Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
State Highway 6 30 km north of Haast, Lake Moeraki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7842 New Zealand
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#1 of 1 hotels in Lake Moeraki
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Discover wilderness in comfort and style at New Zealand's premier nature lodge. Established by dedicated conservationists, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers an experience like no other. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of ancient rainforest, kayak pristine lakes and explore rugged coastline. Enjoy fresh local food, fine wine, and warm hospitality. Join naturalist guides to discover spectacular wild landscape and search for penguins, seals, and other rare wildlife in the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Canoeing
Hiking
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Highchairs available
Conference facilities
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Fishing
Walking tours
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
First aid kit
Clothes dryer
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
Location
State Highway 6 30 km north of Haast, Lake Moeraki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7842 New Zealand
Getting there
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342Reviews4Q+A73Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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Perfect! Lovely. Wonderful! Excellent! Would return. Nice beds, lovely river view, good breakfast, cooked to order, fruit of choice available, nice wine. I went for the penguin-viewing and they delivered. There is a fee because a guide is required, but you see penguins at a private and remote location. I love this place. Kudos to the owners, Gerry and Anne. What a superb facility they have developed. Victoria
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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Room Tip: Go on every nature walk offered. Guides, Claire and James are friendly, smart, kind and helpful....
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Wilderness Lodge, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded yesterday
Kia ora Victoria, Thanks so much for sharing a review here. We appreciate hearing how much you enjoyed your time with us, the hospitality and the guided nature activities. Kind wishes, Anned Saunders and Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My favorite stay while in NZ (South Island). You will arrive @ lands end when you get here yet the accommodations are first class. Here are some words that describe what this place is about: ecotourism lodging in comfort, guided nature walks & excursions, birding, native NZ plant and animal species, owner operated with a passion for conservation (Jerry & Anne), remote, relaxing, hiking trails, kayaking, top notch food, drink & service, knowledgeable staff, geology, peaceful ... I would return in a heartbeat if I could but it's on the other side of the world from me
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Wilderness Lodge, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 6 days ago
Kia ora DanC296, Thanks for sharing a review here on TripAdvisor, we really appreciate it and would love to see you again one day if you do return. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders and Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Come to the Wilderness Lodge for almost all of the activities that New Zealand could offer. The hosts, Gerry and Ann, will give you some many options on things to do each and every day you stay there. The main building of the Lodge is right next to Moeraki River with lovely views out the living room and dining room windows. The Lodge rooms are not particularly special but don't plan on spending a lot of time indoors when there is so much to do outside. Everything is great here but you are doing yourself a great disservice if you don't sign up for Gerry's trip to see the penguins. Truly memorable.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Bring bug spray for all of your adventures.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Wilderness Lodge, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 6 days ago
Kia ora Jamesl680, Thanks for sharing your experience at both Wilderness Lodges. We love to share our special part of New Zealand with our guests and it's great to hear feedback like yours. King wishes, Anne Saunders and Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were really excited to stay at this lodge after reading all the positive reviews, however overall we were disappointed. The main issue, in my opinion, is that it's overpriced for the quality of the lodging and food that is available. We stayed in a rainforest room. The room itself was clean and the bed comfortable, however the furnishings are very dated and certainly not luxury as advertised. The bathroom in particular left a lot to be desired. It was an open bathroom with a shower that was completely open (no walls, no glass, no bathtub), just a flimsy curtain that you pulled around you, with the water draining into the floor that communicated with the rest of the bathroom. The shower water temperature would fluctuate from warm to very hot. Ordinarily I wouldn’t mind this if I knew this was what I was paying for. But at $500+ per person, per night, the furnishings don’t fit the cost. I would expect more luxury to be frank. Breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not (and costs $35 per person for a takeaway picnic), and alcohol and other beverages are also not included. The quality of the food was just ok. Portions were on the small side, and the flavour was minimal. The clientele is an older crowd, so if you are younger, bear this in mind. The activities that were included were fun, but again, not worth the high price tag. The other activities that cost extra also appeared extraordinarily overpriced! $180 per person to walk down to a beach to view penguins seemed excessive. We took the free walk down to nearby Monroe beach and saw a few penguins on our own, for free. The hosts were very nice and clearly care about their property and put a lot into making it eco friendly, which is fantastic, however the host also tended to make jibs against us (we are Canadian). Making a joke once at someone’s expense I can understand, but he did this several times which we found odd. Had the price been $500 per night, rather than per person, and actually “all inclusive”, it would be more reasonable and in line with what you are actually getting.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from , Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 1 week ago
