Lovett Lodge Invercargill: NZ's BEST Kept Secret? Unbelievable Views Await!
Lovett Lodge Invercargill: NZ's BEST Kept Secret? Unbelievable Views Await! (Or Does It?) - A Hyper-Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Lovett Lodge in Invercargill. They call it "New Zealand's Best Kept Secret," and honestly, after spending a week there, I'm not entirely sure if that's a good thing. Secret, yes. Best? Well, that depends. Let’s get messy, shall we?
Accessibility - Can You Get There?
Okay, first things first. Getting to Invercargill. It’s not quite as simple as popping around the corner. But once you're there, the lodge itself? Elevator: Check. Facilities for disabled guests: They say so. I didn't personally need these, but I saw some ramps and stuff. (Though, honestly, I'm not sure how good the ramps are. This isn’t a detailed review on that, I can only say based on my own experience) Airport transfer: Yup, they've got that. (Which, by the way, is a godsend after that long, winding drive down from Queenstown.)
On-Site Grub & Grog (and the occasional Food Coma)
Let's talk sustenance. This is where things get interesting. They have a restaurant on site, and multiple options that I love. The bar is lively. Breakfast [buffet] – Ah, the buffet. Sometimes, the buffet is the best part of the morning. And sometimes… Well, let’s just say the scrambled eggs weren't always a revelation. (Okay, they were sometimes a bit… watery. But hey, it's a buffet. You win some, you lose some.) I'm pretty sure I saw some international cuisine but not much that was Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- My Favorite Dish
- The beef and rice, was really good. Maybe too good and I ordered too much, I had to take it to my room!
They also had room service [24-hour] (thank the heavens), which meant I could order pizza at 2 AM when I was wide awake and battling jet lag. Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always appreciated. The coffee shop was a nice touch, a lifesaver in the mornings (or after a long day of exploring the area). And the happy hour? Well, let’s just say it involved a few too many Sauvignon Blancs and some questionable decisions.
- The Imperfection
- I will say this, the staff at the restaurants where all amazing, polite, respectful, and accommodating. I couldn't complain.
Cleanliness & Safety – Germaphobes, Rejoice (Mostly)
Look, in these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is everything. Lovett Lodge seems to get that. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. My germaphobe anxieties were (mostly) soothed. They offer room sanitization opt-out available, but I did not use it. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seems so. They've got the basics down.
- Quirky Observation
- I noticed a lot of hand sanitizer stations, with a very particular smell. I got used to it.
"Things to Do" (Besides Staring at the Unbelievable Views)
Okay, here’s the thing. Invercargill isn't exactly known for its buzzing nightlife. But! Lovett Lodge has some ways to relax, with a fitness center.
- The Experience I was super into the sauna and spa. The pool with view was nice as well. Although the view was a bit covered up.
However, for entertainment? Invercargill is famous for it, and Lovett Lodge does a great job of incorporating itself into the experience.
The Rooms – Cozy (and with Free Wi-Fi!)
Alright, let's chat about the rooms. Air conditioning? Yep. Blackout curtains? Essential for combating the endless daylight. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Hallelujah! Honestly, a huge plus. I could work, stream, and generally ignore the outside world in blissful internet-fueled isolation. Complimentary tea and coffee maker? Good for when your coffee shop is closed.
- Real-Life Anecdote
- One night, I accidentally locked myself out of my room. The lock was a bit finicky (okay, a lot finicky). The staff was incredibly helpful and eventually got me back in, but it was a bit of a "laugh or cry" moment. Probably a cry.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things
They’ve got all the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage. Cash withdrawal if you get caught with your pants down. They even have a concierge, who was surprisingly helpful with booking tours and giving me the lowdown on the local hotspots. And a gift/souvenir shop for that tacky, "I went to Invercargill" t-shirt.
For the Kids (Or at Least, Their Parents)
Family/child friendly? Yup. Babysitting service? Available. I didn’t need either, but the lodge seemed well-equipped for families.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] – Always a win! Airport transfer, Taxi service. They make getting around Invercargill easy.
The "Best Kept Secret" – Is It Really?
