Welcome to The Last Light Lodge, where comfort meets nature in the heart of Tuatapere. Our charming lodge features 21 cozy rooms and a grassy camping area, all set amidst lush native gardens.

Enjoy delicious meals at our restaurant, where we use fresh, organic produce from our own gardens to create memorable dining experiences.

Located at the edge of Fiordland National Park, Tuatapere is New Zealand’s last town to see the sunset, offering a stunning backdrop of mountains, ancient forests, and rivers. We’re just 1km from the Hump Ridge Track office. This makes us an ideal base for your outdoor adventures.

We’re a family-run business dedicated to making your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Come experience our little piece of paradise and let us help you make the most of your time here.

Craig, Violaine and team

The Accommodation

Lodge room

from $160 for 2 guests per night
($110 for 1 guest per night)

Super king bed (double/single room) or 2 super single beds (twin room), smart TV, kitchenette, towels, shared bathroom with other rooms, wifi, heaters

Powered Site

From $40 per site for 1 adult
$22 per extra adult
$12 per extra child
(max of 5 guests per site)

Private gardens, communal kitchen, shared bathroom unlimited shower, wifi

Non-Powered Site

From $35 per site for 1 adult
$22 per extra adult
$12 per extra child
(max of 5 guests per site)

Private gardens, communal kitchen, shared bathroom unlimited shower, wifi

Amenities

Fully equipped communal kitchen.
Bathrooms with hot showers, toilets, hair dryer.
Pre-booked meals available in our restaurant. licensed bar.
Laundry facilities with coin operated washing machine and dryer.
EV charger.
EFTPOS, Paywave,
Free Wifi available.
Dump station.
Secured lockers (big backpack size, $2 with key) available on site.
Free parking, allowing you to leave your vehicle during your absence.

Availability

Video

The Meals - Garden to Table

Meals not available from the 20th April 2026 to the 18th October 2026.

Gallery

Who are we ?

The Last Light Lodge holds a unique history, originally constructed in the 1970s to accommodate forestry workers before transforming into a welcoming hospitality spot in the 1990s.

In 2010, Craig Rutland took the helm and embarked on a transformative journey. The entire lodge has undergone a rejuvenation, with expansions and tasteful renovations to the veranda, restaurant, and kitchen. Two lodge blocks have been revamped, offering new comfortable and modern rooms, complete with updated bathrooms and laundries.

Craig, along with a dedicated team, has nurtured enchanting gardens to enhance your experience. Our grounds now boast thousands of trees and native flora and thriving organic gardens. His love for cultivating and using fresh, organic produce shines in his delightful gourmet meals—a definite treat! Take the opportunity to bring home a taste of our goodness – homemade preserved jams, jellies, chutneys, and relishes are available for purchase at the restaurant.

The current team consists of Craig – owner, chef, gardener, handyman -, his partner, Violaine – guests manager, gardener -, their son Max – self-appointed chicken chaser-, and the remarkably versatile Sandra – cleaner, waitress, gardener.

We dedicate ourselves to ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing stay at our lodge. Welcome to your home away from home.

Our Produce

We sell our preserves, vegetables, fruits and herbs on-site and online too.

All produce is grown organically in a permaculture style.

We use our produce in all our meals.

Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 231 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Margie Hauser 
 12. May, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our stay here was amazingly sweet.  Nice campsites, clean restrooms and hot showers, wonderful kitchen to use.  Vi was just wonderful and to meet Max is a real pleasure!  I highly recommend this and would go back in a second!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jessica T Miskelly 
 8. May, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A gem of a place. We arrived on a wet (even by southwest NZ standards) day, set to camp, and the camp kitchen area was such a haven. We were able to buy some jam from the on-site restaurant and use the available ovens to  have a lovely cream tea. The communal lounge with fire and bar was also perfect for the evening. The campsites were grassed, quiet and not overlooked by campervans, all uncommon these days.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Baris Firat 
 7. April, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As announced, I also stayed at the Last Light Lodge on my trip to New Zealand this year. As always, it was a great experience. I was lucky enough to have a lamb fillet as a special that day. It was simply fantastic. The vegetables from our own garden and the dessert rounded everything off perfectly. Thank you for a great time and hope to see you again soon. I was here in 2018. It was one of my favourite evenings in New Zealand. I was allowed to set up my shisha on the terrace and got to know the very friendly owner and some of his friends. After a long search, I have just found this great location while planning my next holiday in New Zealand. I will definitely spend another one or two nights there.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Joinnz 
 4. April, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing place! Can I just say how much we enjoyed our dinner and packed lunch! Craig the chef is the real chef, you'd not expect food to be this awesome in a rural town. We loved the chocolate cookie, too good! The room was clean and basic, but toasty to ensure good night sleep. The veggie garden is truly amazing. Thank you team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Lindsay Byrnes 
 25. March, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very handy spot, great price and excellent service.  Couldn't get wifi, c'est la vie!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Nick Wharmby 
 7. March, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were heading out on the Humpridge track and this was the start of our journey. We had a fantastic meal with produce from the garden by the owner. The room was comfy, relaxed atmosphere and hospitality second to none.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Giles Gill 
 24. February, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For 25 years we lived in Otautau and although we never overnighted at the World Famous (in New Zealand) Last Light Lodge it was one of our favourite places to treat ourselves to a meal. Craig and Viola ran an amazing business, warm and friendly, great cooking and hugely welcoming environment, we were always treated like valued family members. 10 stars.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Wilma Heiden 
 24. February, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sehr familiäre und freundliche Atmosphäre! Hervorragendes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis. Campingplätze durch Hecken oder Bäume getrennt, garantieren Privatsphäre. Da bezahlt man freudig 3$ mehr als auf einem DOC-Campground. Die Küche ist mit allem Notwendigen und mehr ausgestattet und ausgesprochen sauber, die Sanitäranlagen ebenfalls. Das Gelände als solches ist weitläufig und weitgehend gärtnerisch genutzt. Das Essen scheint ausgezeichnet zu sein, werde es morgen probieren, bin heute bereits gesättigt hier angekommen. Mein Körper erfreut sich der bequemen Sessel im Restaurant. Eine absolute Seltenheit auf solchen Einrichtungen!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    MARIA Cunningham 
 13. February, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We stayed here before and after the Hump Ridge track a few years ago. What a great place! Beautiful linen on comfortable beds at a good place. And the food! Organic vegetables from the garden,local fish and game cooked by the resident chef and washed down with a craft beer. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Chris Kolless 
 9. February, 2024.
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We stayed the night on the way to the Hump Track. Exceptional wholesome food and hospitality.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 269 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kate W 
 25 June 2024
 
 
 Verified Haven before the humpridge We stayed at the last light lodge before doing the humpridge track and it was an unexpected delight. we had just been looking for somewhere convenient to spend the night before setting off on what would prove to be a wonderful three day tramp. Instead we found a little sanctuary. The rooms are clean and comfortable but what really makes the place is the cooking and the kitchen garden. We sat together and ate fantastic food (in abundance!) with a lovely hotch potch of people all setting off on the walk the following day. I could ramble on for ages about the garden but suffice to say that if you are even vaguely interested in plants or nature or food cultivation then have a potter around and pick up a bit of inspiration to take home. Thanks last light, we’ll be back.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sheena P 
 4 February 2024
 
 
 Verified Home comforts here It’s almost as far from a big city as you can get but the food and coffee is better than some big cities. The rooms are basic but significantly more spacious and comfortable than a tent if you’re on your way to or from a camping trip. Organic food from their garden at dinner and breakfast which makes it real farm to table dining. Warm up your legs for your hike in the adjacent forest.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rustybus 
 16 January 2024
 
 
 Verified Fantastic accommodation and meals A group of six of us stayed in the Last Light Lodge the nights before and after walking the Humpridge Track. We highly recommend this accommodation. The rooms are spotlessly clean. We stayed in the renovated rooms which had big comfy beds, heating and a sink unit with kettle etc. Bathrooms are shared. The restaurant was fabulous and the specialise garden to plate, with almost everything grown on site. The dinners and breakfasts were very well cooked and presented and extraordinarily tasty! We chose also to get the packed lunch which was excellent for the first day of the track. I kept the biscuit/cookie for Day Two, and wished I'd bought another one for Day Three they were so good.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jody E 
 10 January 2024
 
