Whatipu Lodge

Whatipu Lodge

This unique landscape, now part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, is a favorite destination for visitors seeking a wilderness experience.

Whatipu Lodge, nestled against the steep hills at the back of the beach flats, has provided accommodation for sightseers for nearly a century.

The lodge is actually a collection of buildings. The oldest of these is the Gibbons' Homestead, with its characteristic steep-pitched roof, which was built in about 1867 during the days of timber milling by mill manager Nicholas Gibbons. At this time the shoreline was more than a kilometre closer than its present location.

As supplies of accessible timber became depleted, the Gibbons family turned to providing accommodation for tourists to supplement their income. In 1910, two new accommodation blocks and a kitchen/dining room were added. The old post office and wharf shed that once sat on a wharf alongside Paratutai Island was shifted to add to the complex.

Another early building that forms part of Whatipu Lodge was once a dairy, where milk and cream were kept and made into butter and cheese. Later, road access was built to Whatipu and during the 1930s and ‘40s further developments included the addition of a tennis court, billiard table, and further accommodation at the lodge.

Whatipu Lodge today

Whatipu Lodge remains a significant part of the cultural history of the Waitakere Ranges. The lodge is operated under licence from the Auckland Regional Council, and with its charm and sense of history it continues to be popular retreat for Aucklanders.

Booking enquiries

Whatipu Lodge
PO Box 60416
Titirangi, Waitakere City

Tel: 09 811 8860
Email: whatipulodge@xtra.co.nz

Getting there:

The lodge is adjacent to the carpark at the end of Whatipu Road.