Facilities
Our facilities at The Institute of Awesome have been modernised to provide a warm comfortable experience in the middle of nature.
Free WiFi, insulated rooms with warm comfy beds, and an optional makerspace is just the start…
Main lodge hall & Kitchen
The Lodge Hall caters as the dining hall, workshop space, and evening hangout. We have two large kitchens offering ovens, cooktops, refrigerators and food storage, pots, pans and cooking utensils, plus enough cups, crockery, and cutlery for everyone. The main hall has a large wrap-around deck overlooking the bush and ocean. Multiple BBQs with supplied gas are available too.
Accommodation
We offer a mix of rooms to suit your needs. Private king or double rooms are available as well as 4 per room bunk rooms. Heaters, fresh clean linen, pillows and blankets are supplied in all of the rooms - leave your sleeping bags at home!
Rooms can be configured in the two formats pictured: king bed with bunks, or twin singles with bunks.
Some rooms have sea views, most have beautiful bush and mountain views. Most rooms have sunny decks outside for relaxing on.
Hot water showers and toilets are in close proximity to all rooms. There are two bathroom blocks including 3 showers in each (male and female blocks) and two private bathroom units with shower and toilet available for all guests.
Other amenities
The Secret Lab is our space for events and activities, maker space workshops, concerts, and movie nights
Inspiration Point is our outdoor stage and amphitheatre with the backdrop of the sea, perfect for star gazing, yoga, or events
100 Acres of native bush allow for Bush walks and environmental activities for all levels of outdoor enthusiast
Our Permaculture gardens produce free-range eggs, organic vegetables and fruit and give us the chance to get our hands dirty and explore our own kai production.
History
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 puni kura (school camp) experience with technology learning. Come and experience the lodge, explore the 100 acres of bush on the property and bask in the natural beauty of the Whaaingaroa/Raglan surrounds.