Accommodation?
The lodge sleeps 45 persons.
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Activities?
The APOEC manager has an established program and alternative activities which they run, in consultation with and with the assistance of the class teacher and parent help. The teacher/parents are responsible for evening activities.
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BBQ?
A four burner gas BBQ is available.
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Bedding?
Bring a pillow or pillow case (to be stuffed with clothing) and warm sleeping bag/blankets.
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Cell phones?
Vodaphone 021 phones have reception in the village area. Telecom 027 phones have reception from Arthur's Pass summit to the Bealey Hotel. Cellphones, like video games, are considered an undesirable distraction and we ask that they are not brought on camp by children.
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Contacts (the APOEC manager)?
Phone (03) 318 9249, Fax (03) 318 9269, Email manager@apoec.org.nz.
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Cleaning?
Groups are required to leave the lodge in a clean and tidy state. All cleaning materials are provided.
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Cooking and eating utensils?
Are all provided.
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Cooking?
Is the responsibility of the visiting group.
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Diesel, can I refuel in Arthur’s Pass?
Disabilities, what disabilities are catered for?
Guide dogs are permitted in the national park and several local walks are challenging but quite achievable for blind adventurers, the lodge can help provide for diabetic diets, the lodge also has a wheelchair ramp.
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Driving times to Arthur’s Pass?
From Greymouth or Hokitika: 1 hour. From Christchurch: 2 hours.
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Drying clothing?
The APOEC lodge has a (new) large and efficient drying room.
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Emergencies, what assistance is available?
The APOEC manager, Arthur’s Pass Police and Arthur's Pass Rural Fire Party are equipped and experienced to deal with most emergencies. However the village is an hour’s drive from the nearest medical centre so it is important to ensure spare medication is carried for those who need it. The visiting group is responsible for maintaining a list of home contact details and medical/allergies information for all members.
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First aid kits?
APOEC has first aid kits both for the lodge and for outdoor activities.
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Food?
Is provided for school groups during term time or by request.
Click here to see what is provided.
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Heating, is the lodge warm in winter?
The lodge has a coal fire in the dining room and heaters in the hallways and bathrooms. The building is well insulated. The bunkrooms are not heated so that they maintain a comfortable temperature for sleeping. During 2006 the lodge was upgraded with the instalment of underfloor insulation, so it is now warmer in the colder months
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Location?
On the West side of State Highway 73 (the left if travelling from Christchurch) in the centre of Arthur’s Pass village. The lodge is signposted.
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Manager’s role?
The APOEC manager assits the teacher/s in the running of daytime outdoor activities for visiting school groups. The manager is experienced in outdoor education, risk management and handling emergencies in the backcountry. The manager is not usually available to run activities on weekends.
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Medical assistance?
The nearest medical centres are at Darfield and Moana, both approximately 1 hours drive. The response time for the Westpac rescue helicopter is approximately 45 minutes or 1 hour for an ambulance.
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Milk?
Is not provided but can be purchased through the local store. Phone the Arthur's Pass Store on (03) 318 9235.
Music?
The lodge has a CD and tape player for your use.
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Ovens?
The Lodge has 2 conventional 4 element stove/ovens and a microwave.
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Parent help?
All programme activities require an adult to student ratio of at least 1:8 and a ratio of 1:4 for water activities. Parent helpers assist the Teacher/supervisor and manager with supervision of activities and behavioural management of groups.
Petrol, can I refuel in Arthur’s Pass?
Pillows?
Are not provided.
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Programme?
An ecology and bush skills based programme is run by APOEC, primarily aimed at intermediate aged students.
The programme is very flexible to allow for any objectives that the group may have.
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Risk management?
Sound risk management is a cornerstone of the APOEC programme. A copy of APOEC’s risk management policy and RAMMS forms is available.
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Services at Arthur’s Pass?
Shop/Tearooms.
A well stocked shop with groceries, snacks, petrol pumps and a bottle store.
Chalet Restaurant.
Lunch and three course meals. There is now also a family bar on the premises.
Oscars Haus Café.
A friendly Café with great food and atmosphere. Quality crafts are also on display from around New Zealand.
Visitor Centre.
Valuable information on skiing, tramping and climbing in the area can be obtained here at the headquarters of the department of Conservation for the area. There are also interesting displays and an audio-visual show on the history of the Arthur’s Pass road and railway.
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Snow chains, do we need them?
Chains (check that they fit and that you know how to use them) should be carried from May to September.
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Snow, what if the road closes?
State Highway 73 is occasionally closed by snow in winter and/or flooding at any time of year. These closures are usually short and provide little more than an inconvenience. Carrying chains will mean that you are less likely to be held up by winter conditions. The APOEC lodge maintains sufficient food supplies to handle the very unlikely event of a prolonged closure of SH 73 to both the East and West of the village.
Highway reports are available from the AA on 0900 33222 (fee applies) or free by clicking here.
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Sandflies, do we need insect repellent?
We do have sandflies and they can be busy during warmer weather. As a safer, cheaper alternative to D.I.M.P and D.E.E.T based reppellents you can mix 100mls of water, 10mls of Dettol (disinfectant) and (if you have some) 5 drops of Citonella oil. For a more waterproof recipe you can mix 1 part Dettol to 1 part baby or olive oil. Both of these work as well as any commercial mixtures and are easier on childrens eyes and skin.
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Television?
Reception is not available at the APOEC lodge.
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Tranz Alpine train?
Many groups choose to travel to and/or from Arthur's Pass on the Tranz Alpine Train.
Click on the Tranz Scenic link below to visit the Tranz Scenic website or phone them on 0800 87 88 98. Let them know that you are visiting Arthur's Pass Outdoor Education Centre to receive a special discounted fare.
Tranz Scenic
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Videos
The APOEC lodge has a video player for you to use and a selection of Wild South and Mountain Safety Council videos to borrow.
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Washing clothing?
The APOEC lodge has a large wash tub but no washing machine.
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Weather, what can we expect?
The Annual rainfall is around 4500mm! While this figure makes the area sound rather damp, the weather here also provides ample sunshine and fine weather to balance things out. The average maximum temperature for January is 15.2 degrees and the average minimum is 7.0 degrees. The average maximum temperature for June is 9.0 degrees and the minimum is 0.4 degrees.
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