Image: DOC
Green weatherboard lodge with small verandah.
William Hartree Memorial Lodge

Located in Puketitiri area in the Hawke’s Bay region

William Hartree Lodge is located amongst regenerating podocarps, broadleaved species and native mistletoe, Tupeia.

The lodge was built in 1966 by the Junior Wildlife Wardens. 

The lodge sleeps 10 within 3 bunk rooms. A central living area connects to a kitchen, toilet and shower room. Power is connected. There is limited cellphone reception. Accessible by car, it is a perfect entry level facility to introduce your family and friends to the bush.

Several short walks are available right outside the door, with more within 30 min to 1 hr drive away. Popular local areas include Little’s Bush, Balls Clearing and the Mangatutu Hot Springs. 

Facilities

  • Kitchen - fully equipped
  • Fireplace and wood
  • Electric lighting
  • Hot showers 
  • Flush toilet
  • A wheelchair ramp is available in the shed, insert the bolts into the holes in the door frame to secure it

You need to bring

  • As water is not treated and is sourced from several tanks, we recommend you boil water before drinking or bring safe drinking water from home.
  • Duvet or sleeping bag, pillow and pillow covers.
  • Toilet paper and towels.
  • Firewood (some might be available at the lodge but this is not guaranteed). 

Bookings

The lodge is located at 4333 Puketitiri Road, Puketitiri, 48 km from Napier. 

It takes 50 mins to 1 hour to travel from Napier to the lodge. Note: the road is under repair following Cyclone Gabrielle damage.

From Napier

Take Prebensen Drive, turn right at the fourth roundabout onto Puketitiri Road, follow for 40-45 minutes. You will pass through Rissington and Patoka before reaching the lodge on your left.

From Taradale

Follow Puketapu Road, turn right onto Apley road, left onto Puketitiri road.

The entrance has a locked gate across the driveway, unlock it with the key provided to drive to the lodge itself. Lock the gate behind you. 

What to expect

  • Details on how to access the lodge are included on your confirmation letter and will be confirmed 3 days before your arrival.
  • You are responsible for leaving the lodge in a clean and tidy state (cleaning materials are provided).
  • There are no rubbish facilities. Take your rubbish with you.
  • Some firewood may be available within the woodshed. Do not cut trees within the reserve. We recommended bringing some wood from home to ensure you can enjoy a fire on a cold night.
  • Boil water before drinking or bring safe drinking water from home.
  • Do not light fires outside of the fireplace. 
  • Hunting is not permitted. The nearest available hunting location is the Kaweka Forest Park (with a valid permit). 
  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted at this location.
  • There is patchy mobile coverage at the lodge.

On arrival

  • The key supplied will open all doors and the gate padlock.
  • Keep the gate closed and locked during your visit to manage security risks.
  • Turn on the hot water if needed (switch is in the shower room beside the cylinder). Turn on other appliances as needed.
  • Note the location of the fire extinguishers and evacuation points.

During your stay

  • Conserve water, particularly during dryer months. Should water supplies get low, use the outside toilet (long drop). 
  • Do not remove fire alarms.
  • Leave ashes to cool within the fireplace. Once cool empty into the bucket and into the metal drum with a concrete lid (by the water tanks). 

Heritage site seeing

Learn about the rich history of William Hartree Memorial Scenic Reserve and lodge.

Balls Clearing

12 minute drive on sealed road.
Balls Clearing Walks

Little Bush Reserve

16 minute drive, last 5 kilometre’s are on a gravel road
Little Bush Reserve - Forest and Bird website

Kaweka Forest Park

30 – 50 minute drive, range of walks and experiences accessible from Lotkow Road, Kaweka Road and Makahu Road (hot pools). All access roads are gravel, check for alerts regarding the road conditions.
Kaweka Forest Park