Inverlair Lodge

13/06/2026

Good Morning, St Bathans ☀️❄️

Just a 20-minute drive from Oturehua, the lake looks cold but inviting, creating one of Central Otago's most iconic winter scenes.

After a stroll around the lake, there's nothing better than calling into the historic Vulcan Hotel for a warming mulled wine beside the fire.

Winter in Central Otago offers crisp mornings, spectacular landscapes, cosy hospitality, and experiences you simply won't find anywhere else. It's definitely worth the trip. ❤️❄️🏔️

10/06/2026

✨️ Night Sky Beauty ✨️

Our 16-year-old son William has the weekly job of wheeling the bins out for collection.

Tonight, instead of rushing back inside, he stopped for a moment to take in the beauty above him and captured the stunning night sky, including our windmill in the photo.

In a world that moves so quickly, it's great to see young people taking the time to appreciate the simple things around them.

Nice work, William. 🌟✨

The Central Otago night sky never disappoints.

10/06/2026

Regrettably we have to postpone our Ice Festival. Due to the current weather conditions making ice making extremely challenging, we have decided to make the disappointing call to postpone the Ice Festival this weekend. Our ice maker Jock, is doing his best to get the outdoor skating rink up and running. Please keep an eye out for updates on Instagram and Facebook.

06/06/2026

🎉 Happy 70th Birthday, Tony Stanford Shields! 🎉

Today we celebrate a true Oturehua legend, Tony Stanford Shields, on the milestone occasion of his 70th birthday.

A long-time resident of our wonderful community, Tony is not only known for his warm smile, quick wit, and generous spirit, but also for his remarkable talent as an award-winning artist. Through his artwork, he has captured the beauty, character, and landscape of Central Otago, leaving a lasting impression on all who have had the pleasure of viewing his creations.

Tony's passion for art, dedication to his community, and appreciation for the unique landscapes of our region have made him a much-loved figure in Oturehua and beyond.

Wishing you a fantastic day surrounded by family, friends, laughter, and, of course, plenty of cake! Here's to celebrating 70 incredible years and many more creative adventures ahead.

Happy Birthday, Tony! 🎂🥂🎨

From all your friends and admirers in Oturehua and beyond. ❤️

05/06/2026

🚴‍♀️ Kawarau Gorge Trail – Opening September! 🚴‍♂️

Great advice from the team at shebikeshebikes as excitement builds for the opening of the spectacular Kawarau Gorge Trail this September.

We're looking forward to welcoming cyclists who include this incredible new trail as part of their South Island cycling adventure, linking Queenstown through to Dunedin.

Planning a cycling holiday? Make Inverlair Lodge your Central Otago base and discover the very best our region has to offer.

What a spectacular way to see New Zealand! 🇳🇿🚴

🚵 Is the Kawarau Gorge Trail right for you? Honest answer below.

We’re getting this question a lot for this trail and the Lake Dunstan Trail. So here it is, straight up.

✅ YOU WILL LOVE IT IF...
You're a confident, fit cyclist who has ridden gravel or trail before. You're comfortable in remote terrain, happy to walk a short technical section (aka “looking at that freaks me out”) if needed, and you want big Central Otago scenery with a real challenge. Experienced kids are welcome too.

❌ NOT THE ONE FOR YOU IF...
You're a beginner or casual cyclist. You have young or nervous children. You want a flat, easy family day out. The 13 km backcountry section has no easy exit once you're in, and that's not a warning to ignore.

Not sure where you sit? That's the most honest answer of all.

🚴 BUILD YOUR SKILLS FIRST
If this trail is on your bucket list but you're not quite there yet, here's what we'd suggest:

Come to Central Otago and start on one of our Grade 1 trails. The Otago Central Rail Trail is one of New Zealand's Great Rides and a perfect place to build confidence and time in the saddle. Get comfortable, get some kilometres in, and progress from there.

When you get home, find your people. The Recreational Cycling NZ Facebook group has riders at every level across the country. It's welcoming, active, and the fastest way to find locals to ride with near you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/266132544725598

And if you want to fast-track your skills with proper coaching, two of the best in the business are:

👉 Chris Foggin at UpCycles - technical skills and confidence building for riders who want to genuinely progress. Our staff have done one of his courses and we all improved and use those skills every time we’re on a bike
👉 Janet from Go Bike NZ with Janet - guided rides and skills development with one of NZ's most connected cycling educators

The Kawarau Gorge Trail will be here when you're ready. We want you to have the best day possible out there, and that starts with being honest about where your skills are right now.

Questions? Drop them below or send us a message. 👇

Or check out our page at https://shebikeshebikes.co.nz/kawarau-gorge-trail/

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

Hide & Seek? 🐾

Our resident pest control agent was hard at work this afternoon, playing a game of hide and seek with his prey.

Archie Wuss takes his job very seriously... well, most of the time! 😸

When he's not napping in the sun or supervising lodge operations, he's keeping a watchful eye on anything that moves.

Good work, Archie... we think! 🐭👀🐾

02/06/2026

30/05/2026

🌟 July School Holidays at Inverlair Lodge 🌟

With plenty of fun to be had, we're looking forward to welcoming families to Central Otago these July School Holidays.

Explore the unique attractions of the Maniototo, enjoy crisp winter days, relax in the spa under the stars, and create lasting family memories in one of New Zealand's most stunning regions.

29/05/2026

Beautiful Touring Bikes 🏍️

Chris & Steve stayed overnight while riding their way through the South Island on their incredible BMW touring bikes. Packed with all the bells & whistles, these machines are the ultimate in luxury touring and made for the open road.

It was great to host you both at the lodge.

See you next month Chris! Safe travels back to Wellington Steve.