‘Free your mind and your feet will follow’
About Us
Here you’ll find information about our ancestral history, connection to the land, ethos, directions, a gallery, and other useful information.
Our Story & Ethos
125 years of living on the land
Makoura Lodge was established in 1998 when Hugh McIntyre saw the need to diversify from his career in farming. He realised the potential in the beauty of the surroundings and wanted to share that with others. The Lodge was built with as many local materials as possible. The Lodge features macrocarpa timber milled from the property and rocks from the nearby Coal Creek River/ Makiekie for stonework. The impressive open-log fire surround and bar top are made from a Totara log that survived a scrub fire on the property. We acknowledge that Makoura Lodge was only made possible by our ancestors, who carved the way before us.
Ancestors Hugh and Agnes McIntyre immigrated from Glasgow in Scotland in 1865. In 1898, their sons Jack and Hugh purchased the land where Makoura is today and started to clear it for farming and living. You get a sense of heritage in the Lodge with its variety of Scottish Whiskeys and the 1800s library that was part of Hugh’s Great Grandfathers collection.
Our company Logo is a half-wagon wheel representing a journey. It symbolises how our family inhabited the land and how Makoura Lodge came to be. The Logo also represents our guest's journeys, whether it be a wedding, special occasion, business meeting, or just time away from the stressors in life and to relax.
Our tagline is “Free your mind, and your feet will follow”. When founders Hugh McIntyre and Geoff Payton sat around the table talking about creating Makoura Lodge and its ethos. They looked up at a calendar on the wall and saw the quote, “Free your mind, and your feet will follow”. That is it, they thought! All too often, we live in our heads; if you free your mind of fear or overthinking, you will then have the confidence to take the adventure or new path, and Makoura Lodge is a great place for that very thing to happen. The McIntyre daughters offer ways to free your mind so your feet can follow. Kimberley does this with her Horses 4 Us personal development workshops, and Brooke does this with her yoga instruction.
Today, Makoura Lodge is owned by Hugh McIntyre, his daughter Kimberley and her partner Luke. Kimberley and Luke are 5th generation on the property, and their daughter Hazel is the 6th. Kimberley says, “The wairua (spirit), friendly people, and whenua (land) of Makoura Lodge provide a peaceful space for people to connect, celebrate love, share ideas, and create lasting memories. There is just something about it here, and people are just able to relax and feel good”.
We pride ourselves on providing heart-warming, genuine manakitanga (hospitality). We do this by creating plenty of hearty, nourishing kai with locally farmed meat and produce from our garden, greeting our guests at the front door, and giving you personal and authentic rural hospitality so you feel right at home and go home with your cup filled.
“Makoura Lodge is a part of our heritage and ancestry. The property has been owned by our McIntyre clan since 1896. It is a place we treasure, and we invite you to share our paradise with us.”
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In the remote foothills of the Ruhaine Ranges, 5 minutes from Apiti, central North Island awaits Makoura Lodge. Makoura Lodge beckons from on top of a hill with breathtaking views, wide-open spaces, and endless hills. Where tuis feed in the native bush and friendly horses graze it is a peaceful haven where the friendly team invites you to stay, relax, dine, and enjoy.
To view directions please see here Directions>>>
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Do I need an appointment?
Yes, all bookings must be made in advance. We are only open via booking.
What are your trading hours?
We aim to answer inquiries from Monday to Friday 9 am-4 pm. We are open anytime via booking.
Are you pet friendly?
Within reason, we are a pet-friendly venue. If bringing a pet:
it is your sole responsibility and we will not take any liability for loss or injury
You must clean up after them
No animals on the furniture or bedding. Our cottages and River retreat are our pet-friendly options.
If it is a group booking it must be okayed via the organiser
Horses are welcomed- $20 per night for grazing
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15% surcharge applies to public holidays
Credit cards usage incurs a 2.5% surcharge
Lodge Facilities
Makoura Lodge is a Stunning Country Venue in all Seasons
As you walk into Makoura Lodge, you will be captivated by the striking Macrocarpa wooden interior. The substantial open fire, surrounded by local river boulders and native timber sourced nearby, provides a cosy atmosphere in the cooler months. The main Lodge can seat up to 110 guests. We love to host all events or stays, from couples getaways to weddings, functions and conferences.
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We pride ourselves on creating plentiful, delicious, country cuisine. We do so by providing a variety of buffet and outdoor BBQ options using freshly picked produce from our garden. We can cater for up to 110 guests.
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We provide an impressive selection of local and imported tap and bottled beers, wines, and spirits. As our Lodge is of Scottish heritage, we stock up to 10 brands of whiskey.
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Upstairs, overlooking the native garden is a private conference area, which can accommodate up to 15 delegates. It can also be utilised as a break out room for larger groups who are using the main Lodge conference area.
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With the idyllic sound of Tui's enjoy our native gardens and views overlooking a ravine and farmland. We can cook a gourmet BBQ while you enjoy the sunshine, garden bar and lawn sports. At night take a seat around our large brazier and watch the stars.
