A place of wonder and energy set in 110 acres on the foot of a mountain, in ancient bush by the Tasman Sea.
We’re a not-for-profit eco-lodge and education centre with the goal to make the world a much better place through education and a bit of technology.
Book for a family friendly summer break. Enjoy meeting like minded folk, relax and unwind in awesome nature and explore fun science and technology activities for kids aged 5+
Eco-traveller Accommodation
Our lodge is available all year round to the eco-minded traveller or family. Our family friendly accommodation is perfect for a break away. Enjoy our facilities and the 100 acres of mature bush with walks, and activities. Or just chillax on our decks listening to the bird-song.
Whale Bay is on our doorstep where you can surf on the world famous breaks. Relax in our sauna afterwards or share a meal with others in the lodge.
Industry retreats
Every retreat night you stay sponsors a school on camp.
Come and have your next leadership offsite at the Institute. You will be taken through leadership development with a unique twist as you will help design the next project for kids to come and learn about environmental technology while solving a real-world problem.
You will be involved in the planning, designing and building of the project. We can customise your experience to include accommodation at the lodge, all meals, entertainment, guest speakers and facilitation.
Each retreat booked sponsors a group of schools to come stay and work on building the project too. You help kids have a life changing educational experience they would not otherwise have.
Enviro-tech Youth Camps
The Huntly Karioi Trust initially built the lodge in 1974 as a school camp. Years later and it still retains the essential characteristics that make it an awesome outdoor camp experience. In 2019 the camp was “re-booted” as an enviro-tech camp, blending the old school camp experience with technology learning. Send your school or community group to stay at the lodge and work on enviro-tech projects in the centre, the 100 acres of bush on the property and in the natural beauty of the Raglan surrounds.
The camp can cater for groups of up to 80 at a time, with two camps per week. We offer fully catered and self catered options. Each camp will work on a Secret Project, solving a community mystery or problem.
Advanced bookings are a must especially over the spring and summer season.
Amenities at the Institute of Awesome
Nature, inspiration, good people and comfort.
The institute is located at the world famous Karioi Lodge in Raglan, New Zealand. We cater for a wide range of groups wanting to experience the magic of Mount Karioi, the tranquil bush and the recharge of the west coast.
Our lodge can cater for groups of up to 80 in a mix of accommodation styles including private rooms, bunks rooms, cabins and a private house.
The Lodge Hall caters for dining and group meetings with a lounge and AV equipment
Two shared kitchens offer ovens, cooktops, refrigerators and food storage, pots, pans and cooking utensils
The large Hangar Workshop is a space for events and activities, and is home to our maker space workshops
An outdoor stage and amphitheatre with the backdrop of the sea
Bush walks for all levels of hiker
Large coin operated washers and dryers
Free wifi all over the camp
BBQs galore to grill up a storm
Fire pit and seats to share your epic tales of the day around
A sauna to ease your muscles
