Rarakau Lodge is at 1304B Papatotara Coast Road, about 17 km past Tuatapere, at the very end of the road. It is about 1 hour from Invercargill, 1.5 hours from Te Anau, 2.5 hours from Queenstown and 3 hours from Dunedin.
Every route comes through Tuatapere. From there you follow Papatotara Coast Road until it stops at the lodge and car park, which is also where the Hump Ridge Track starts and finishes.
The last stretch from Tuatapere
From Tuatapere, take Papatotara Coast Road and stay on it to the end. It is an easy drive through the Southland backcountry, with coast and mountain views most of the way.
The road finishes at the lodge. Park in the car park beside it.
Directions by starting point
From Invercargill
Take State Highway 99 west through Otautau and Orawia to Tuatapere, then Papatotara Coast Road to the end.
From Te Anau
Follow the Southern Scenic Route south: State Highway 94, then State Highway 99, through Manapouri and Clifden to Tuatapere. The road runs along the edge of Fiordland National Park. From Tuatapere, take Papatotara Coast Road to the end.
From Queenstown
Head south on State Highway 6 towards Mossburn, then join the Southern Scenic Route (State Highway 99) west through Otautau to Tuatapere. From Tuatapere, take Papatotara Coast Road to the end.
From Dunedin
Head south on State Highway 1 through Balclutha and Gore towards Invercargill, then take State Highway 96 and 99 west through Otautau to Tuatapere. From Tuatapere, take Papatotara Coast Road to the end.
Without a car
Mel’s Shuttle runs door-to-door pickups from Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown, and drops off in Tuatapere and at the Rarakau Lodge car park. It also runs from Tuatapere to Rarakau Lodge and the Hump Ridge Track.
If you would rather drive yourself, see our rental car discount and $1 rental car relocations.
When you arrive
Parking at the lodge is free for guests for as long as you stay or walk, with 24-hour cameras and onsite security. Check in to your room from 2pm, and if you are walking the Hump Ridge Track, the track starts from the lodge door.
Planning the walk? See the Hump Ridge Track planning guide.