So, is Lovett Lodge Invercargill "New Zealand's Best Kept Secret"? Honestly? Maybe not. It’s good. It's solid. The views, when you can see them, are pretty spectacular. But it's not perfect. The scrambled eggs were questionable, and the lock situation was a bit of a nightmare.
BUT.
Here’s the kicker. The staff is lovely. The location is convenient. And for a comfortable, no-frills stay in Invercargill, it’s a solid choice. Don't come expecting the Ritz, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's the kind of place that grows on you. The kind of place you might actually miss a little bit.
My Opinion: If you're looking for a good value AND a good time, Lovett Lodge is a great option.
SEO-Optimized Offer (Because, Let's Be Honest, That's Why We're Here)
Tired of the Same Old Hotel? Discover Lovett Lodge Invercargill: The BEST Kept Secret in New Zealand!
Escape the ordinary and experience the breathtaking beauty of Invercargill from the comfort of Lovett Lodge! Our stunning lodge offers:
- Unbelievable Views: Wake up to panoramic vistas (weather permitting!) you won't find anywhere else.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with lightning-fast internet in every room, perfect for work, streaming, or sharing your epic travel photos.
- On-Site Dining & Bar: Savor delicious meals at our restaurants, from hearty breakfasts to late-night snacks.
- Relax & Rejuvenate: Unwind in our spa, or sauna.
- Accessibility: We offer wheelchair accessibility and other facilities for disabled guests, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.
- Impeccable Cleanliness & Safety: We're committed to your well-being with anti-viral cleaning, hand sanitizer stations, and enhanced hygiene protocols.
- Convenient Amenities: Enjoy free parking, airport transfers, a helpful concierge, and much more!
Book Your Invercargill Adventure Today!
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Hermess Hotel Johor Bahru: Your Unforgettable Malaysian Escape Awaits!
Alright, here's my attempt at an itinerary for Lovett Lodge, Invercargill, New Zealand. Buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't gonna be your grandma's travel guide.
Lovett Lodge: Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe Pack Extra Socks)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (aka, Finding the Damn Place)
14:00 - Fly into Invercargill Airport (IVC): Alright, landing. Smooth, mostly. Except the wind. Jesus, the wind! Reminds me of that time I tried to fly a kite in a hurricane. This is New Zealand, though. Supposed to be all pristine and beautiful. Starting to wonder if I packed enough layers. And did I remember to book the shuttle? (Checks panicked email). Yup, booked. Crisis averted.
14:30 - Baggage claim/Rental car retrieval: Found my luggage (miracle!), and now battling the rental car agency bureaucracy. So much paperwork! They’re trying to upsell me on all the insurances. "Are you SURE you'll be alright on the bumpy roads, sir?" "Are you sure your car won't get 'dinged' on the way?" Fine, FINE. Consider me insured. Now, where's the bloody car?
15:30 – Road Trip (and Prayer): Google Maps, you're my only friend. Driving to Lovett Lodge. Apparently, it’s a bit off the beaten path. Great. The scenery is mind-blowing already. That sheep farm…those sheep. They’re just…staring. Starting to think I'm being judged.
16:00 - Check-in at Lovett Lodge: Hello, Warmth! Finally! Found the place. Relief washes over me – warm welcome. The lobby? Cozy as hell. Fireplace going. Looks inviting. Smiling front desk person (after the rental car experience, this is pure bliss). The room is pretty standard, but the views are stunning. Oh, that and the "Welcome to Invercargill, where the sun shines… occasionally!".
17:00 Relaxing and Unpacking: Breathe. I should probably unpack. Need everything in its place or I go crazy. I'm definitely one of those.
18:00 – Dinner at Lovett Lodge Restaurant (Hypothetical): This is a stab in the dark, because I haven't confirmed it. Assuming Lodge has dinner. If it doesn't, I'm in trouble. The bar. Might need a stiff drink after the journey. Let's hope their "Lamb on the spit" is real. (Okay, I'm ordering that no matter what. Gotta embrace the local culture, right? Even if it’s just with my stomach.)
