Keen for a Ngaroma family adventure?
We're busy building your next family-friendly wilderness escape.
Disconnect to reconnect
Nestled in the hills of the Waikato, you'll be able to slow down, wander through rolling farmland and native forest, and stay in our bush hut.
The Farm Walk
Your Ngaroma family adventure starts by wandering across our family farm and soaking up the landscapes that make Going Bush unique.
The track begins in open hill country, with sweeping views across the Waikato, before gently leading you into a block of native bush that forms part of the northern Pureora Forest Park.
The details:
Off-road parking at the start of the track
3 km track through the farm to the bush
Moderate hills, suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness
Allow 1–2 hours at an easy pace
Map and elevation profile coming soon!
The Bush Hut
Nestled in the bush just a short walk from the back paddock, our hut is simple, comfortable, and surrounded by nature.
There is a woodburner for warmth in the winter, a covered deck for cooking and long-drop toilet. Some extra luxuries include gas hot water for showers and solar lighting.
Step outside to explore our corner of the Pureora Forest with its lush native bush, rocky-bottomed creeks, and a swimming hole for those keen for a dip.
Price: $TBC per night flat rate for 1-6 people
Got more than six people keen to stay? Have a chat with us about camping outside the hut.
Know before you go
What to bring: If you’re staying at our hut, you’ll need to bring the essentials (and any luxuries) you’d normally take on a tramping trip to a standard DOC hut: sleeping bag, portable cooker, gas, food, and suitable clothing and footwear.
What you won’t need to pack: the hut already has six mattresses (four bunks and two for the floor), along with some plates, cups, cutlery, and pots. You’ll also find plenty to keep you entertained, with a cosy stash of books, magazines, and card and board games ready for your stay.
Water: The hut is supplied by a small rainwater tank. Please ensure all water is boiled, treated, or filtered before drinking or cooking to keep it safe for use.
Reception: There is no cellphone reception in the bush block which is part of the magic of truly switching off. The last point on the farm with reliable coverage will be clearly marked so you know where to return if you need to make contact (about 10 minutes from the hut). For your safety, visitors will need to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) in case of emergencies while exploring the bush.
Tidying up: To help keep costs down and the hut welcoming for everyone, we ask visitors to tidy up after themselves, just as you would at a DOC hut. Please sweep the floors, wipe down surfaces, and leave the space as you found it (or better) for the next group.
Furry friends: No dogs permitted.
Health & safety: Because we’re a working farm, we’ll run through a quick health and safety chat when you arrive.
Camping: If you’d rather camp under the stars, we’re developing a few creek-side spots within our bush block where you can pitch a tent and really be at one with nature. We’ll even have some bivvy-building gear on hand so the kids can have a go at creating their own little shelter in the bush.
Meet the team
Kia ora, we’re Matt and Keri.
Going Bush is our little dream, built right here on Matt’s family farm in Ngaroma. You might even bump into his parents who are still busy running the sheep and beef. We love calling this place home and can’t wait to share it with you.
When Matt isn’t helping out on the farm, he works as a fencing contractor around the district. Keri runs a native tree nursery, growing around 25,000 plants a year, with a focus on conservation and restoring the ngahere. Together, we’re passionate trampers and hunters, and we’ve created Going Bush as a way to connect people with the outdoors in a simple, family-friendly way.
Our hope is that when you visit, you’ll experience the same joy we do - muddy boots, starry nights, and a renewed connection with nature and each other.
Where is Ngaroma?
Sometimes listed as Wharepūhunga, your Ngaroma family adventure is tucked away in the middle of everywhere.
From our farm, it’s just 40 minutes to Te Awamutu or Ōtorohanga, an hour to Hamilton or Taupō and not much further and you'll be in Rotorua or Tauranga.
Close enough for an easy trip, but far enough to feel like you’ve truly escaped.
Keen to chat?
