Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge

11/06/2026

Wow! Wow! Wow! Our humble little lodge has been awarded a Tripadvisor Best of the Best award for 2026. Based on your incredibly kind reviews, we are currently rated in the top 1% of hotels WORLDWIDE! On top of that, we are listed as the #9 B&B venue in New Zealand.

A massive thank you to our R&T team for providing the most exceptional service and creating an unforgettable experience for each and every guest.
Each member of our small team does it all - welcoming you, maintaining our beautiful rooms, cooking our nourishing homestyle meals, and more. We are endlessly grateful, and proud.

Operating a rural accommodation venue comes with many challenges. However, the warm smiles shared with every person that steps foot in the door makes it all worthwhile.

We’d love to welcome you to stay in our upcoming season. Bookings are open now via our website.

05/06/2026

We’ll let you in on a little secret…this is our favourite swim spot!

While our lodge is currently closed for the winter season, you can still find this hidden gem if you’re after a cold dip as you finish your OGR adventure.

Bookings are open now for the upcoming season! Visit our website to book.

Send a message to learn more

08/05/2026

We’re adding the final logs to the fire for this season at Rough and Tumble! Thank you to everyone who has booked a full wilderness overnight experience with us, or simply wandered up to enjoy refreshments in our riverside cafe. We are grateful to have warmly welcomed you. Our doors close after this Sunday (10th May) but our bookings for the upcoming season (from October 1st) are open now. See you again soon!

16/02/2026

CLOSED 21st and 22nd of February! This weekend we’re proud to be supporting the ! Unfortunately, for those of us not competing in the mammoth 85km run through the Old Ghost Road, the lodge and cafe will be closed. We will see you back next week. 🏃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

18/12/2025

Christmas time at the Rough and Tumble - just bliss! 🌞

A friendly reminder that we’re closed from the 24th-26th of December.

08/12/2025

Our cafe will be closed for maintenance tomorrow (Tuesday 9th December). We'll be back on deck from 11am on Wednesday.

Send a message to learn more

26/10/2025

We're taking a short break for Labour Day (27th of October). Our cafe will be back open 11am-4pm from the 28th October. See you then ☀️

19/09/2025

🌞 We’re reopening for the summer season!
From the 1st of October, we'll be back on deck and can't wait to welcome you!

🌸 Mid-Spring Special
To celebrate, we're offering 25% off accommodation on stays 6th-15th of October - join us for a springtime escape or unwind after your adventure on The Old Ghost Road.

📅 Book now: roughandtumble.co.nz/booking-special
No codes are needed - the discount is automatically applied.

25/08/2025

We're hiring!

Keen on work with variety, awesome people, and a stunning West Coast backdrop? The Mōkihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust has two opportunities open right now:

✨ Guest Service Agent (Fixed Term: Oct 2025 – May 2026)
A hands-on hospitality role based at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge in Seddonville. This role includes cooking, alcohol service, housekeeping, and creating great guest experiences.

✨ Business & Guest Support (Permanent Role)
A varied role based partly at our Trail HQ in Westport, offering admin support for The Old Ghost Road, with some guest-facing work at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge too. This role is perfect for someone organised, people-focused, and keen to be part of an iconic backcountry experience.

Both roles offer the chance to work with a passionate and supportive team in a unique part of the country.

Find out more and apply here: roughandtumble.co.nz/employment

10/05/2025

- WE ARE CLOSING FOR OUR WINTER BREAK -

Tomorrow, the 11th May 2025, marks the end of another wonderful season at the Rough and Tumble Bush Lodge.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who popped in for a drink, shared a toastie or pizza in the cafe, rinsed off the trail dust in the hot bush shower, or curled up by the fire as an overnight guest.

You’ve all made this season a true blast, and we’re so grateful for the laughter, chats, and stories shared along the way.

We’ll be back in October 2025, so don’t forget to book in for next season: https://roughandtumble.co.nz/booking/