First Karori - Facilities
Williams Hall
Our Scout hall / den is alled 'Williams hall' after one of the early group leaders, Skip Williams. It was opened in 1977 by the mayor, Micheal Fowler. It is one of the largest halls in the Wellington Region and is a truly amazing facility. It has four patrol rooms (break-out rooms), one leaders room, one venturer room (the Zac Pearson Memorial Venturer room, a kitchen and many storage rooms, including a large QM (quarter-masters) store.
Prior to the current hall, we were in the Marae on the Victoria University grounds (then owned by scouts) and before that at the RSA clubrooms (then owned by the scoutmaster). At the time of the second hall opening, 1st Karori Scout were meeting at the RSA hall, the old army barracks, St Marys church and St Ninians church.
For more history on the hall, please go to the "Our History" page.
Booking enquiries
Available for use by Scout groups, community groups and for other events, please get in touch with the Group Leader - 1stkarori@group.scouts.nz
Dik's Place, St Arnaud
Set in a lovely bush setting in St Arnaud township, Nelson Lakes National Park, is Dik's Place. Diks place is a cottage owned by a trust which manages it on behalf of 1st Karori Scout Group. The cottage is less than 10 minutes walk from the lake edge and surrounded by bush. St Arnaud is in the middle of Nelson Lakes National park, and so is surrounded by bush and mountains. Whether it is a base for a tramp, or just somewhere to get away from things, Dik's place and St Arnaud is hard to beat. It is really secluded and private, and there is a log burner and sound system in the lounge.
Booking enquiries
For bookings, via Bookabatch
Zac's Hut, Orongorongo Forest Park
On the true left of the Orongorongo river sits Zacs hut. It is set in some great country and has an amazing history. Built by the Venturers in the 1960's and being maintained ever since by former venturers such as Ian Hutchings and current venturers, on work trips such as re-roofing in 2011 and relining in 2017. Boasting solar power, a gas stove, open fire and wet-back hot water, Zac's hut is one of the most luxurious. Only two hours from the catchpool carpark along a well graded track, this is a great place for first timers and children alike. During the construction, all the materials were walked in (except for the main load), no 4WD's in those days, and the track was not like it is today. Even the cement for the foundations was carried in. In the 1980's, the bench was replaced and yes that was also carried in, much to the amusement of fellow trampers.
For more information on the history of Zac's hut, see our history page.
Booking enquiries
Available for use by the 1st K community, Scout groups and other youth groups - to book please get in touch with the Group Leader - 1stkarori@group.scouts.nz
Sam's Gully, Makara Peak
Nestled in the middle of the Makara Peak mountain bike park (of Sally Alley for those who know Makara Peak) is a lovely area of grass and bush owned by 1st Karori Scouts known as Sam's Gully. Sam's gully was first visited by a party of Scouts led by the owner Sam Bradnock and the group leader. It consists of a grassy area and a stream and is an ideal place to camp. In the summer months it is visited by scouts for a campfire and has been used in the past for survival camps and Duke of Edinburgh award skills weekend.
Booking enquiries
Available for use by the 1st K community, Scout groups and other youth groups - to book please get in touch with the Group Leader - 1stkarori@group.scouts.nz