Rarakau Lodge is a place to stay on the Southern Scenic Route, about 1 hour from Invercargill and 1.5 hours from Te Anau. It is a 17 km detour from Tuatapere to the end of Papatotara Coast Road, on the edge of Te Waewae Bay.
The Southern Scenic Route is the touring road between Dunedin and Queenstown by way of the Catlins, Invercargill, the south coast and Te Anau. Most people drive straight through Tuatapere. Turn off instead and you get a quiet beach, a short walk before dinner, a proper bed, a sunset behind the Hump Ridge and the best sunrise around.
What to do with one night
Walk to the swingbridge. The Waikoau Swingbridge is 6 km return, about 1½ hours, through forest from the lodge door. It is easy, and good before breakfast or after dinner.
Go down to the beach. Our guest track drops to the Bluecliffs and the wide, empty sand of Te Waewae Bay in about 7 minutes. The bay is one of the best places in New Zealand to see Hector’s dolphins.
Stay for the sunset, get up for the sunrise. In the evening the sun sets behind the Hump Ridge. In the morning, the best sunrise spot on this stretch of coast is Rarakau Lodge itself: step outside with a coffee and watch the sky turn purple.
Eat here. The lodge serves pizzas, burgers and breakfasts, and the food cart is open from 7am to 7pm for coffee and baked treats. There is a self-catering kitchen too.
Soak. Book the spa, which is free with the Deluxe Suite.
With a full day
Walk the coast to Blowholes Beach, about 23 km return and around 7 hours. Take lunch, water and a rain jacket.
Stops either side of us
Clifden Caves
A free, self-guided limestone cave system with glow-worms, on State Highway 99. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, and bring sturdy shoes and a good torch.
Gemstone Beach
Near Orepuki. Fossick for garnet, quartz and jasper on the sand, best at low tide.
Cosy Nook
A tiny fishing settlement of boat sheds and cribs in a rocky cove, just off State Highway 99.
The practical bits
Check in is from 2pm and check out is by 10am. Parking is free for guests, and campervan parking is available in the car park.
Rooms run from $60 for a bunk to $180 for the Deluxe Suite. See all rooms and prices, or the directions and drive times.