Guided Nature Adventures
Join a team of naturalist guides led by conservation biologist & Wilderness Lodge founder, Dr Gerry McSweeney. Explore a natural paradise, almost unchanged from the time of first human arrival. Search for wildlife, explore untamed rainforest and wild seacoast, kayak pristine lakes and fish for brown trout.
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take the path less travelled
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kayak pristine Lake Moeraki
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discover a wildlife photography paradise
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watch shy tawaki penguins
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join a journey of nature discovery
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fish for renowned Moeraki brown trout
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handfeed river monsters, NZ longfinned eels
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hike rugged Tasman seacoast
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explore secret rainforest waterways
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The Moeraki night sky will leave you in awe
Experience Wilderness Your Way...
COMPLIMENTARY
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Included in the tariff, our daily activity offers a fascinating introduction to natural history & wildlife. |
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HALF AND FULL DAY TRIPS |
Offered at an extra charge and great for exploring further afield |
EXCLUSIVE GUIDING |
Hire your own guide for a day of fully customised nature discovery. |
SELF GUIDED DISCOVERY |
Explore the nature trails, kayak the lake or hire a rod and fish for brown trout. |
Discover the Rainforest
Join an expert naturalist guide on a journey of discovery
Complimentary Guided Activities
Each day, one complimentary guided nature activity is offered to guests. These daily trips are fun, educational and interactive. They are generally of around one hour duration and are not physically demanding.
Lake Moeraki is a paradise for active travellers, nature enthusiasts & wilderness seekers
| The South Westland Rainforest - A Step Back in Time | Explore the ancient rainforest of Lake Moeraki on a guided walk. Discover native birds, mosses, ferns, and towering trees tracing their roots back to Gondwana. |
| Freshwater Ecology & Feed the Giant Eels | Follow a gentle forest trail to the Moeraki River and meet New Zealand’s giant long-finned eels. Feed these friendly ancient creatures and discover the rich aquatic life that thrives beneath the rainforest canopy. |
| Learn Easy Kayaking | Paddle the tranquil Moeraki River and into the lake on a guided kayak adventure. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, spot native birds, and experience the untouched beauty early explorers once discovered. |
Kayak Lake Moeraki
experience a land unchanged from 1000 years ago
Half & Full Day Guided Trips
Explore further afield with a skilled guide and small group on our longer guided wilderness adventures. The programme will be explained on your arrival and activities don't need to be booked in advance. Duration is generally 3-5 hours. Prices range from NZ$200 - $300 per person.
| Lake Moeraki Kayak Safari to Glacier Beach & the Giant Matai trees |
Paddle through the calm wetlands of Lake Moeraki surrounded by ancient rainforest. Glide past black swans and paradise ducks, walk beneath thousand-year-old trees, and experience the untouched beauty of New Zealand’s wild West Coast. |
| Tawaki Penguin Discovery Walk | Walk a hidden rainforest trail to a secluded beach where Fiordland crested penguins nest. Discover lush native forest, cross gentle streams, and see these rare birds in their wild coastal habitat. |
| Rainforest Discovery & Kayak the Lower Moeraki River to the Coast | Journey beneath towering rainforest trees to the wild Tasman coast by foot and kayak. Discover hidden waterways, encounter native birds, and explore remote beaches rich in history and natural beauty. |
See tawaki penguins on West Coast wilderness beaches
Exclusive Guiding
You can hire a private guide for an exclusive day of wilderness discovery. The day can be fully customised to your particular interests and fitness level. This is perfect for photographers, botanists and other special interest travellers, or those wanting to pack the most into their stay. Exclusive guiding must be booked in advance.
Maximise your Wilderness Lodge experience with a fully customised day of discovery.
The charge for exclusive guiding is NZ$1450 per day for 1 or 2 people. This charge covers your personal guide, refreshments, picnic lunches, transport, conservation licence, 15% tax and equipment (kayaks etc). Additional persons are charged at NZ$390. A 50% surcharge applies on public holidays.
West Coast Wilderness Beaches
Walk in the footsteps of early explorers
Self Guided Discovery
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki offers plenty of options for exploring on your own. A network of walking trails extend through the forests, along the waterways and out to the coast. The lodge can provide maps and interpretive trail guides. A fleet of kayaks sit at the water's edge and you can paddle Lake Moeraki at your leisure.
Sometimes you just want to do your own thing, in your own time.
Fishing equipment may be hired from the lodge if you want to experience the renowned Moeraki brown trout fishery. We can provide spinning gear, organise a licence and give some pointers about where to try your luck. The chances of hooking a nice fish are good. There are no local fly fishing guides in this area.
search for shy and secretive threatened species
