Guided Tour Waipoua Forest | Cooking School New Zealand

Fran is a predominantly self-taught chef who has a passion for food and cooking. She spent her childhood holidays sailing the Brittany coast of France and developed a love of French cuisine from a young age. As well as owning and hosting at Waipoua Lodge with husband Ian, Fran is the chef and now shares her skills and tips of the trade with guests at the Waipoua Lodge Cooking School.

Ian has an absolute love of the natural environment and in particular the Waipoua Forest and the ancient kauri trees that have been actually growing here for 2,000 & 3,000 years. Stay 3 nights at the lodge and he will take you to see these very special trees and tell you about the history of the area, the reforestation projects, flora, fawna and wildlife.

For shorter stays at Waipoua Lodge, private tours can also be booked with Ian.

“Thank you very much for a fantastic stay. We wish we had booked to stay longer. Your hospitality was the best we have enjoyed so far in New Zealand. The food was great and thanks for all the cooking tips Fran”
Marion & Chris – UK

Stay 3 nights and receive a complimentary gift for each night

For all guests who book direct and stay at the lodge for three nights or more, we provide the following complimentary gifts:

1 x 265 ml Koha Spa Hydrating Hand & Body Balm (on arrival)

1 x 3 hour Cooking School session for up to 2 people with host & chef Fran
OR
1 x 3 hour guided tour of the Waipoua Forest with host Ian (during stay)

1 x Bottle of either Waipoua Lodge Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir (on departure)

There is so much to see and do on the Kauri Coast that three nights (two days) is the perfect recommended stay in order to see the ancient kauri trees, the wild and rugged beaches and of course enjoy some excellent cuisine and learn some fine dining cooking skills. But if you don’t have 3 nights to spare, we would still love to welcome you to the lodge to just enjoy our hospitality, some excellent cuisine and everything else that Waipoua Lodge has to offer.