Castle Hill

• Four Wheel (4WD) is recommended;

• access past the bridge is steep, and Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles are not permitted as they damage the road by exacerbating corrugations. Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) vehicles may also have difficulty. Please walk up (5 minute walk) if in doubt;

• the access gate on the bridge is locked. Please keep it locked if no one is at the lodge;

• winter hirers must be aware that in winter, there may be no vehicle access at all due to snow. Please respect road closures;

• if you are using Google Maps, it will take you to the end of the village. From there, continue until you reach a fork in the road. If you have a suitable vehicle, take the left fork (right fork is rough and goes nowhere). Otherwise, park at the fork (room for a few vehicles);

• alternative parking options:

  • follow the road towards the lodge as per attached map. About 100m after you enter the trees, there is an open space where you can park;

  • there is a second parking area another 100m on, with signs where you are also welcome to park.

There is a lodge operations folder hanging in the kitchen above the bins. Please read this as soon as you arrive at the lodge.

• the facility is powered by mains power, and a diesel hot water boiler for hot water and heating, with a backup generator that supplies power for lights and power sockets in the event of a power outage;

• winter heating is provided via the lounge fire and radiator heaters in bunkrooms;

• as with any mountain environment, guests should be prepared for self-sufficiency in the event of any system outages (torches, warm clothing, etc.);

• there is some cell reception in the lodge area, but no Wi-Fi is available.

• two toilet/shower bathrooms, each with four toilets and showers;

• one accessible bathroom with toilet, shower, and basin.

• the kitchen is fully equipped with a large gas stove, oven trays, pots, and pans to cater for up to 50 people. All plates, cutlery, and utensils are provided. One small fridge is also available, with a large chilly bin provided for cool stores;

• the double commercial stove has eight burners and two ovens.

• two BBQs are available (must not be used on decks). Gas and spare bottles are provided.

• there are approximately 10 tables (90 x 120cm), two trestle tables (80 x 180cm), one serving table (80 x 225cm) and 60 chairs. Seating for 30 is also available outside (picnic tables);

• the functional dining / lounge floor area is 15x8m (8x8m lino, 7x8m carpet);

• the kitchen floor area is 5x3m, with a 1.2x1.8m moveable stainless centre island;

• the lounge has a large wood burner (wood supplied), couches and bean bags;

• the lodge is hired on a self-clean basis. A contract clean service is available if pre-booked (subject to availability). Any remedial cleaning or repairs required will be taken from bond;

• all rubbish and recycling must be removed from the facilities following your visit, and unfortunately, there are no composting facilities available. A rubbish and recycling depot is available in the village (off Luge Loop).

• the nearest store and fuel is Springfield (30km/30minutes away).

• the lodge has a capacity to sleep 42 people, with four rooms containing 10 bunk beds each, and one room with two single beds;

• all beds are bunk beds, and no linen or pillows are provided;

• if the lodge is at full capacity and more space is required, camping options may be available depending on the conditions. Please refer to the hire fees and conditions for further information;

• the lodge is certified for 45 seated diners.

• marquees are not permitted on grass areas;

• no outside fires are allowed;

• candles are not allowed inside or outside the lodge;

• camping on grass is not allowed in wet conditions;

• the hire is only for the area of the building, which is situated on land controlled by the Department of Conservation. Entry into the privately owned land outside this area is not allowed without permission from the landowner.

Group Charges

Minimum of $800.00 per night for up to 20 people. Extra people $30 per person, per night, 2.00pm to midday.

Please note that special events or larger day groups may incur additional charges. To enquire, please contact Operations Manager, Jo Parsons, at lodgehire@stac.school.nz.

If the lodge is full, camping may be available (fine weather only) at the cost of $15.00 per person.

Cleaning Fee

A pre-arranged contract clean is available for $400, subject to availability. The contract clean includes cleaning of the bathrooms, vacuuming and mopping of floors, cleaning of the oven/stove, and cleaning of the windows.

Before leaving the Lodge, please ensure that it is left tidy, with all rubbish and belongings removed, and dishes done and put away.

Any soiling that goes beyond what is considered normal or reasonable will result in an additional cleaning fee, which will be charged at a rate of $50 per hour.

Bond

There is a $1500.00 bond on all bookings.  

Any charges will be deducted from this including: 

• additional cleaning and rubbish removal, $50.00 per hour; 

• breakages over wear and tear. 

The bond minus additional charges for extra persons and/or charges as outlined above will be returned once the centre has been checked (within two weeks). 

Payments can be made by Eftpos at the Strowan House reception at St Andrew's College or by bank transfer as follows: 

Bank Details: 

• 02 0800 0911793 000 

• For references to appear on OUR statement: 

• Reference 1: 1128.295 

• Reference 2: Your Name / Group Name 

If paying by bank transfer, please notify by email Receptionist Marisa Cappetta lodgehire@stac.school.nz once the transfer has been made.  

To finalise an account, notify Receptionist Marisa Cappetta of any additional guests within five business days following the hire period. A final account will be emailed following the event once we are notified of additional guests, generator charges and any other costs.