19:00 – Post-Dinner Stroll (maybe): If I have the, uh, energy. Considering the wind. Maybe just collapse in a comfy chair by the fire. The roaring, comforting fire. That, or I have a major case of jet lag.
20:00 - Bedtime Ritual: Gotta set 2 alarms, so I don't oversleep the next day.
Day 2: Southland Adventures (and Possible Emotional Breakdown)
08:00 - Waking up and the View! Wake up. Drink the hotel's coffee (which, honestly, is average). The morning light filtering through the window. The view is incredible.
09:00 - Breakfast at the Lodge (Hoping for More Than Just Toast): Honestly, looking forward to it. I hope there's more than just toast. I could scream if there's only toast.
10:00 - Bluff and the Foveaux Strait: Bluff! One of the southernmost points in the world. I absolutely HAD to see it. The views of the Strait are incredible.
11:00 - Finding the Bluff Oyster: The oysters! I had to find one. I am here, ready to take on the ocean.
13:00 - Lunch: Back into the car. Back to society. Getting hungry.
14:00 - The Southland Museum and Art Gallery: The museum is great! There's a Tuatara! Wow.
16:00 - Back to Lovett Lodge: Arrived, and quickly relaxed.
18:00 - Dinner at Lovett Lodge: Still there. Getting used to the location.
19:00 - Evening Stroll: After dinner, I had a stroll. Feeling more relaxed.
20:00 - Bedtime Ritual: 2 alarms, again. I don't want to oversleep.
Day 3: The Big Chill (And Maybe a Few Sheepish Encounters)
08:00 - Wake Up: Waking up. Getting ready to visit the area.
09:00 - Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge, again. Same stuff.
10:00 - Lake District: The Lakes. Gorgeous! The water is so clear… and icy. The wind whips across the water, carrying the scent of… well, I'm not sure what. Fresh air, maybe?
12:00 - Lunch: Lunch at the lake. Probably a picnic or something. Sandwich, crisps and drink. Simple, but effective. And less time inside.
14:00 - Driving back to the Lodge: Driving back, with a short nap or something.
16:00 - Reading at the Lodge: Reading by the fire. Cozy, relaxing.
18:00 - Dinner at Lovett Lodge: Dinner, again. Enjoying the food.
19:00 - After dinner: Talking to the staff. They're really helpful.
20:00 - Bedtime Ritual: 2 alarms, as per usual.
Day 4: Farewell, Fuzzballs (And A Deep Breath)
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Breakfast. Getting ready.
- 09:00 - Check Out: Check out, and that was the Lovett Lodge experience.
- 10:00 - Drive to Airport: Drive to the airport.
- 12:00 - Airport and Flight: Flight time.
Important Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is highly subject to change based on whim, weather, and the availability of lamb on the spit.
- Over-packing is highly recommended. You never know what the weather's going to do.
- Embrace the mess. That's where the real memories are made.
- And for goodness sake, don't forget extra socks. They're a lifesaver.
Enjoy Invercargill! (I think you will).
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Blue Waters Await in Cherai, Kochi!
Seriously, is Lovett Lodge actually a secret? Because I'm seeing ads EVERYWHERE now...
Okay, okay, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is probably a *slight* exaggeration, especially now that half of Instagram seems to have been there. But hear me out! Before, it *felt* like a secret. Like, you'd stumble upon this place via a whispered referral from a friend-of-a-friend-who-loves-Invercargill. Now? Well, the cat's out of the bag. But the secret-ish vibe lingers. You *still* feel like you've discovered something special, even if the special is now documented in a million selfies. Plus, let's be honest, anything that brings more business to Invercargill is a win in my book!
Those "Unbelievable Views"... are they really? Or is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, so here's the deal. The marketing team ain't lying. They. Are. Unreal. When they say "unbelievable," they mean, "You might actually gasp when you see them." I swear, the first time I saw the view from my room (Room 3, highly recommend – more on that later...), I actually forgot to breathe for a few seconds. It’s all rolling hills, and that moody southern sky. It's exactly what you *think* New Zealand should look like, only turned up to eleven. I'm talking photo-worthy, but that still won't do it justice. It's also super dependent on the weather, which is Invercargill, so it can be "cloudy," and "cloudy," and then, "oh my god, I've been blessed and I'm suddenly convinced I'm the main character."
