"Activities provided include kayaking, archery, a ropes course, climbing wall, flying foxes and horse riding.
"The variety encourages repeat business from both New Zealand-based and international groups."
Ten minutes southwest of the growing Waikato township of Te Kauwhata, the camp sits on 8.4 hectares of park-like grounds, bordered by the eastern shores of Lake Whangape, with the Waikato River nearby.
The property is split into three titles. It is licensed to accommodate up-to 72 campers in mostly dormitory-style rooms.
The camp employs 11 staff, including seven dedicated activities instructors and a cook.
The lodge features double, triple and quadruple bedrooms and cabins; these are commonly occupied by visiting adults, teachers and families, says Lawson.
However, potential exists to host up to 120 campers with the addition of an outdoor camping environment known as the 'Survival Adventure', she points out.
"The camp operates year-round - excluding the month of June - with packages available for groups of 10 or more, with camps running for a duration of one day to three weeks.
"Featuring a distinct focus on conservation, the camp runs a natural black and grey water system.
"This collects rainwater which is purified to international standards for drinking, recycling waste and composting organic refuse.
"A big drawcard for international guests is the emphasis on environmental education, as well as the opportunity to strengthen English-language skills, with English-speaking classes provided and campers encouraged to speak only English while on site.
"Lakewood Lodge is also home to a varied menagerie, including: chickens, sheep, alpacas, horses, cows, pigs, ducks, a goat and a dog named 'Chubs'."
Christine Lyons and her son Jeff founded Lakewood Lodge in 1996 as a camp for children aged eight-to-16.
There's an extensive commercial kitchen, a large recreation room for events, three chalets overlooking the lake, a separate cottage, an 11-metre climbing wall, twin 130 metre-long flying foxes, a low-ropes course, plus horse stables with a purpose-built arena.
"The business has substantial repeat-bookings for the next 10 years," says Lawson.
"There seems huge potential to capitalise on New Zealand's growing popularity as an internationally-regarded holiday destination, reaching untapped markets in the United States, South America, Vietnam, India and the Philippines.
"The opportunities to increase the scope and revenue of the business seem obvious.
"A new owner may also wish to expand the camp with additional structures and facilities, or investigate subdivision potential," Lawson says.
Lakewood Lodge occupies a prime position half-way between tourist hot-spots Auckland and Rotorua.
It offers international groups a meet-and-greet service from the Auckland International Airport, as well as tourist trips to nearby attractions.
Lawson lists cultural and geothermal sites in Rotorua; the Auckland Skytower; glow worms at the Nikau Caves; ready access to ice-skating and snowboarding facilities and trips to the "Hobbiton" attraction, near Matamata.
"A position so close to leading tourist destinations could open the door to future business partnerships and exclusive relationships with service providers."
