Getting to Waitutu Forest Lodge

With Waitutu Forest Lodge being situated at the gateway of Fiordland’s magical Podocarp Waitutu Forest, it’s remoteness can create a challenge to access. And yet, this is definitely part of it's appeal.

Imagine being right on the south coast where you have the wild elements of the southern ocean upon you, the mystic forest surrounding you and the 27 kms of the Wairaurahiri River between you and civilisation.

It's not only unique but it also has that protective cloak of the Ngai Tahu tupuna watching over it.

​There are three options available to reach the Lodge: By helicopter, by jetboat and on foot.

Helicopter transfers

OPTION 1: HELICOPTER TRANSFER with FIORDLAND HELICOPTERS
There are times when the river is too low to access the Lodge by Jet Boat, so taking a Helicopter ride is sometimes more convenient. Dale Green, our Pilot who works for Fiordland Helicopters, has been taking guests and hunters to Waitutu Forest Lodge for many years. Dale pilots the helicopter with such precision to enable his passengers to see the very best of the south coast and Waitutu forest. It is a perfect way to take in the magnificence of the area.
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The Helicopter leaves from Te Anau or Rarakau Carpark – and drops you off outside the Waitutu Forest Lodge a very short time later. 
2025 Prices:
  • Return from Orawia to the Lodge - $779 pp
  • Return from Te Anau to the Lodge - $1470 pp
They will also customise a scenic trip if guests would like that with stops at various places.
 
Fiordland Helicopters
Phone +64 3 249 7575 
www.fiordlandhelicopters.co.nz
[email protected]
OPTION 2: HELICOPTER TRANFER with SOUTHERN LAKES HELICOPTERS
​One way Te Anau to the Lodge - $1,450 pp
One way from Te Anau to the Lodge with one scenic landing for photos etc - $1,590pp.
Southern Lakes Helicopters
Phone: +64 3 249 7167
www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz

Jetboat transfers

JETBOAT DOWN THE WAIRAURAHIRI RIVER 

​The Wairaurahiri River begins at Lake Hauroko which is the deepest  lake in New Zealand and is drained by the Wairaurahiri River. The river falls 180 meters to sea level and is 27 kilometers of grade 3 white water rapids.  It's been described by many as the “longest waterfall” in New Zealand. 
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Two jet boat companies – Wairaurahiri Wilderness Jet, skippered by Roffy or Wairaurahiri Jet skippered by Johan, offer an exhilarating experience to Waitutu Forest Lodge. Travelling at high speed along the bush-bound river is like travelling back in time to a prehistoric era. This is a journey deep into the southern wilderness of Fiordland. 

Hike along the South Coast to Waitutu Lodge

TWO-DAY HIKE ALONG THE SOUTH COAST TRACK
If you are of medium fitness level, and don’t mind some back country mud on your feet, a two-day hike to Waitutu Forest Lodge can be done along DOC’s South Coast Track.

The South Coast track begins with an amble from the Rarakau car park, along an old road over several suspension bridges and past beachside batches. Passing the Hump Ridge Okaka Lodge turnoff, the track takes you past several beaches and headlands before arriving at the magnificent Blowholes Beach. Hector's dolphins are often seen all along this coastline. ​
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​The first day, is a reasonably easy walk to Port Craig School Hut. It's around 18km and takes approximately 7hrs. Stop over for the night.

From the hut, it is a further 15km (5-6hr) to Waitutu Lodge, passing DOC’s Wairaurahiri Hut on the way. This is an exciting section of the walk: trampers cross four historic wooden viaducts – remnants from days when the area was extensively logged and claimed to be the highest such viaducts in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Last century the Wairaurahiri River formed a barrier to logging. So on the opposite bank to Wairaurahiri Hut is virgin forest with huge rata and rimu. David Bellamy described Waitutu as “probably the most important forest in the world”. After crossing the swing bridge you will see a sign welcoming you to Waitutu Forest Lodge.
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