Kia ora Sarahkilbertus2018, Thanks for sharing a review with the TripAdvisor community. We pleased you enjoyed the setting and the nature- friendly elements of your stay. We are sorry that overall your experience didn't match expectations. We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive experience involving great accommodation, food and nature discovery so it's disappointing to have fallen short on this occasion.Apologies if our humour missed the mark - we love hosting Canadians (and all nationalities)! We would point out that our guided penguin discovery trips are a highlight for many guests. The experience includes expert guides, comprehensive interpretation and the chance to visit unadvertised locations with up close viewing. Our pricing also incorporates access fees and a contribution to penguin conservation work. Those who choose to participate really value them. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been to the Wilderness Lodge before and it always exceeds my expectations. This time I was part of a small group doing a photography workshop with New Zealand Photography Workshops. The hosts, Anne and Gerry, go out of their way to ensure that your stay is both memorable, in terms of location, comfort and delicious food, and also, educative about the location and its flora and fauna. The highlight for me is the guided Tawaki penguin tour. Watching these beautiful animals in their natural habitat is fantastic.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from , Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 1 week ago
Kia ora RosanneB844, Thanks for sharing your experience. We love welcoming returning guests and it is a pleasure to share our special corner of Aotearoa/New Zealand. We hope to see you again, Anne Saunders and Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Returning after 40 years when I came here as a young child from the moment we stepped into the Lodge we were surrounded by forests and birdsong - beautiful place and beautiful hosts who are so welcoming and passionate about their piece of paradise and conservation. Staying for 4 days/three nights you could not ask for more - cosy warm rooms with wonderful views , delish meals, so many sights to take in ,. We took every opportunity to go on the daily tours with Gerry and learn so much gaining a much wider appreciation of nature in an untouched part of New Zealand . Sitting on the beach watching endangered clumsy and delightful Fiordland crested penguins was simply a once in a lifetime experience - - a labour of love for Gerry and Anne . Beautiful walks around the lodge and kayaking on the lake . waking up to birdsong and Moorpark at night .loved meeting the other guest and the conversations over dinner…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Spray bug spray each day - Bigs won’t be an issue if you are consistent with the spray!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from , Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 1 week ago
Kia ora Jacinta W, Thanks for your review. Returning after 40 years must be a record we think! We are really please you enjoyed your Wilderness Lodge experience. Hope to see you again some time! Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge during the first week of the 2023-2024 season and enjoyed learning so much about this part of the West Coast from Gerry and Anne. The accommodations were especially relaxing, it was our favorite accommodation on our three-week trip. We took took advantage of all of the opportunities to get outdoors - we kayaked Lake Moeraki and hiked the trails on the property as well as others nearby. The meals were particularly delicious after a week of pub food along the West Coast. A highlight was seeing twelve Fiordland Crested Penguins with Gerry! This is a truly special place in New Zealand and we were so glad to have learned about it.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from , Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 1 week ago
Kia ora 518wills, Thanks for sharing your review, we really appreciate it. We feel honoured to be the highlight of your three weeks in NZ! Kind wishes, Anne Saunders & Gerry McSweeney Owner-Managers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is an experience you will never be able to have elsewhere. Anne and Gerry are the consumate hosts with friendly helpful and caring staff who cannot do enough for you. Their unique approach to wildlife conservation in combination with providing lifetime experiences for all their guests no matter what age or ability is far beyond any thing I have ever experienced and should be a model for operators everywhere. I went for penguins - and came away with the most authentic incomparable experience of all NZ flora and fauna possible. And when this is combined with superb accommodation food and wine - I run out of superlatives. Long may they continue this wonderful tradition. If the thought of Fiordland Crested Penguins, or any penguin has ever crossed your cerebral cortex, don't wait any longer - just book.…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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Room Tip: Watch out for sandflies - take insect repellant. You'll do just fine.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We went for the penguin experience (& we weren’t disappointed!) but there is so much more to this place. The setting is beautiful, the lounge area very comfortable, the food delicious & plentiful, the bar is always open! We had a beautiful river view room which was perfect too. We came away rested & with a new wealth of knowledge about the local flora & fauna.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Take good shoes for track walking & a rain coat.
Do take advantage of the complimentary daily...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This property, and its sister Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass, are family owned and run by couples who are passionate about hospitality and ecology. At Lake Moeraki we kayaked among black swans, hiked at night to see glow worms and to learn the southern constellations, were fed superbly on excellent breakfasts and dinners, and felt privileged to be in this little visited stretch of the New Zealand coastline. Many of the outdoor activities are complementary, and more ambitious trips can be arranged by the owners. There was an unfailing sense of welcome and comfort. The rooms were large and well appointed, with lovely views across a meadow full of bunnies to a softly flowing river. Highest recommendation. (Note: all of this area of New Zealand is subject to a biting insect called sand flies, and this location is no exception.)…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Wilderness Lodges of New Zealand, Owner at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Responded 9 Jul 2023
Kia ora 9amberzephyr, Thanks for sharing your Wilderness Lodge experience. We appreciate hearing how much you enjoyed your time at both lodges and would be delighted to host you again in future. Kind wishes, Anne Saunders and Gerry McSweeney
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
wilderness lodge lake moeraki hotel lake moeraki
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionWestland Tai Poutini National ParkLake Moeraki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
28
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
Which popular attractions are close to Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?
Nearby attractions include Knights Point Lookout (1.8 km) and Monro Beach (0.08 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Is Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 km away from the centre of Lake Moeraki.
Are any cleaning services offered at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Does Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.
Does Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
Is Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.