Explore the area

Native bush, rugged coastline and unforgettable local attractions, right on our doorstep.

Explore

Three Tracks Start From Our Doorstep

Rarakau Lodge sits at the end of the road, where the Hump Ridge, South Coast and Teal Bay tracks begin. Stretch your legs on a day walk from the door, set off on a multi-day tramp, or take in the caves, beaches and backcountry adventures of western Southland.

Rarakau Lodge Day Walks

No car needed — lace up your boots and walk straight out the door. Pick a gentle hour to the swingbridge or a full day along the coast.

The Waikoau River swingbridge

Waikoau Swingbridge

6 km return · about 1½ hrs

A short forest walk from the lodge door to the Waikoau River swingbridge.

Easy · good before breakfast or after dinner

The cliffs of Bluecliffs Beach with snow on the hills behind

The Bluecliffs

1.8 km return · about 7 min down

Our private guest track down to wide, empty sand on Te Waewae Bay.

Easy · go as far as you like

A quiet morning on the beach section of the track

Blowholes Beach

About 23 km return · about 7 hrs

A full day along the coast to a wild, rocky beach on the way to Port Craig.

Full day · take lunch, water and a rain jacket

All three walks start at the lodge. The swingbridge and Blowholes Beach walks follow the first stretch of the South Coast Track; the Bluecliffs is reached by our own guest track. Parts of each are along the beach, so check the tide before you set out — we’re happy to help you plan your day.

Multi-day tracks

Walk out the door and onto the Hump Ridge, South Coast or Teal Bay track.

Boardwalk winding between granite tors on the Hump Ridge Track

Hump Ridge Track

The closest lodge to the start and finish of the Hump Ridge Track.

3-day loop · nights at Okaka and Port Craig lodges

Percy Burn Viaduct on the South Coast Track

South Coast Track

A rugged, quieter coastal tramp through remote Fiordland wilderness.

≈61 km one-way · 4 days to Big River

View of the Hump Ridge Track from Rarakau Lodge

Teal Bay Track

From Rarakau, down the South Coast Track and over Hump Ridge to Teal Bay Hut.

Advanced · ≈23 km, 8–9 hours one-way

Backcountry huts

Remote huts along the South Coast Track and beyond, each with a story of its own.

Port Craig School Hut, a converted schoolhouse on the South Coast Track

Port Craig School Hut

A 20-bunk hut inside New Zealand's last surviving Port Craig schoolhouse.

20 bunks · about 7 hours from the lodge

Westies Hut, tucked into the cave at Prices Harbour

Westies Hut

A five-bunk shelter built into a sea cave, deep on the South Coast Track.

5 bunks · free, no booking needed

Teal Bay Hut on Lake Hauroko

Teal Bay Hut

A 12-bunk hut on Lake Hauroko, linked to the South Coast Track by a remote alpine route.

12 bunks · hut tickets, honesty box

Local attractions

Jet boats, helicopters, caves and gemstone beaches — all an easy trip from the lodge.

Jet boating through pristine backcountry

Jet Boating

Thrilling river adventures through pristine backcountry.

Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet · combo trips from $299pp

Helicopter flying over Fiordland

Te Anau Helicopters

Scenic flights over Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Stewart Island.

Te Anau Helicopters · flights from $395pp

Takapu Charters vessel in Fiordland

Takapu Charters

Fishing and sightseeing charters on the southern ocean.

4–6 night trips · up to 8 guests

Inside a limestone chamber at Clifden Caves

Clifden Caves

Explore a natural limestone cave system just a short drive away.

Free · allow 1.5–2 hours

Cosy Nook, a fishing bay on the Southern Scenic Route

Cosy Nook

A tiny, picturesque fishing bay on the Southern Scenic Route.

On State Highway 99 · ≈30 km south of Tuatapere

Heart-shaped arrangement of gemstone beach pebbles

Gemstone Beach

Hunt for garnet, quartz and jasper along the shifting shoreline.

Free · best at low tide

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