Stay, unwind, and dine at Tuatara Lodge
Storage
We offer secure storage for your belongings, with options available for bike storage in a locked courtyard and bag storage at $10 per day for large packs and tramping gear.
Check in/out
Check-in is available from 2 pm, we also offer late check-in; please let us know your arrival time. Check-out is at 10 am.
Wifi
Enjoy FREE WiFi throughout the hostel, ensuring you stay connected during your stay.
Local attractions
You’ve Finished the Te Araroa – What Now? Congratulations! Completingtest
Things to do in Invercargill Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost citytest
Eat with us
At Tuatara Cafe and Bar, we offer a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious meals crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Our menu features hearty breakfasts, satisfying dinners, and our famous pizzas, big enough to share.
Don’t miss our local craft beer, Gadoochi Brewing, brewed right here in Invercargill and available on tap. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, Tuatara Cafe and Bar is your destination for great food and good times. Come eat with us and savour the best of Invercargill’s flavours!
What's on
At Tuatara Lodge, we’re more than just a place to stay – we’re a hub of excitement and community. Our “What’s On” section keeps you updated on all the events and activities happening at Tuatara Cafe and Bar. From live music nights to Te Araroa celebrations, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained.
Join us for our regular events and special occasions, where you can enjoy great food, refreshing drinks and fantastic company. Whether you’re a local or a guest, Tuatara Cafe and Bar is the perfect spot to relax, have fun, and make memories.
Eat with us
At Tuatara Cafe and Bar, we offer a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious meals crafted from the freshest local ingredients. Our menu features hearty breakfasts, satisfying dinners, and our famous pizzas, big enough to share.
Don’t miss our local craft beer, Gadoochi Brewing, brewed right here in Invercargill and available on tap. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, Tuatara Cafe and Bar is your destination for great food and good times. Come eat with us and savour the best of Invercargill’s flavours!
What's on
At Tuatara Lodge, we’re more than just a place to stay – we’re a hub of excitement and community. Our “What’s On” section keeps you updated on all the events and activities happening at Tuatara Cafe and Bar. From live music nights to Te Araroa celebrations, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained.
Join us for our regular events and special occasions, where you can enjoy great food, refreshing drinks and fantastic company. Whether you’re a local or a guest, Tuatara Cafe and Bar is the perfect spot to relax, have fun, and make memories.
Contact Us
FAQ
Where will I park when I visit the café/bar?
Please note there is no car parking at the Cafe & Bar. Parking in town is free from from 5 pm to 8 am the next day. Entrance to the Leven street carpark building is on Leven street (right beside the Tuatara building). Parking is free for 90 minutes when you park on the top level and in the blue marked parking spaces.
Do you do table service?
All meals and drinks are ordered at the counter. All meals and drinks will be delivered to your table by our wait staff.
Do I need to make a booking?
Bookings are not essential, but are advised for groups of 6 or more, and for weekends for those intending on dining.
Do you have an outdoor smokers area?
Yes, we have a covered and heated outdoor courtyard.
Am I able to open a TAB for a group function or meal?
Certainly! We can set up a tab for your event. We’ll securely hold your credit card in our cardholder for the duration and return it to you at the conclusion of your function.
Are children able to dine at your bar?
Yes, we are a family friendly restaurant.
Do you have wheelchair access to all areas of your bar/restaurant?
Yes, Tuatara offers excellent wheelchair accessibility. Our spacious layout ensures easy navigation throughout the venue.
Do you cater for Gluten free?
Yes, we can accommodate gluten-free requirements for most of our meals by substituting breads, wraps, or pizza bases with gluten-free alternatives.
Do you accommodate for Celiacs?
While we strive to cater to various dietary needs, we cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free environment due to shared workspaces.
Do you cater for Vegans/Vegetarians?
Yes, we offer a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Vegetarians can enjoy a variety of choices including raw slices, a delicious vegetarian pizza, and several daily menu items. For vegans, we provide raw slices, salad options, a vegan pizza, and a daily vegan soup.
Is any of your food organic?
Yes, we proudly serve organic coffee beans from Allpress, and all our eggs are free-range.
Do you hire the café out for private functions?
Yes, we offer several options for private functions without a venue hire fee, provided all food and beverages are purchased from us.
- For groups of 50-80, we offer a secluded area at the back of the café.
- The outdoor courtyard is available for private gatherings of 30 or more.
- For larger groups of 200 or more, we can allocate most of the café, though we may keep a small section open for takeaway orders depending on the day and time.
- Exclusive hire of the entire café is possible by arrangement. Please email office@tuataralodge.co.nz for details.
Am I able to bring my own birthday cake to our function?
Certainly! For groups of 20 or more, there is no charge for bringing your own cake. For smaller groups under 20, a $50 cake charge applies.
Reviews
Edward o2024-02-13 Lovely Wonderfull, friendly and very helpful staff. Nice soft beds after 4 months of hiking with great hot showers, washing machines on each floor and a restaurant and cafe open early for breakfast and late to celebrate complicating your te araroa hike. definitely recommend a night or two. Road tripper2023-12-29 Spotless, big, and friendly staff A spotlessly clean hostel. It felt recently refurbished. The bathrooms were very clean and modern. The kitchen/dining was great, huge, clean and full of light. The whole place felt big and spacious. I got a double room which was $90 and then a backpacker dorm room the following night. I was surprised at how large, modern and nice the place was. The double room bed felt like a fancy hotel one. The rooms overlook the street which was very busy and noisy, but they have installed double windows which cuts the noise down significantly and also keeps the room warmer. They also offer earplugs when you check in. We got warned that it was party season and there would also be noise from the cafe next door. I didn’t notice it much - I don’t think they can do much about the noise other than what they have done - the double windows are genius. The reception/cleaning lady was lovely! Absolutely no complaints about the place. Having stayed in dozens of NZ backpackers it’s one of the nicest. The cafe next door was also good quality, large and spacious. Connor Marshall2023-09-25 Invercargill Holiday 2023 The facility has three floors which are comprised of dorms, single rooms, ensuites and other rooms. It includes a kitchen and TV room (TV wasn't working when I visited) on the second floor, rooms, a courtyard and onsite restaurant/cafe at ground level and laundry rooms on first floor. At check-in you are given a swipe card which enables you to enter the facility and your allocated room. There is no curfew at the facility so you can just come and go as you please. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here and would recommend this place to others looking for somewhere to stay in Invercargill Passport588885638562023-04-17 Nice hostel I stayed in a dorm room which was clean and well laid out. The staff were very friendly. It’s a good stop over location when travelling. Parking not the easiest as I could find free parking but not overly expensive. Roving502659006032023-04-17 Had no problems while I stayed there. Staff were very helpful with all information I needed. The lodge was excellent value. Staff were friendly. And very helpfull. Would recommend it to all travelers who go to invercargaill. It's in the town center with easy access to transport. Clean an secure. Great place to stay while in invercargail. Dream111508055722022-11-21 Indonesia n Pakistani couple with a baby I have never ever seen such a clean n tidy backpacker lodge like this. I’m travelling with my family’s n small baby. Really nice reception also the owner. Staff member also very nice n kind with the guest. Hope all the best.Tripadvisor rating score: 3.0 of 5, based on 134 reviews