The Tararua forest can be eerily quiet of birds if you are there at the wrong time of year or even the wrong time of day. If you arrive at the Lodge when the mist is still rising off the river and it seems too cool for tramping shorts still, then likely it is close enough to dawn that the wonderful song of Tui can be heard across the valleys. Don't be surprised to hear another songster, but an import from Australia, the Australian Magpie.

Donnelly Flat is a 30 minute easy walk and the track is wheel chair friendly. Holdsworth Lookout Track is another 30 minute but a steep climb to a good viewing point high above the Lodge area. The Atiwhakatu Valley Track follows the course of the Atiwhakatu Stream and the circuit takes two hours.