Things to do

The Lodge is an ideal base for fishing, hiking and hunting (hunting permits issued at the Lodge). With fishing - stroll down to the river or the sea and try your luck. In regards to hiking - depending on your level of fitness, there are many walks or longer hikes available which take you on a journey through the forest to the viaducts or out along the rugged south coast.

Hiking

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​Viaduct Walk
You can take a day return walk from the Lodge to view the three wooden viaducts over the Francis Burn, the Edwin Burn, and the Percy Burn Viaducts. The Percy Burn Viaduct is 125m long and 36m high, and it is the highest remaining woodfern viaduct in the world. They were built for the logging tramway in the early 1820's to carry the bush-locomotives over the burns when timber on neighbouring land was cut.

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Puysegur Point 
From the Waitutu Lodge, it is possible to hike westward  through the forest along the line of the old telegraph line to Puyseguer point Lighthouse. and with a good deal of bush bashing, a hardy tramper could reach Puysegur Point in approximately 4-5 days.
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Westies Hut
This is an incredibly quaint iconic kiwi 5-bunk basic hut on the South Coast Track, Fiordland. Hiking to the Hutt from Waitutu Lodge, would take approximately two days. The bunks have mattresses, wood and coal burner for heating, toilet, bench, table and seating for 5 people as well as candle holders. There is a water supply (stream) nearby and its free to stay here. It can only be described as a unique experience!!

Short walks

There are many short walks from the Lodge ranging from 10 minutes to two hours.
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Swing Bridge
A short walk through the magnificence of the Podocarp Forest to the swing bridge across the river. Meander your way back to the Lodge as you enjoy the sound of the birds and the beauty of the forest.

Triangle walk
A very pleasant walk from the Lodge to the Ocean and back through the forest. Takes approximately an hour.

Forest Walks
There are a variety of short walks into the Podocarp forest from the Lodge. 

The Mataitai Reserve
On 10th July 2014, an area of the coast out in front of the Lodge, was declared to be a Mātaitai reserve by the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999. The Reserve is an identified traditional fishing ground managed by the tangata whenua through Tangata Tiaki/Kaitiaki. Commercial fishing is generally prohibited in a Mātaitai reserve.  

THE SOUTH COAST
The Waitutu Lodge is situated within five minute walk of the South Coast. It’s rugged, wild and beautiful. The track from the Lodge takes you out onto a stony beach which is riddled with driftwood and other such treasures that have been washed up by the sea. It’s a place that offers solitude. A place where you can wonder and reflect. Venturing further into the sea, requires balance and skill as negotiating the large bolder rocks can be a challenge. 
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