Updated 1st June 2008

What is “Red Deer Lodge”.  Built between 1963 and 1965 by voluntary labour of the Nelson Branch of New Zealand Deerstalkers Association as a base facility for outdoor sports and to house various fine trophy collections of local Members.  It is with the approval of the Members both past and present that “Red Deer Lodge” is made available to other groups and individuals to encourage an appreciation of New Zealand back country.

Trophies Housed  at the Lodge represent the hard work of Members as does the Lodge itself and it is the wish of Members that users of the Lodge respect it and its contents as part of New Zealand heritage and look after it for those who follow.

All users are respectfully asked NOT to handle or hang anything on the trophies or any display that may at any time be in the lounge for obvious reasons.

How to find “Red Deer Lodge” situated 25m up View Road on the right at St Arnaud, directly opposite Department of Conservation Information Centre at an altitude of 617m above sea level.

Who can utilise “Red Deer Lodge” School, Church, Youth Groups (supervision essential), Tramping, Canoeing, Boating, Mountaineering Groups etc. and under certain conditions Day or Evening Hall Hire is available for Board meetings, Conferences, Weddings etc.

Users need to know “Red Deer Lodge” is a basic facility and they should supply all their own needs.  However the Branch endeavours to maintain a standard of user comforts often difficult to transport.  Items such as mattresses,pillows, firewood,(not kindling) cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, chairs, tables, microwave, toasters, electric jug and electric heaters are in the lodge.

Users will need - their own sleeping bags, pillowcases, kindling or firelighters, food and warm clothing.  The Lodge has a large kitchen with 2 ranges, 2 microwaves, 2 fridge/freezers, bench space, 2 zip boilers and a large table.  A lounge room of approximately 100m2  with chairs, folder tables and large fireplace. There is bunk space for 28, divided into 2 bunk rooms with 8 bunks each and 3 with 4 bunks each, there are 4 toilets and 2 showers.

Organisers and/or Supervisors are required to be responsible for the clean and tidy conditions, both inside and out of the Lodge and surrounding area upon leaving. 

At all times you are asked to conserve WATER and FIREWOOD, thank you.

Laundry: There are no washing or drying facilities. Pay machines are available at Campground, Kerr Bay or Yellow House.

Rubbish: Bags are available throughout Nelson and Tasman and at the LAKE STORE, ST ARNAUD.

PLEASE ensure that your  Sicon bags are at the road entrance on Tuesdays by 8.00am, or take your rubbish with you or leave yellow Sicon bags tidily by the ash bin.

Fire Safety: The Fire Service Act requires user groups to appoint a Building Warden to take on the responsibility for instructing the group and carrying out the emergency evacuation of the building. Evacuation procedures are displayed throughout the building.

Hot Ashes: If it is necessary to remove ashes from the grate, place them in the metal dust bin outside the back porch. Even day-old ashes can contain live embers.

User charges and conditions: are as simple as possible and in fairness to other users of the Lodge, you have NO booking until it is confirmed and a deposit paid.

A “Group” is at least 12 in number and includes supervisors who are essential for groups under 18 years of age.

Groups of 20 or more Children/Students must be accompanied by at least 3 Adults.

Groups  with insufficient numbers to fill the Lodge may be required to share facilities with another group and should keep unused bunk rooms locked and undisturbed unless arrangements have been made to use the whole Lodge in which case ‘total’ lodge tariff applies.

 The numbers cannot exceed 28.

No Tent sites on the grounds of Red Deer Lodge.

CHARGES:   As at 1^st April 2008 (Rates may be revised at any time)

HALL HIRE ONLY:

ACCOMMODATION – Includes use of Hall & Kitchen

Numbers to be confirmed at least 48 hours before arrival time.

Arrival at the lodge is not  before 2pm

Departure from the lodge must be no later than 11am

ACCOMMODATION DEPOSIT: $100.00.   The balance owing is payable on DEPARTURE.

Plus cleaning fee of $80            (total deposit due $180)

MANAGEMENT: As from 1st Feb 2010 Nigel & Sarah Calder have been appointed managers of Red Deer Lodge, under St Arnaud Holiday Cottages.. All correspondence and payments to St Arnaud Holiday Cottages.

Disposal of your rubbish is your responsibility

No Dogs

Or Other Animals Permitted On The Grounds Or In The Lodge.

No Smoking inside Building

Please do not discard cigarette butts anywhere on property

Click here for Transport to and from Red Deer Lodge Contact Nelson Lakes Shuttles

Things To Do In And Around St Arnaud

Nelson Lakes National Park features two beautiful lakes. Lake Rotoiti (pictured) and Lake Rotoroa. Boating activities on Lake Rotoiti include water skiing and fishing, while Lake Rotoroa has a wilderness rating which allows for fishing, but not water sports.

The many walks and tramps in the area will suit all ages and levels of fitness. These range from the 45 minutes Honeydew Walk to the Travers-Sabine tramp. Pictured is the Whiskey Falls, which is found on the round the Lake walk.

Lake Rotoiti provides a lovely setting for anyone to enjoy kayaking. The swimming raft located in Kerr Bay is a very popular spot in summer.

Annual events include the highly popular Antique and Classic Boat weekend (pictured) which is held in the first weekend in March. Many other activities occur throughout the year including the Loop the Lake Run, the Rainbow Rage and the New Year's barn Dance.

Winter time sees snow covered mountains and crisp clear winter days. The local ice-skating pond and nearby Rainbow Ski Field open during suitable weather.

For More Day Walks Click On Picture

For Tramping Trip Reports Click On Picture

To See The Latest St Arnaud Web Cam Photos Click On Picture

To See The Latest Weather Forcast For St Arnaud And Nelson Lakes National Park Click On Picture

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