 
 Verified Stay for more than a day!! We arrived at Last Light for our Hump Ridge walk. We were pleasantly surprised by this family run business, beautiful meals provided when you book for dinner, all the vege and salads from the beautiful surrounding gardens, breakfast where delicious and coffee hit the spot. Loved chatting with Craig and his family and understanding their vision of paddock to plate. Definitely stay for a few nights and get the feel for this place. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless and beds comfortable too. Highly recommended to all.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   pauleaton1967 
 8 January 2024
 
 
 Verified Great place to eat and stay Loved our visit with Craig and family. Food was fantastic. Reminds me of Italy where you get what is available in the garden. No menu just a damn good meal. Breakfast is the same. Coffee very good. Make sure you stay for more than a day to look at the gardens and understand what they have achieved. Rooms small but spotless. Beds and pillows very comfortable.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sharon M 
 8 January 2024
 
 
 Verified Nice surprise The hosts made our stay so enjoyable. We stayed before and after the humpridge track and the food was amazing. Fresh straight from the garden. So much work has been put in to this place with more plans underway. A low key comfortable vibe that gets under your skin and makes you want to come back again
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Stefanie 
 30 December 2023
 
 
 Verified Excellent food, accommodation and hospitality A really excellent night’s stay before walking the Humpridge Track. Great rooms, nice clean showers with shampoo and conditioner (always much appreciated!) and the evening meal and breakfast were outstanding, both the cooking and service were faultless. We stayed just the one night but I’d also recommend booking in here after walking out of humpridge for a bit of rest and good food. The owners were also very helpful regarding details about the walk. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Frances F 
 30 November 2023
 
 
 Verified An unexpected diamond Last Light Lodge provided an unexpectedly fabulous experience for the night before embarking on the Humpback Ridge Walk. The food was spectacularly good - home made bread for breakfast with mushroom, thyme Rosti, herbed scrambled eggs and perfectly crispy bacon. The coffee is better than any Auckland cafe on Ponsonby Road and the dinner was next level - cod served with roasted Kumara and a cacophony of fresh greens from the establishments organic garden. The rooms are basic posh - comfortable beds (and I am fussy!) a choice of pillows, and immaculately clean. I would recommend staying here to anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jo Larratt 
 30 November 2023
 
 
 Verified Best southern moat food in NZ Amazing fresh tasty food - dinner breakfast and coffee All vegies grown the garden and organic and innseaskn Rooms warm and spacious Dining room quirky and full of character The surrounding gardens are great tor a walk Host proprietor is super friendly
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Louise P 
 9 March 2023
 
 
 Verified Best food in NZ Stayed in the accommodation at Last Light Lodge during a tour of NZ, so the accommodation was not booked by us. On first arrival we found the place to be very quiet and very much off the beaten track. However what a hidden gem this is. The accommodation was basic but clean and practical but what makes this such a great place is the customer service from the staff Craig and V, and the exceptional food served in the restaurant. We had an evening meal and breakfast the following day. The food was clearly organically grown at the Last Light or sourced locally. I would say it was possibly the best food we had during our visit to NZ (both north and south islands). I was in a large group and, to a person, everyone raved about the food, wine and coffee. The atmosphere was perfect - relaxed, individual and perfect for our group.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 149 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Booking  
   
   John 
 15. May, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Wonderful
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Sandra 
 28. April, 2024.
 
 
 Verified The perfect place to stay before the Humpridge Track ☺ Excellent breakfast - good coffees and eggs ☹ Nothing
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Joanna 
 22. April, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Very Good
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Pollyanna 
 7. April, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Wonderful
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Christine 
 1. April, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Very Good ☺ We liked the friendly service, the beautiful food fresh from their garden & the value for money.
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Amy 
 27. March, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Exceptional ☺ Room was recently renovated ☹ No blind or curtain on glass door
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Katerina 
 18. March, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Wonderful
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Iris 
 17. March, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Very Good
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Wendy 
 13. March, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Wonderful ☺ Food was amazing
  
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Armstrong 
 9. March, 2024.
 
 
 Verified Wonderful