General Information
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 2:00 pm and check-out is 10:00 am. If you wish to extend your stay or store luggage after check-out, please see Reception.
Is the lodge open year-round?
The lodge opens from October to end of April each year.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge. Please be considerate of other guests by keeping video calls to private areas.
Dining
What meals are included?
Rates generally include breakfast and dinner. Lunch and picnic lunches are available at an additional charge and must be ordered in advance.
What are the meal times?
Breakfast: 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (by arrangement)
Dinner: Served at 7:00 pm for all guests.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) so our chefs can prepare suitable options.
Can we bring our own wine?
Sorry, BYO is not permitted. Our bar offers a curated selection of New Zealand wines, beers, and spirits.
Activities & Experiences
What can we do during our stay?
Explore walking trails, join daily guided nature or farm tours, paddle by kayak, or simply relax in the lounge with panoramic mountain views. Longer guided trips to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and limestone formations can also be arranged (charges apply).
Do we need to book activities?
Our complimentary guided experiences run daily—check the daily programme in your room. Longer excursions require booking at Reception the night before.
Are there easy walks nearby?
Yes. Popular options include Rainbow Valley Walk, Broad Stream Gorge, and McKay Moa Forest. Trail maps are available at Reception.
Can we visit the working sheep farm?
Absolutely. Join our High Country Sheep Station Discovery to see sheepdogs in action, learn about merino wool production, and meet the farm team.
Do you offer family-friendly activities?
Yes, children love feeding our pet sheep and exploring the farm trails. Early dining options are also available for families.
Rooms & Facilities
Do rooms have TVs or phones?
Rooms do not have TVs to encourage relaxation and connection with nature. Each room does include a phone for internal and external calls.
Is there a laundry available?
Yes. A guest laundry and drying room are located downstairs opposite Room 5. Washing machines, dryers, and detergent are complimentary.
Is there air conditioning or heating?
Rooms are fitted with modern heating and double-glazed windows to keep you cosy year-round.
Do you provide daily housekeeping?
Yes. Rooms are serviced daily. You can help conserve water by following our linen-reuse policy.
Is smoking allowed?
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass is a smoke-free property. Guests may smoke outdoors away from entrances and windows; please ask Reception for an ashtray.
Location & Transport
Where is Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass located?
We are situated in the heart of the Southern Alps, midway between Christchurch and the West Coast, on State Highway 73. The lodge sits within a private 4000-acre nature reserve and high-country sheep farm bordering Arthur’s Pass National Park.
How do I get there?
We are on State Highway 73, 13 km east of Arthur’s Pass Village. Driving time is approximately: 2 hours from Christchurch, 1.5 hours from Greymouth, 3 hours from Hokitika.
Is parking available?
Yes, complimentary guest parking is available on-site.
Is there public transport?
The TranzAlpine Train runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, stopping at Arthur’s Pass Village. Transfers from the station can be arranged in advance.
Nature & Environment
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. All lodge water is fresh, filtered, and safe to drink.
Are there dangerous animals or insects?
No. New Zealand has no dangerous wild animals or poisonous snakes. Still, please respect the environment and give farm animals space.
What conservation work does the lodge do?
The lodge operates extensive conservation projects including wilding pine removal, native plant restoration, and endangered mistletoe propagation. Guests are welcome to participate in these efforts.
How can guests help the environment?
Please recycle using the station provided and support our towel-reuse policy. You can also purchase local products and honey from our gift shop to support regional conservation work.
Weather & Seasons
What’s the best time to visit?
Each season offers something special—from spring lambing and alpine blooms to summer hiking and autumn calm. Winter brings snow to the mountain peaks (though the lodge closes June–August).
What should I pack?
Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen. Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer.
Emergencies
Who do I contact in an emergency?
Dial 1-111 for emergency services. For urgent assistance after 10 pm, please call 726 from your room to reach the General Manager.
