Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park
15 Colac Bay Road Colac Bay, RD1, Riverton 9881 New Zealand
Full view
View all photos(13)13


Dining (3)

Pool & Beach (3)
Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
#1 of 1 hostel in Riverton
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park is located in a beautiful seaside bay 9 km from Riverton and comfortable accommodation in a friendly modern complex.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Beach
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Location
15 Colac Bay Road Colac Bay, RD1, Riverton 9881 New Zealand
Getting there
Invercargill Airport
34.5 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
1 Restaurant
within 10 kilometers
1 Attraction
within 10 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore 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.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
- 16
- 11
- 7
- 4
- 6
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
Improved since (bad) 2024 reviews. Having seen the terrible comments, I was intrigued to go visit. We had a couple of beers. OK but nothing special & no different to other 'classic' pubs. My partner is in hospo & has a good 'nose'. She said the place was a bit musty but otherwise OK. She ordered a basket of chips which were a generous portion, good value at $7 and hot, crispy & good. The oil used was fresh. The toilets weren't palatial but they were clean. Beware though: I bought a beer to drink there & one bottle of beer and a Sauvignon Blanc to take away. Was charged $60. I challenged this and was told the (South African) Sav was $35. Googled it - $12 in the supermarket. Asked for money back, which I got with no argument. The welcome/hospo pleasantries were non-existent, not that bothers me if everything else is OK.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don't go there if you want a clean TV screen (see previous reviews). It was still sh***y.
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.
The tavern food was great, and they had the fire roaring which was perfect. We stayed in the campground (self contained) ...pretty basic grounds and could do with spruce up but great covid 19 rates, friendly staff and in a great place to access Orepuke, Gem Stone Beach and Monkey Island.
Colac Bay really is the untouched New Zealand we remember as kids, let's hope it stays this way.
Colac Bay really is the untouched New Zealand we remember as kids, let's hope it stays this way.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
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.

Hubby and I called in last Sunday evening for takeaways after other family members had been in for lunch and rated it. We were definitely not disappointed. Blue cod, curry roll chips and a burger. No complaints here. Thanks! See ya again sometime
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip 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.

The smell is awful as you walk into the main accomodation block.
Clothing everywhere , stained flooring with beer and puddles.
No laundry room.
No laundry room -washing machines are in the main block out in the open.Absolutely disgustingly dirty ,clothing lying sbout outside rooms and overflowing rubbish bins with beer bottles and rubbish.
Stained flooring from beer snd puddles.
Stayed because of no alternative accomodation near by,
A shameful disgrace to such a beautiful part of New Zealand .
Clothing everywhere , stained flooring with beer and puddles.
No laundry room.
No laundry room -washing machines are in the main block out in the open.Absolutely disgustingly dirty ,clothing lying sbout outside rooms and overflowing rubbish bins with beer bottles and rubbish.
Stained flooring from beer snd puddles.
Stayed because of no alternative accomodation near by,
A shameful disgrace to such a beautiful part of New Zealand .
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
We’d heard that the Colac Bay Tavern had new owners so thought we’d pop in and support them ordered beers and a seafood platter for lunch. Firstly put off by the smell. Secondly, the TV was the filthiest screen I’ve ever seen. Mussels (as described in the menu) missing.
When I tried to talk to the new owner, the barmaid jumped in and abused me and said I should have asked her and she would have cleaned it (I think she should’ve have to be told - get off her phone and do some cleaning!) As for the missing mussels, she said I should have told her!!! (What menus was the chef following?) “Next time you come in, tell me if something is wrong”.
Don’t worry, we definitely won’t be back.
When I tried to talk to the new owner, the barmaid jumped in and abused me and said I should have asked her and she would have cleaned it (I think she should’ve have to be told - get off her phone and do some cleaning!) As for the missing mussels, she said I should have told her!!! (What menus was the chef following?) “Next time you come in, tell me if something is wrong”.
Don’t worry, we definitely won’t be back.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024Trip 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.
Stayed at the camping ground in the cabins, my room smelt like urine the whole time I was there. Went to the owners and asked if I could possibly change rooms, was told I could leave if I wanted!! No apologies or anything, they ran out of water and the cleaner for the camping ground walked around complaining about the owners and how she has only had 1 day off even though she is pretty much staying there for free to clean the showers and toilets ( which she did not really do anyway) . Camping ground is dirty with piles of rubbish everywhere, although when we left the skip truck was there to pick up said rubbish. The kitchen cook tops only work half the time and there is only 1 freezer for the whole camp site! But at least they had one.
Staff were rude at tavern and camping grounds.
In saying this
The rooms are warm the beds are comfortable, the meals are bloody good and there is a lot of things to do during the day if you choose. And you can have your dogs there.
Staff were rude at tavern and camping grounds.
In saying this
The rooms are warm the beds are comfortable, the meals are bloody good and there is a lot of things to do during the day if you choose. And you can have your dogs there.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.


I was delighted to find the Colac Bay tavern lies directly along the route of Te Araroa. I arrived after a rather wet and arduous trip through longwood forest looking like a pirate and the owners could be forgiven for thinking a particularly muddy shipwreck had occurred on the nearby beach and I was the sole survivor.
Not withstanding my desperado appearance I was treated with the utmost courtesy and was served outside (at my insistence) with ginger beer and nachos (insider pirate pro tip by the way) A pragmatic exception was made to the “no shoes no service” rule in order that I could pay the bill while my footwear remained, wisely, outside. The host were even gracious enough to refill my water bottle and, in a first in my 3000km walk, added some ice so I could enjoy a cool drink for the rest of the afternoon walk to Riverton.
Heartfelt thanks Paul
Not withstanding my desperado appearance I was treated with the utmost courtesy and was served outside (at my insistence) with ginger beer and nachos (insider pirate pro tip by the way) A pragmatic exception was made to the “no shoes no service” rule in order that I could pay the bill while my footwear remained, wisely, outside. The host were even gracious enough to refill my water bottle and, in a first in my 3000km walk, added some ice so I could enjoy a cool drink for the rest of the afternoon walk to Riverton.
Heartfelt thanks Paul
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
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.

Dont b fooled by the exterior of this small country style pub. Arrived at 8pm greeted by a smiling Wazza behind the bar nothing was a problem. Prepared us the most amazing flavoursome fresh Seafood chowder OMG full of seafood.
Would b pushed to find a meal this good even at a top class restaurant.
Would b pushed to find a meal this good even at a top class restaurant.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024Trip 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.
Awesome night. All 9 of us loved our meals. Friendly country pub atmosphere. Great place for kids. Super friendly service. After reading the reviews we were a bit worried, but we couldn’t fault the service, food or price. Would 100% recommend.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
We drove all the way from Orepuke to visit our favourite south coast baron 18th of January. We arrived at 8.50pm. The lady behind the bar said she was tired and had had a long day and they were closing the kitchen early. Another group of diners were also turned away.
Long way to drive to be turned away, the signage on your building says the bar and bistro is open until 9.30.
Long way to drive to be turned away, the signage on your building says the bar and bistro is open until 9.30.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
No results found. • Try changing or clearing your search to read questions and answers.
"Don't go there if you want a clean TV screen (see previous reviews). It was still sh***y."Read full review
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandSouthland RegionRiverton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingCOLAC BAY TAVERN & HOLIDAY PARK | UPDATED 2025 Hostel Reviews (Riverton, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park
Which popular attractions are close to Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park?
Nearby attractions include Colac Bay (0.6 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Templeton Flax Mill Heritage Museum (14.0 km).
Is Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.