Break away to Discovery Lodge

Escape from the hustle-and-bustle. Relax and recharge amongst nature. Discovery Lodge is surrounded by alpine meadows and the Tongariro National Park.

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Feel welcome and looked after

Be treated more like friends or family rather than a customer. Experience the best of Tongariro with the help from our friendly local team.

 

Tripadvisor Travellers Choice awarded to Discovery Lodge

 

Discovery Lodge chalet studio interior

Rooms

A little mountain comfort

Rooms
Discovery Lodge camping huts at night with milky way above

Camping

Camping under stars

Camping
A couple standing together on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Mt Ngauruhoe in the background

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Everything you need to know

Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A skier in a yellow jacket skiing down a mountain slope with sun shinning

Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu

Ski, board & sight see

Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu

Experience Tongariro

Staying and experiencing the best of Tongariro National Park is possible for everyone. Located only minutes from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Whakapapa ski field.

Two chalets with a close up view of Mt Ruapehu and the Tongariro National Park from Discovery Lodge

For all budgets

We have accommodation to suit all budgets. From cosy upmarket chalets, homely motel apartments, budget camping huts and "back to nature" camping.

Your special Tongariro Crossing experience

Enjoy peace & quiet on the Crossing. Only a short 10 minute shuttle ride to the start. Feel well prepared and ready with help from our experienced local Team.

Learn more
Two hikers amongst golden tussock grass with Mt Ngauruhoe and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Close accommodation to Whakapapa

Relax in a warm quiet motel or chalet. A short 15 minute drive to Whakapapa and the Skywaka. Affordable camping options available. A short 5 minute drive to restaurants, cafes and bars.

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A skier skiing with the Pinnacles of Whakapapa Mt Ruapehu in the background

Your mountain home away from home

Rest easy with views of the surrounding nature, or a beautiful sunrise or sunset from your room. Affordable, comfortable and warm. Homely self contained chalets and motels.

Discover chalets & motels
Luxury bed and hand made lamp inside a Discovery Lodge chalet at Tongariro National Park

Feel the freedom of camping

With wide open spaces, green grass and the surrounding nature you’ll find it easy to connect with nature here. You might even witness a spectacular mountain sunset or sunrise.

Discover camping
Two campers with their arms around each other next to a marmot tent watching the sun set from Discovery Lodge Tongariro

Experience the thrill of helicopter flight 

Take your adventure to new heights with helicopter flight. Experience the thrill of a lifetime with our helicopter flights over either Taupo or Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro experience Taupo flights
Happy passenger taking helicopter flight with Tongariro National Park our the window

Experience the best of Tongariro

Recharge, & be ready for your adventures. Surround yourself with nature & good local people.

Treated as friends or family

Feel welcome and looked after. Be treated more like friends or family rather than a customer. Your happiness is our priority.

Treated as friends or family

Surrounded by nature

Relax and recharge amongst nature. Discovery Lodge is surrounded by alpine meadows and the Tongariro National Park.

Surrounded by nature

Park like grounds

Enjoy peace, tranquility and wide open spaces. Discovery Lodge is set on 10 acres of park like grounds. Wander and marvel at the views.

Park like grounds

Close to Tongariro Crossing

Save travel time to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The start is a short 10 minute drive from Discovery Lodge.

Close to Tongariro Crossing

Close to Whakapapa Skiing

Save travel time and hassle travelling to Whakapapa ski area. An easy 15 minute drive to the Skywaka, chairlifts & winter snow.

Close to Whakapapa Skiing

Kiwi Owned & Operated

You'll be supporting a 3rd & 4th generation local family. Born & breed in the region. Some even at Discovery Lodge.

Kiwi Owned & Operated

Extensive local knowledge

Have the best experience of Tongariro. Let us help you with our extensive local knowledge.

Extensive local knowledge

Options for everyone

Staying in nature is possible for everyone. We have accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Options for everyone

Earliest Crossing Shuttle

Beat the crowds. Be the first on the Tongariro Crossing. Enjoy the hike in peace and quiet.

Earliest Crossing Shuttle

Mountain views

Enjoy a full panorama of Tongariro's active volcanoes. Discovery is the only property to enjoy this view.

Mountain views

Restaurants, cafes & bars

A short 5 minute drive to a range of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Restaurants, cafes & bars

Special Deals

The best Discovery deals anywhere on earth. You'll find them right here.

Special Deals

Don't take our word for it

Rated 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor. Awarded winner of Certificate of Excellence from 2011 to 2019 and Travellers Choice for 2020.

trip advisor green cirlce branding - no background

4.5 star rating only - no background

 

"Hi Callum, I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude for everything over the past weekend. The accomodation was wonderful, but the service was truly first class. You both were beyond helpful and very proactive with my group - you guys really ensured we had an awesome visit and I can’t thank you enough for that. Will definitely be seeing you guys again in the future for more excursions. Wish you guys all the best through the coming months"
Jonathan R
Hamilton, New Zealand

Meet the family...

We'll do anything to help you have an amazing Tongariro experience. 

Callum Harland Callum Harland Owner of Discovery Lodge
Callum Harland
Owner & heli pilot
Abel Harland
Abel Harland
Handy man
Edana Harland
Edana Harland
Public relations

Escape the hustle-and-bustle

Water fall near Discovery Lodge Tongariro
Relax and recharge
Like there's no tomorrow
Book now