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Things to do around the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary

The Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary is located on the Kauri Coast in Northland, New Zealand. The sanctuary is in the vicinity of the Trounson Kauri Park. Nearby attractions include:

• Kai Iwi Lakes - amazing clear and warm lakes great for swimming in
• Tane Mahuta - a two thousand year old tree
• Waipoa Forest - a large kauri forest

The closest town is Dargaville, located 50km away.

A visit to the sanctuary can easily be incorporated within your New Zealand holiday. Below are some sample itinerary ideas.

A taste of Northland (own transport)

Auckland - Goat Island - Bay of Islands - Kaitaia - Cape Reinga - Waipoa Forest - Trounson Kauri Park - Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary - Dargaville - Kauri Museum - Auckland

Kauri Coast (own transport)

Dargaville - Tokatoka Peak - Kai Iwi Lakes - Coastal Walkway - Waipoa Forest - Trounson Kauri Park - Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary - Dargaville - Kauri Museum

If you travel by bicycle, you might want to consider riding the Twin Coast Trail.

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About the Tree Tents

There are only three tree tents set-up in the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary, so you can be assured that you will have plenty of space and privacy. The guided night walk and the tree tent stay activity is designed for the independent traveler and we recommend a two night minimum stay to have sufficient time to experience all the wonders of our sanctuary.

The tents are set-up only during the southern hemisphere summer (December to March).

Getting there

You will need your own transportation to reach the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary and to visit the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, we will not be able to pick you up and there is no public transport in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Please note that the access road to the sanctuary is not paved and it is not suitable for vehicles longer than 6 meters.

After you complete your booking, you will receive an email that contains a map with clear directions. For planning purposes, we are located in Northland, New Zealand, three hours north from Auckland (New Zealand's largest city), three hours west from the Bay of Islands, one hour from the two thousand year-old Tane Mahuta, and half an hour from the Trounson Kauri Park.

Check-in/Check-out

During the day we are working in the forest and we are not able to receive guests until 5:00pm. The Kai Iwi lakes or Trounson Kauri Park are amazing places to spend the extra time if arriving early.

The check-out time is 10:00 am.

Meals

The guided night walk and tree tent stay activity includes dinner and breakfast.

We cater to most dietary requirements if we are told beforehand. For breakfast, you will have a choice between cooked eggs, muesli, or toast with spreads. You are welcome to bring your own snacks, special food, or drinks. We will not be able to keep them in the fridge, but we could store them in the pantry for you.

There are no cooking facilities available to guests and the closest restaurant is 30km away.

Alcohol

You are allowed to consume alcohol in the vicinity of your tent, please keep in mind that our volunteers are not allowed to consume alcohol.

Smoking

We prefer to have guests that do not smoke due to the risk of fire to the forest. We can indicate you a designated smoking area in the common living area.

Smoking is not permitted in the forest or in tree tent area.

Physical Shape

For the guided night walk we will hike about one kilometer (half a mile) on a rough forest track. Half of the way is downhill and the return is uphill. It is not a difficult/exerting walk but you must be in a reasonable good physical shape to do it. You need to be able to climb down six steep steps to get to the waterfall and to climb up a rope ladder to get into the tent.

Facilities

Our facilities are basic but comfortable. One of the principles behind our sanctuary is to be as kind to the environment as possible. We are off the grid and we try to use as little resources as possible. The main facilities (kitchen, showers, dinning room) are housed in recycled shipping containers.

The closest laundry facilities are in Dargaville, about 50km away.

Electricity

Please note that we are off the grid and do not have electricity.

Phone and Internet

Strong mobile phone signal on the Telecom, Vodafone, Skinny, and 2degrees networks is accessible in the common area for both Internet and voice. There is no phone signal in the forest.

Health and Safety

The New Zealand forest is very safe and it has no dangerous animals or reptiles.

In case of a major storm, we might have to cancel the walk or take the tents down and relocate you to safer accommodation. We would normally be able to advise at least 24hrs in advance.

The closest medical clinic is in Dargaville, about one hour away. The closest hospital with an emergency room is in Whangarei, about two hours away.

Insurance

You need to have medical/travel insurance to be able to stay with us.

What to Bring

The weather can be surprisingly chilly and wet even in the middle of summer. For a comfortable stay, we recommend to bring the following:

• hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• hiking shoes for the night walk, we can provide gumboots if necessary
• warm clothes for the chilly nights
• wet weather gear (rain pants, rain jacket)
• swimming gear
• some snacks or drinks