Warm southern country hospitality, great traditional cooking fare, comfortable and cosy accommodation, isolation and location – that’s the magic of the Waiau Hotel.
A true country hotel, the historic Waiau Hotel (opened in 1909) is a cosy, clean and friendly place to stay in New Zealand’s southernmost town, Tuatapere. It’s at the end of Highway 99, at the gateway to Fiordland National Park and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular wilderness scenery, including New Zealand’s newest major walking track, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.
Come and stay with owner/operators Dorothy and Quinton Donald and experience country hospitality at its best. Dorothy and Quinton come from central Southland farming background and guarantee a friendly stay at the Waiau – together with their staff, they are always ready with a smile to help out guests where they can. At the Waiau Hotel, there is always the opportunity to mix and mingle with real southern people.
Quinton has had several years experience in the shearing industry and Dorothy has been involved in the pharmacy industry and both enjoy meeting and entertaining people. Dorothy and Quinton are sponsors of the Waiau Star Rugby Club and follow the Southland Stags during the rugby season. With their golfing background they are pleased to host golf trips at the hotel and support the local Tuatapere Golf Club.
The Waiau Hotel offers guests a full range of quality food from its three dining areas – Hump Ridge Cafe Bar, Bar/Bistro dining and the main dining room. And let’s not forget the famous Tuatapere sausage breakfast!
The restaurant bar is a real social spot with a pool table, juke box and gaming machines. The Public Bar/Bistro sports a big screen television and there is Sky TV available and in the Bar/Bistro. There is a guitar and piano available and there is an open fire in the bar. The hotel also has a wholesale bottle store.
As well as the steady stream of international and national guests who stay at the Waiau just for the good old fashioned holiday, Quinton and Dorothy also host visitors who come to the western Southland region for attractions such as the Hump Ridge Track. Rugby supporters groups are also often hosted at the Waiau.