Kaiaho lodge & nature reserve is situated on the end of a 1.5 km long peninsula in the middle of Kenepuru Sound, close to Portage Bay. The 5+ hectare property is covered in regenerating native bush (forest), which is now preserved in perpetuity through a covenant with the QE II Trust. About 2/3 of the property boundary is sea-front. Access is normally by boat, or by walking a cleared and signposted 1.5 km track from the nearest point on Kenepuru Road. Float plane and helicopter are faster, but more expensive, ways of getting here. Prior bookings are essential.

1. To encourage the regeneration of the native bush, for its own sake & as a habitat for native birds, by activities such as transplanting seedlings, eradication of invasive weeds, & pest control.  Some native trees are spread by birds, but others are not, and these would migrate only very slowly without our help.  The main target weed species have been “Old Man's Beard” (a clematis) and “wilding pines”. Target pests are possums, rats & stoats, - all introduced mammals.
2. To facilitate visitors' appreciation of our native flora and fauna, by forming & maintaining a series of walking tracks.  Over time, these are being enhanced with selected plant & other labelling, and with rest seats at viewing points.  Part of the property is a designated arboretum, where single examples of other NZ tree species - not native to this particular area - are being grown for comparative & educational purposes.
3. With the lodge itself, to gain experience with, & demonstrate to visitors, the feasibility of living comfortably in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly & largely self-sufficient way.  To this end, we rely on the sun for most of our electric power and hot water, and roof-collected rain for all our water supply.  Composting toilets and garden composts convert most of our waste into a useful product, and a large proportion of our food is grown or collected on or around the property.  We continue to look for ways to further reduce our use of fossil fuels.  

We enjoy sharing our location, life-style & experiences with visitors who have similar interests. Bookings are welcomed from small groups, such as:

1. WWOOFers and HELPXers

2. School outdoor/nature education trips

3. Corporate, institutional & religious retreats

4. Artistic & musical workshops