Help and Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers and general information quickly.

Reservations

How do I make a reservation?

The only way to make a reservation at Discovery is to book via our website. Our booking engine shows live availability.

If you cannot see the accommodation or camping type you wish to book this means it is fully booked.

Click this link to go to our booking engine.

Can I make a reservation over the phone?

No, we don't take reservations over the phone. Our booking engine is very easy to use. However, we realise not everyone is a wizard on a computer or smart phone. If you do have difficulties please call us on 07 892 2744 and we'll happily help you make the booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

For the Standard rate, and the Best Daily rate the cancellation policy is free to cancel or change 48 hours or more before the arrival date. 

Special fully prepaid rates are non-refundable and cannot be changed. 

How can I check availability?

Our booking engine shows live availability, and is constantly updated. 

If you cannot see the accommodation or camping type you wish to book this means it is fully booked.

Click this link to check live availability.

What do I do if I need help making a booking?

You call us on 07 892 2744 and we'll be happy to help you.

How can I change my booking?

You can quick and easy change your booking via the link below:

Change my reservation

Special non refundable rates cannot be changed. 

 

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Chalets

Where is the linen for the beds in the lounge?

Both the double sofa bed and the single ottoman bed have sheets on them. 

Duvets and pillows are kept in the cupboard in the bedroom.

How do I adjust the heating?

Set heater to "comfort". Then use the thermostat control to adjust heat setting. 5 seems to be a comfortable setting for most people.

How do I turn the bathroom fan off?

The fan comes on automatically when the bathroom light is switched on. It then turns off automatically 10-15 minutes after the light is switched off.

It is not possible to manually turn fan off. 

Do you have WiFi?

No, Wifi is not available at Discovery.

We cannot get wired broadband internet to the property.

Discovery is a much better place to connect with nature. 

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Motels

Where are the roll away beds?

The roll away beds are under the queen bed and the single bed.

Where is the bed linen for the roll away beds?

The linen and spare pillows are in the cupboard

Where is the spare bathroom linen?

You'll find spare towels in the bathroom vanity.

How do I adjust the heating?

You'll see the heater display/controller on the wall. The temperature on the display is the current room temperature. 

Use the the up and down arrows to set the thermostat temperature. There is a maximum and a minimum. After a few seconds the display will go back to showing the current room temperature.

Be aware the central heating system heats slowly. It can take a while before the room is up to the selected temperature.

To help the heater heat the room efficiently, minimise the the door being open and keep windows closed.

If you leave the door open when the weather is cold outside it does not take long for the room to cool down significantly. 

Do you have WiFi?

No, Wifi is not available at Discovery.

We cannot get wired broadband internet to the property.

Discovery is a much better place to connect with nature. 

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Camping

Where are the bathrooms and the camp kitchen?

All of the shared camp ground facilities are inside the brown building in the camp ground.

The electricity at my camper site is not working. What do I do?

Inside the powered site electricity box you will see a fuse switch. Make sure this is on. If it is off push to on. This required a fair bit of force. Make sure it clicks into the on position. 

Can I drink the water at the camp site?

Yes, all water at Discovery is excellent drinking water. better than what you can buy.

Be sure to refill any plastic bottles you have, and take with you.

Do you have a dump station for our waste water?

We do not have a dump station for toilet waste.

We do have a drain for shower water and kitchen water only. This is located in the forecourt between motel 1 and the reception.

Please do not drain during busy times as this holds up traffic. Also please do not do this after 7pm in the evening.  

Do you have WiFi?

No, Wifi is not available at Discovery.

We cannot get wired broadband internet to the property.

Discovery is a much better place to connect with nature. 

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Camping Huts

The electricity in my hut is not working. What do I do?

Next to the door you will see a fuse box. You will see a fuse switch. Make sure this is on. If it is off push to on. This requires a fair bit of force. Make sure it clicks into the on position. 

 

Do you have WiFi?

No, Wifi is not available at Discovery.

We cannot get wired broadband internet to the property.

Discovery is a much better place to connect with nature. 

My heater stopped working. What do I do?

You will see a timer on the side of the heater. There is a small switch with "I" and "O". Make sure the switch is set to the "I" position.

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Tongariro Crossing

How do I book your early shuttle?

Option 1 - if planning to stay at Discovery

  1. Book accommodation or camping
  2. At the end of the booking process add Tongariro Crossing shuttle vouchers

Option 2 - if you have already booked to stay, or are staying elsewhere

  1. Go to: https://www.discoverynz.com/tongariro-crossing-shuttle 
  2. Enter your details
Why does your shuttle go so early?

Here's 3 very good reasons:

  1. Enjoy the hike in peace and quiet by missing the crowds
  2. The chance to marvel at a beautiful mountain sunrise
  3. Complete all or most of the climbing before the heat of the day

Plus getting up early to enjoy the mountains adds a little more adventure to the day !

Do you operate later shuttles?

No we don't. We not comfortable about mass tourism. We prefer not to drop people off with hundreds of other hikers.

What gear do I need?

Here's a list of essential gear to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing:

  • Good quality water proof jacket
  • Plenty of warm layers
  • Warm hat
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Food and water
  • Sun protection
  • Map

It's good to take a mobile phone as well.

More detailed information about essential gear needed to hike the Tongariro Crossing can be found here.

What If I miss the bus in the morning?

The morning bus departs right on time. If you're late you will miss it. 

If you do miss it there are plenty of other companies who operate later buses.

How do I change or cancel my booking?

Contact Discovery before your departure and you can change or cancel your shuttle at no charge.

Contact Discovery

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General

How's the weather at Discovery ?

Here's a couple of webcams which are located at Discovery showing current weather:

Mt Ngauruhoe & Mt Tongariro

Mt Ruapehu

 

What to do if there is a medical emergency ?

Call 111

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Facilities & Services

What facilities are available at Discovery ?

Here's a list

Laundry (1 x washing machine & dryer)

Drying room

Shared facilities for campers

 

Where to get help and advice ?

We are always very happy to help with any issues or questions you might have.

Our telephone number is 07 892 2744

WhatsApp & Messenger links at the bottom of every page on our web site.

You can also message us through your reservation chat.

Other contact details are here:

Please contact us.

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Location

How to find Discovery ?

Click on the links below to find Discovey:

Google Maps

Apple Maps

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Food & Supplies

Where can we eat ?

There are good options only 5 minutes drive away.

Check out cafes here.

Where is the nearest super market?

The nearest super market is New World Turangi. There are also New Worlds in Taumarunui and Ohakune.

Turangi New World

Ohakune New World

Taumarunui New World 

There is a Four Square superette in National Park Village only 5 minutes away.

National Park Four Square

 

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If you can't find what you're looking for please call us