What's the vibe like at Lovett Lodge? Is it fancy-pants, or more…relaxed?
Relaxed. Massively relaxed. Think "chic, but prefers its slippers". The owners (who I suspect are secretly elves... in the best way) have created a space that's welcoming, unpretentious, and genuinely chilled out. You don't feel like you need to dress up; you're equally comfortable sprawled on the sofa reading a book, or chatting with the other guests. It's not the kind of place where you're afraid to spill your wine (though, *maybe* try not to).
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *worst* part about staying at Lovett Lodge?
Okay, the downside? Honestly? Leaving. Seriously. You'll likely want to move in. Maybe the price? It's not *cheap* cheap. Good things are never cheap! I had to scrape together a few pennies for a week. BUT, I'd do it again. And, depending on the time of year, it can be tough to get a booking. That's a good thing and a bad thing! And, if you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the road. It's Invercargill, not a busy place, but you'll hear the occasional car pass at night. And maybe my one, absolutely tiny, tiny complaint - one time, the hot water took an extra minute to kick in. THE HORROR! Okay, I'm just trying to find something to write here... It's honestly that good.
Any specific room recommendations?
Room 3. Room 3, Room 3, Room 3! Seriously, if you can get it, do it. It's got the most incredible view, overlooking the valley, and the morning light is just… *chef's kiss*. I spent a *dangerous* amount of time just staring out the window in my robe, contemplating life. Room 6 is okay, too. It’s kinda similar as Room 3, but it’s missing the same "wow" factor. Actually, scratch that. JUST GET ROOM 3. I’m starting to sound like a broken record, I know, but if they ever offer to sell it, I'm buying!
What's the food situation like? Is there a restaurant? Do I need to pack snacks?
There's no restaurant, which is actually a huge plus. You get a lovely breakfast included, fresh fruit, jams… *chef's kiss* again. The atmosphere is more homey, not a stuffy dining experience, just a really good way to start the day. There's a communal area where you can make yourself tea, coffee, and the occasional sneaky biscuit. And you can bring your own food, which is handy, because Invercargill, while having some *amazing* restaurants (seriously, check out the local seafood; you won't regret it), isn't exactly bursting with late-night options. Pack some snacks, but mostly, be ready to enjoy a fantastic breakfast.
What's there to *do* in Invercargill, besides stare at the view from Lovett Lodge? (Though that sounds tempting...)
Okay, I love this question because Invercargill gets a bad rap! Which is utterly unfair, it's great! Beyond Lovett Lodge, you've got the amazing Southland Museum (check out the Tuatara!), the stunning Bluff and Stewart Island are day trips away, the local shopping is pretty good, and the people are fantastic. The Catlins (amazing scenery) are close. The city itself has a certain charm - it's quirky, it's friendly, and it's got a real sense of community. Don't go expecting a bustling metropolis; embrace the small-town vibe, the wide open spaces, and the fact that you can park your car anywhere. And if you happen to enjoy a good yarn, you'll find plenty of opportunities.
Tell me more about the *emotional* experience. Did it change you? Is that too dramatic?
Okay, okay, now we're getting to the heart of the matter. Look, I'm not going to say Lovett Lodge *changed* my life, but it definitely provided some much-needed perspective. The views... they just stop you. Make you appreciate the world a little more. I went there stressed out, burnt out, and generally feeling a bit like a deflated balloon. After a few days, watching the sun rise over those rolling hills, feeling the peace of that place, I felt... different. Calmer. Maybe I didn't *become* a different person, but I certainly felt like I could breathe a little easier. A silly anecdote: I actually burst into tears one day, sitting on the balcony, because the vista blew my mind. It was the blue sky, the long grass shifting in the wind, all of it. Was it dramatic? Absolutely. Did I care? Not one bit. Just go there.Cozy Stay Spot
