’ll work around those.  For medical allergies, please make sure you have your medication with you.

We alter our menus all the time based on what’s in season and what’s ready for picking in our veggie garden.  We’re happy to take into consideration any preferences or requirements you have, just let us know at the time of booking.

We have a 2 night minimum.

Common sense prevails, but generally we need to adhere to the following:

• The entire park is smoke free – no smoking is permitted on the tracks or in the designated camp areas
• All rubbish and waste has to be removed – the caravans are fully self-contained and have bins for rubbish and food waste. Please make sure that any lunch wrappers etc. are carried with you and disposed of in the caravan.  We empty the waste tanks and bins on a daily basis
• Consideration to other park users in terms of noise, particularly at night
• No picking or removal of any vegetation
• Keeping to the defined tracks and cleaning footwear at all kauri dieback prevention stations and when you arrive at the caravan

The caravans, cabins and communal area at Wharerangi are all smoke free, as is the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and all the overnight camping areas.

Sorry, no. Whilst permitted on some of the tracks, dogs are prohibited on others and at all the overnight camping areas. If you need a canine fix you are welcome to borrow ours at Wharerangi.

The walks are well marked and easy to follow on your own.  However, guides do add value because of their local knowledge and experience.  If you would like a guide for all or part of your walk, please let us know at the time of booking.

Please note that commercial guiding is not permitted on the Hillary Trail.