Spectacular beaches that are home to fur seals and crested penguins, untouched lowland rainforests spread between pristine lakes and rivers which drain the snow capped Southern Alps.

Landscaped into the rainforest are 18 modern lodge rooms each with private facilities that sleep 2. A special activity is offered every evening to recreate the pioneering days with the locals, music evenings, a short walk to see glow worms and the Southern Cross or short talks on penguins and the rainforest. A gentle walk in the rainforest or seacoast on the 10km of trails around the lodge or a canoe on Lake Moeraki works wonders for the soul.

The surroundings are untouched but Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki itself offers every comfort to help the weary traveller to relax after an active day outdoors.

Early Maori camped here to gather eels, whitebait, freshwater mussels and birds. This historic link was recognised by the 1998 creation of a small Historic Reserve across the river from the Lodge. The reserve is managed by Ngai Tahu, the main South Island Maori tribe.

From 1962 onwards, the Lodge site was the main construction camp for the Haast Highway - New Zealand's last major road construction. At its heart was the historic “Red Dog Saloon” - illegal bar for the road workers - which in 1965 achieved national notoriety. A police raid closed the bar and arrested the occupants who received stiff fines at a widely publicised court hearing in Hokitika.

You can experience the original Red Dog Saloon at the heart of the Moeraki Lodge but it is now surrounded by new buildings, landscaped into a clearing in the rainforest along the banks of the Moeraki river.

Lawns sculptured down to the river's edge where there are jumping trout, waterbirds and stunning reflections give the Riverside Restaurant and Moeraki Lounge one of this country's finest restaurant views.

Here you can relax, read, try a drink from our excellent wine cellar and enjoy great wilderness food. Whitebait from the river, seafood from the coast, game from the forest and delicious vegetables and fresh fruit are our speciality.

Every evening we offer a special activity: - recreate the pioneering days with the locals, a short walk to see glow worms and the Southern Cross or short talks on penguins and the rainforest. Around the log fire you will make new friends and learn about New Zealand its people as you plan your next day's adventures.