Tui Base Camp offers a wide range of Tuatapere accommodation, including quality Tuatapere group accommodation, self-contained motel units, lodge accommodation, powered and non-powered camping sites, plus an onsite restaurant, café and licensed bar. Conveniently located in the heart of Tuatapere on the Southern Scenic Route, it’s the ideal base for individuals, couples, families, walking groups, cyclists, sports teams, tour groups, business travellers and holidaymakers exploring Southland.
As the closest accommodation to the world-renowned Hump Ridge Track, Tui Base Camp is perfectly positioned for walkers before and after their adventure. With comfortable accommodation, genuine Southland hospitality and everything you need in one convenient location, it’s the perfect place to stay, eat, drink, play and discover Tuatapere.
Book Direct with Tui Base Camp
Book directly with Tui Base Camp for the latest availability across our motel units, lodge accommodation and camping sites. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family or organising a group stay, our friendly team is here to help you find the accommodation that best suits your needs.
Tuatapere Group Accommodation
Tui Base Camp specialises in accommodating groups of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for:
- Walking groups
- Hump Ridge Track visitors
- Sports teams
- Schools
- Tour groups
- Corporate groups
- Clubs
- Family reunions
- Motorcycle groups
- Fishing groups
With accommodation for individuals through to groups of up to 60 guests, flexible accommodation options and an onsite restaurant and bar, everything you need is in one location.
Tuatapere Motel Accommodation
Our four fully self-contained motel units provide a comfortable and relaxing stay for couples, families and small groups.
Each motel unit includes:
- Two bedrooms
- Double bed and two single beds
- Fold-out sofa available for extra guests
- Private bathroom
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Comfortable lounge
- Freeview TV
- Front deck
- Smoke-free accommodation
- Parking outside your unit
Guests also enjoy:
- Children’s playground
- Landscaped grounds
- Picnic area
- Guest laundry
- Wheelchair-friendly access
- Discounts for longer stays and corporate guests
Our motel units are just metres from the Tui Base Camp Restaurant & Bar, while the Tuatapere Four Square is conveniently located across the road.
Tuatapere Lodge Accommodation
Our modern two-storey lodge offers affordable accommodation for backpackers, walkers, cyclists and large groups.
Sleeping up to 60 guests, the lodge features modern communal facilities and plenty of space to relax after a day exploring Southland.
Facilities include:
- Shared kitchen with cooking equipment
- Communal dining area
- Showers and toilets
- Guest laundry
- Large log fire
- Upstairs lounge
- Free WiFi
- TV and DVD player
- Table tennis
- Outdoor deck
- Wheelchair-friendly access
- Lockers and luggage storage
The lodge is just a short walk from our restaurant, bar, café and local supermarket.
Long-stay and corporate discounts are available.
Tuatapere Camping & Powered Sites
Travelling by campervan or tent? Tui Base Camp offers powered and non-powered camping sites in a well-maintained setting close to all facilities.
Camping guests enjoy access to:
- Modern backpacker facilities
- Guest kitchen
- Showers and toilets
- Laundry
- Free WiFi
- Campervan dump station
- Restaurant and bar
- Four Square supermarket nearby
Children under five stay free, with discounts available for longer stays and corporate customers.
Restaurant, Café & Bar in Tuatapere
After a day exploring the region, relax at the Tui Base Camp Restaurant, Café and Bar.
Open daily, we serve:
- Fresh coffee
- Breakfast
- Cabinet food
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway meals
- Local Southland favourites
- Our famous Tuatapere Sausages
Inside you’ll find a warm log fire during winter, while the outdoor terrace is perfect on sunny Southland days.
The bar offers:
- Five beers on tap
- Bottled beers
- RTDs
- SKY TV
- Pool table
- Relaxed outdoor seating
We also cater for:
- Group meals
- Buffets
- Functions
- Celebrations
- Private events
A courtesy coach is available for local patrons.
World Famous Tuatapere Sausages
No visit to Tuatapere is complete without trying the famous Tuatapere Sausages, proudly made onsite at Tui Base Camp using quality local ingredients. Known as the sausage capital of New Zealand, Tuatapere has built a reputation for producing award-winning sausages in a range of traditional and specialty flavours.
Enjoy them fresh from our restaurant or café, or purchase pre-packed sausages to take home. If you’d like to see how they’re made, sausage-making tours are also available by arrangement. Please contact us before your visit to check tour availability.
Why Stay at Tui Base Camp?
Tui Base Camp is more than just accommodation. Everything you need is within easy walking distance, making it one of the most convenient places to stay in Tuatapere.
Guests enjoy:
- Central Tuatapere location
- Closest accommodation to the Hump Ridge Track
- Motel, lodge and camping options
- Restaurant, café and licensed bar onsite
- Mini golf
- Children’s playground
- Free WiFi
- Guest laundry
- Wheelchair-friendly facilities
- Landscaped grounds
- Friendly Southland hospitality
The combination of accommodation, dining and recreation makes Tui Base Camp an excellent choice for both overnight stays and extended Southland holidays.
Team Building, Stag Days & Group Activities
Planning a team event, stag day, club trip or group getaway? Tui Base Camp can help organise a range of activities to suit your group, including clay bird shooting, archery, target shooting, mini golf and guided tours. Golf, jet boating, fishing and hunting experiences can also be arranged, with food and refreshment packages available on request.
Contact the team to discuss the best options for your group.
Tuatapere Farm Tours
Experience authentic Southland farming with a scenic guided tour of a nearby family-owned sheep and beef farm, located just a few kilometres from Tui Base Camp. Meet a variety of farm animals, learn about rural life and enjoy a genuine Kiwi farming experience.
Tour packages can be tailored to suit different group sizes, timeframes and budgets. Please contact Tui Base Camp to discuss the available options.
Explore More of Southland
Tui Base Camp is the perfect base for exploring the spectacular Southland region. Discover scenic drives, walking tracks, beaches, wildlife, historic towns and unforgettable attractions throughout the lower South Island. Planning your trip? Visit our Southland Travel Guide for inspiration on things to see and do during your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodation does Tui Base Camp offer?
Tui Base Camp offers self-contained motel units, lodge accommodation, powered campervan sites and non-powered camping sites, making it suitable for individuals, families and groups visiting Tuatapere and Southland.
Is Tui Base Camp suitable for group accommodation?
Yes. Tui Base Camp specialises in Tuatapere group accommodation and can accommodate groups of up to 60 guests. It’s ideal for walking groups, sports teams, schools, corporate groups, tour groups, clubs and family reunions.
How close is Tui Base Camp to the Hump Ridge Track?
Tui Base Camp is the closest accommodation in Tuatapere to the Hump Ridge Track, located approximately 23 km from the Rarakau trailhead. It’s the ideal place to stay before and after experiencing New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk.
Does Tui Base Camp have a restaurant and bar?
Yes. Our onsite restaurant, café and licensed bar are open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, cabinet food and our famous Tuatapere sausages. Group meals and functions are also available.
Is there camping available?
Yes. We offer both powered and non-powered camping sites with access to modern shared facilities, free WiFi, a guest kitchen, laundry and campervan dump station.
Is Tui Base Camp family friendly?
Absolutely. Families enjoy spacious motel units, a children’s playground, mini golf, landscaped grounds and easy access to local attractions and walking tracks.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available throughout the property, with parking located close to the motel units and accommodation areas.
Can I book directly with Tui Base Camp?
Yes. We recommend booking directly with Tui Base Camp to check availability, discuss accommodation options and receive the latest rates.
