Last Light Lodge :: rooms, camping, organic gardens — Hotel in Tuatapere Te Waewae Community

Wow! What a find. I booked 2 nights at The Last Light Lodge, one either side of me tackling The Hump Ridge Track, down there in Tuatapere and I’m so pleased I did. |Craig and the team were friendly, engaging and welcoming, from the moment I checked in. The room was immaculately presented and super clean. |When I initially booked this and saw ‘shared (bathroom) facilities’ I must confess to baulking slightly. But the other good reviews and its proximity to the road leading to the start of The Hump Ridge Track, persuaded me to ‘look beyond’ my doubts about shared facilities. However I needn’t have worried, as the shared facilities were in pristine condition and light years beyond other such facilities I’ve previously used.|Meal wise on the first evening (due to a school leavers function in the main bar) was served outside alfresco style on the decking, to myself and a family of 5 who had just come off the track. |I opted for gourmet evening meals, breakfast and a packed lunch for Day one on the track. The evening meal on my first night consisted of eye fillet steak, cooked and presented to perfection along with an amazing selection of vegetables from their own gardens, followed by a beautiful meringue desert. |My second nights meal, blue cod, which was amazing and served with an incredibly delicious tangy sauce to accompany it, followed by a lush crème brûlée.|You cannot fault The Last Light Lodge and it is definitely the best placed accommodation for the Hump Ridge Track and surrounding countryside. I will...

This is an ideal centre for exploring beautiful Te Waewae Bay even if you aren't tramping. I had intended freedom camping up the valley but as a solo camper van traveller didn't feel particularly safe in the first spot and the other along the coast was packed with campers. Not needing power, a few dollars for security, quiet and some pleasant company suited me well. The lodge facilities that I used were spotlessly clean and comfortable. Locating the main kitchen light switch was a bit of an issue 😂 but I didn't actually need it. I enjoyed a lovely after dinner walk through the reserve to the river. Nearby are endless superb beach walks and some cute little villages with history that's worth reading about. Tuatapere itself surprised me and worthwhile exploring. If I learnt nothing else during my travels through Southland, I know to wander slowly through, talk to locals and investigate beyond the Southern Scenic Route. Thanks Last Light Lodge for a relaxing pre-holiday...

We halted at Last light lodge on our way to Invercargill from Te Anau. I must say, we had very little expectations when we saw the place but, how wrong were we proved! I cannot comment on the lodging since we just took a lunch here but, the Cafe/restaurant, Food, Staff/Owners were just so nice that I specially made a note to submit a review. Coffees were made just the way we like them. The scones, Muffins and cookies were definitely as fresh as they come. We just couldn't have enough of them. We later realised that they do their own cooking and that explained the freshness. The staff was friendly and Kiwi as! They were totally patient with kids and kids were in awe of their wonderful Dogs and gorgeous cat. The owner also took time to understand where we were heading to and gave us some tips on places to see on the way, which all were absolutely fantastic. You guys at Last Light Lodge are doing an awesome...