Last Light Lodge

Had a wonderful stay here before doing the Humpridge Track. Hosts were friendly and helpful; rooms were modern, well appointed and comfortable; grounds are spacious and interesting to walk around and observe the gardens and fauna. But the best part of the experience is the food. Sourced from the garden so it's so fresh and flavoursome, it was one of the best dinners we have had in a long time. Breakfast was great and you definitely have to get a packed lunch if you are heading out on the trail.

This place is singularly special. We hiked the Humpridge and had the opportunity to stay before and after our hike and could’ve stayed longer. The family that owns it runs it- and they care deeply about every aspect of your experience. Rooms are clean and comfy. And the food. Oh, the food. Not only do they organically grow what they cook on their farm, bake their own bread (this morning was strawberries, rhubarb compote, eggs, bacon, toast), they also love food and their guests and the combination is magical. We sat with a gentleman who flies in monthly from Christchurch and eats dinner here; the dinner is that good. Come, relax, and eat this slice of heaven.

We stayed here the night before and after walking the Hump Ridge Track. Last Light Lodge worked seamlessly and actually enhanced this fabulous walk. Food was outstanding. Violaine and Craig have created an incredible offering, with an abundant garden supplying the kitchen they create generous delicious meals that were an absolute highlight of our holiday. Rooms at the LLL are very well appointed - comfortable beds, quality linen, immaculately clean with big windows looking out on gardens and Birdlife. Shared bathrooms are modern, clean and convenient with plenty of hot water and great showers - so important post hike! Finally, we couldn't fault the friendly service. Nothing was too much trouble. Great communication. Did I mention the packed lunches?? - don't miss them, or the breakfast! Really can't speak more highly of the Last Light Lodge.

Wow! What a find. I booked 2 nights at The Last Light Lodge, one either side of me tackling The Hump Ridge Track, down there in Tuatapere and I’m so pleased I did. Craig and the team were friendly, engaging and welcoming, from the moment I checked in. The room was immaculately presented and super clean. When I initially booked this and saw ‘shared (bathroom) facilities’ I must confess to baulking slightly. But the other good reviews and its proximity to the road leading to the start of The Hump Ridge Track, persuaded me to ‘look beyond’ my doubts about shared facilities. However I needn’t have worried, as the shared facilities were in pristine condition and light years beyond other such facilities I’ve previously used. Meal wise on the first evening (due to a school leavers function in the main bar) was served outside alfresco style on the decking, to myself and a family of 5 who had just come off the track. I opted for gourmet evening meals, breakfast and a packed lunch for Day one on the track. The evening meal on my first night consisted of eye fillet steak, cooked and presented to perfection along with an amazing selection of vegetables from their own gardens, followed by a beautiful meringue desert. My second nights meal, blue cod, which was amazing and served with an incredibly delicious tangy sauce to accompany it, followed by a lush crème brûlée. You cannot fault The Last Light Lodge and it is definitely the best placed accommodation for the Hump Ridge Track and surrounding countryside. I will definitely be back.

We stayed at the last light lodge before doing the humpridge track and it was an unexpected delight. we had just been looking for somewhere convenient to spend the night before setting off on what would prove to be a wonderful three day tramp. Instead we found a little sanctuary. The rooms are clean and comfortable but what really makes the place is the cooking and the kitchen garden. We sat together and ate fantastic food (in abundance!) with a lovely hotch potch of people all setting off on the walk the following day. I could ramble on for ages about the garden but suffice to say that if you are even vaguely interested in plants or nature or food cultivation then have a potter around and pick up a bit of inspiration to take home. Thanks last light, we’ll be back.

It’s almost as far from a big city as you can get but the food and coffee is better than some big cities. The rooms are basic but significantly more spacious and comfortable than a tent if you’re on your way to or from a camping trip. Organic food from their garden at dinner and breakfast which makes it real farm to table dining. Warm up your legs for your hike in the adjacent forest.