Guide

Things to Do in the Great South

The Great South is Southland, the bottom of New Zealand: Fiordland, the Catlins, Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island. Tuatapere sits in the middle of it on the Southern Scenic Route, at the gateway to Lake Hauroko, the Hump Ridge and Fiordland’s Wild South Coast. Stop for a day or two and you’ll find jet boating, Great Walk tramping, glow-worm caves, gemstone beaches and Hector’s dolphins, all within easy reach.

Here are our favourite things to do, from free roadside stops and a night at Rarakau Lodge to a full day on the Wairaurahiri River, plus the best of the Great South further afield.

Lake Hauroko reflecting the surrounding mountains

On The Water

Jet boat Lake Hauroko & the Wairaurahiri River

Lake Hauroko, New Zealand’s deepest lake, is about 45 minutes’ drive from Tuatapere. From there the Wairaurahiri River drops 180m over 27km of grade 3 rapids to the sea, and it’s been called New Zealand’s longest waterfall.

Half Day – 2–3 hours through Sparkplug, the Vulcans and the Black Swirl Hole
Full Day – all the way to the South Coast and back
Heli Jet – a scenic flight over the Hump Ridge plus the jet boat
Waitutu Lodge Overnight – a night on the Wild South Coast

We run all year with flexible times and pick up from Tuatapere and Rarakau Lodge. See Trip Info for getting there.

Tramping

The Hump Ridge & South Coast tracks

Hump Ridge Track – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks: a three-day, 61km loop from Rarakau Lodge, up to the tussock tops and back along the coast past Port Craig.
South Coast Track – follows the coast west from Bluecliffs Beach through the Waitutu Forest. Walk as far as Port Craig, or meet the jet boat at the river (jet boat transport guide).
Short walks – the Waikoau Swingbridge is an easy 6km return from the Rarakau Lodge trailhead, or walk the beach on Te Waewae Bay.
Port Craig & the Percy Burn Viaduct – the old timber town and one of the largest wooden viaducts in the world. Read more in our Waitutu Forest guide.

Hikers crossing a swing bridge on the South Coast Track

End Of The Road

Rarakau Lodge

Rarakau Lodge sits at the end of Papatotara Coast Road on Te Waewae Bay, about 25 minutes from Tuatapere. The Hump Ridge, South Coast and Teal Bay tracks all start here, so it’s a natural base for walkers, and a good stop even if you’re only here for the day.

Day walks from the door – the Waikoau Swingbridge is 6km return, or take a full day along the coast to Blowholes Beach.
The Hump Ridge from the beach – Bluecliffs Beach and Te Waewae Bay are a short walk from the lodge.
After the walk – a hot tub, a full guest kitchen, a drying room for wet gear and free parking for lodge guests.

Pair it with a jet boat trip: walk in and jet boat out, or the other way round.

Free Stops

On the Southern Scenic Route

Clifden Caves – about 16km north of Tuatapere on State Highway 99. A free, self-guided limestone cave with glow-worms. Allow 1.5–2 hours and bring a good torch and sturdy shoes (more info).
Gemstone Beach – near Orepuki, about 15 minutes from Tuatapere. Fossick for garnet, quartz and jasper on the sand, best at low tide (more info).
Cosy Nook – about 30km south, a tiny fishing settlement of boat sheds and cribs in a rocky cove (more info).

Rocky Fiordland coastline near Tuatapere

Wildlife

Dolphins, kea & native birds

Hector’s dolphins – often seen in Te Waewae Bay and off Port Craig.
Kea – the cheeky alpine parrots often greet visitors at Teal Bay Hut on Lake Hauroko. Watch your gear!
Native birds – bellbirds, tūī and more in the beech and podocarp forest along the river.
Trout, deer and crayfish – for anglers, hunters and divers, see Hunting & Fishing.

Small native bird perched on the Percy Burn Viaduct railing

Further Afield

The rest of the Great South

Fiordland – head north through Clifden to Te Anau, the base for Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the Kepler Track.
Riverton – the seaside “Riviera of the South”, east along the Southern Scenic Route, with surf at nearby Colac Bay.
Invercargill & Bluff – Southland’s city, and the port 30km south of it, home of the Bluff oyster.
Stewart Island / Rakiura – about an hour by passenger ferry from Bluff. Most of the island is national park, and it’s known for its kiwi.
The Catlins – waterfalls, wild beaches, the petrified forest at Curio Bay and Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island.

Where To Stay

Places to stay nearby

Rarakau Lodge – at the Hump Ridge Track trailhead on Te Waewae Bay, a short detour from Tuatapere.
Waitutu Forest Lodge – New Zealand’s southern-most lodge, reached by our jet boat.
Tuatapere – motels, backpackers and camping in and around town.

In the area?

Add a jet boat ride to your trip

Lake Hauroko is about 45 minutes from Tuatapere. Call Roffy on 027 672 4222 or send an enquiry, and he’ll fit a trip around your plans.

View Packages Enquire Now