The ABC of Sixtus Lodge

For many years the Sixtus Lodge Trust Board has published “The ABC of Sixtus Lodge” – a free guidebook to the Lodge and local walks and attractions. Scroll down for the A–Z of latest information. You can pick up your own print copies of “The ABC of Sixtus Lodge” at the Lodge, or contact secretary@sixtuslodge.co.nz and we can post them to you!

A.

• Alcohol on Site: The Board requests that tenants be responsible in their use of alcohol, especially when young people are present.
• Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge: Local Walks & Tramps
• Alpine Flowers: A number of interesting alpine species can be found in the tussock zone above the bush-line (about 1000m) including gentians, mountain daisies, Hebe species, eyebrights, edelweiss, the curious “vegetable sheep” (Raoulia) and spiky “Spaniards” or speargrass (Aciphylla).
• Āpiti: Our nearest township in the small rural community situated some 20 kilometres south-west of the Lodge and about 60 kilometres north of Palmerston North. Ivan George produced a history of the area in his 1977 book “Apiti! Where’s That?” (available from Feilding Library). The Iron Gates Experience website offers tourist information about the region.
• Arboretum: The ‘Margot Forde Arboretum’ borders the playing field immediately west of the main Lodge. It was established by Margot Forde, a founding member of the Trust Board, to display all major native tree species in one location. There is a loop track through the Arboretum with a number of trees signposted, and a detailed map is available at the Lodge. The Arboretum is currently undergoing major rejuvenation and replanting, track improvements and new signage, thanks to a bequest from the Forde family.
• Arch Bridge: Local Walks & Tramps
• Art: The Ngamoko Room has benches and water available, making it a very good venue for making art work.
• Astronomy Study: In clear weather, the night sky at Sixtus Lodge provides a spectacular vista which many will not have seen before. Look out for satellites (fast moving and usually from west to east) and distinguish between planets (a steady light) and stars (that twinkle). Also, find the Southern Cross and the two Pointers nearby. Note: The orientation of the cross will alter during the night.

B.

• Bark Rubbings: This method is a good art expression for class activities. Place a sheet of paper over the bark and rub over with the flat surface of a crayon.
• Basketball Hoop: Situated on the concrete pad behind the Ngamoko Room.
• Barbecue: Sixtus Lodge has a gas barbecue – but tenants need to supply their own gas bottle and utensils. There is also a large, cast-iron wood-fired barbecue in the east corner of the adventure play area.
• Bird Life: When out and about, the bird life you are most likely to encounter would be bellbirds (korimako), fantails (piwakawaka), grey warblers (riroriro), harrier hawks (kahu), morepork (ruru), tomtits (miromiro), wood pigeons (kereru), and tui. On nearby farmland, paradise ducks and pheasants can be seen and further afield, in higher mountain stream areas, the rare blue duck (whio) has been seen.
• Bookings: Contact the Booking Secretary for availability and confirmation.
• Building Compliance Daily Inspection: The Camp Organiser or Designated Camp Leader must complete the Building Compliance Daily Inspection (suggested at early evening) on every night’s stay. There are five Emergency or Safety Practices to check in the Main Building. Please initial the calendar dates in the Red Recording Clipboard in the Kitchen.
• Bush: Sixtus Lodge Outdoor Education Centre is 80 kilometres from Palmerston North in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges, where farmland gives way to native bush. Its location makes the area an excellent venue to study upland vegetation — as it was and as it has been modified by man. Knight’s Track is a good starting point. The forest around Shorts’ Track has been extensively modified over the last century, with signs of bush felling and old hauler lines still visible.

C.

• Camping: Lodge fields and the picnic area near the bridge (approx. 200m beyond the Lodge) are suitable for tenting. A long-drop toilet is nearby.
• Caves: See Glow-worm Caves (below).
• CCTV / Security Cameras: Security cameras provide coverage of the exterior of Sixtus Lodge buildings and the carpark. Cameras operate 24/7 and are monitored remotely.
• Challenge Course: Situated at the east end of the Lodge grounds. Download the Sixtus Lodge Challenge Course manual or find it in the Lounge folder. Adult supervision is necessary for some stations. Equipment is stored in the mop shed and beside the tool shed.
• Checklist for Tenants: Online Tenants Checklist
• Cleaning: Tenants are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the facility during their stay. Daily vacuuming and mopping is expected. See Tenant Information.
• Coal (Makiekie) Creek: A picturesque stream accessed from the DOC carpark at the end of Limestone Road. Follow the poled route across farmland for about 700 metres to reach the creek.
• Coal Creek Walk: Local Walks & Tramps
• Code: The unique code for the Sixtus Lodge exterior digital door lock, with the the Wi-Fi password, will be sent to the Camp Organiser three days prior to camp. For issues, contact Hamish on 021 238 3546 or email bookings@sixtuslodge.co.nz. Once inside, you will find a set of keys in the Kitchen that unlock other buildings. Please return these to the hook after use.
• Cone Creek: A picturesque stream that passes through the Sixtus Lodge property and into Coal Creek.
• Cone Creek Walk: Local Walks & Tramps.
• Concrete Wall: The concrete wall and pad behind the Ngamoko Room can be used for a variety of games.