Beside the lodge, the ancient forest, coastal creeks and miles of remote sandy beach can be explored at leisure. Kathy provides complimentary introductory guidance to get the most out of your nature exploration through the wetlands, native forest and coastline.
She is the well-known ex-chair and current committee member of the West Coast branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, the oldest and largest conservation organisation in New Zealand. These conservation efforts extend to protecting and preserving the wetlands and native forest that surround Paramata Lodge.
Further away, the stunning scenery continues between Franz Josef Glacier and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Explore it by hiking, biking, birding, boating, fly fishing, golf or scenic flight. The small town of Hokitika is a short drive with shopping and cafes.
At the lodge
- Self-guided nature tours throughout the vast property.
- Forest, wetland and foreshore birds.
- Sculptural enhanced garden.
- Coastal walks and kayaking.
- Farm animals – lambs and goats.
- Decks and lounges to watch nature & soak up the peace.
Self-guided tours
Self-guided tours through an ever-growing walking tracks make it easy to navigate the curated gardens and raw wilderness environments. Encounter the ancient kahikatea forest that surrounds the lodge, wonder at the prehistoric origins and island evolution, find Gondwanaland ghosts, marvel at 500 year old trees and the inhabiting birdlife.
Activities near the lodge
Activities within half an hour’s drive from the lodge:
- Three fishing rivers for trout and salmon (in season) within 5 km and La Fontaine Stream is 35 km from the lodge.
- Ross is a charming gold town 10km from the lodge with a store, pub and cafés and an historic goldfields walk with a view.
- Scenic drive and short walks to Hokitika Gorge, Lake Kaniere, Lake Mahinapua or Lake Ianthe offer a perfect day out.
- Lunch stop with shopping at the lovely river-mouth/beach-front town of Hokitika.
- Take a Maori Greenstone tour unique to this area, or take in the scenic views over a round of golf at the Hokitika Golf Links course on the outskirts of Hokitika.
- The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail begins (or ends) at Ross. Bike hire and transport options available.
- Treetop walk and Zipline and forest walks, Waterway Boat cruise and fixed wing flights near Hokitika.
Day trips from the lodge
Between Franz Josef Glacier in the south and Punakaiki Pancake rocks in the north, some example day trips include:
- Tracks and trails for hiking and biking
- National Parks and Scenic Reserves, tramping tracks and huts
- Boat trips and kayaking at Okarito, Mahinapua or Punakaiki
- Trout and salmon fishing including NZ fly fishing with an expert guide.
- Bird tours in season, kiwi tours at Okarito
- Walking tours to the White Heron breeding colony
- Scenic drive to Punakaiki for subtropical forest and coastal walks
- Glacier valley hikes and scenic flights at Whataroa and Franz Josef