Inverlair Lodge

14/09/2026

13/09/2026

✨ STARGAZING ✨

After four wonderful days with us, our guests spent their final evening relaxing in the spa pool and taking in the incredible Central Otago night sky. 🌌

And the best part? These amazing photos were taken on their mobile phone! 📱✨

Just look at those stars… 🌟

One last magical evening at Inverlair Lodge before heading home. 💫

13/09/2026

🚂 Welcome back, Historic Hayes!!☕️

Fabulous food, great coffee and the added bonus of vintage cars passing through today! 🚗✨

There’s plenty to see and do at Hayes, including a fantastic selection of gifts and souvenirs. A perfect spot to stop, explore and enjoy a little bit of Central Otago history. ❤️

Welcome back, Historic Hayes — it’s great to have you open again! 👏

10/09/2026

🍻 Cheers to Rough Ridge Railway Hotel reopening today 🍻

A huge congratulations to the team on reopening the doors today! 🥂 Wishing you all the very best 😊

Some places are more than just a pub, they're where stories are shared, friendships are made, and communities come together.

Today, we're incredibly proud to announce the next chapter for one of Central Otago's most iconic country hotels.

The Oturehua Railway Hotel is returning to its original name and will once again be known as the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel.

From 4 September, this historic hotel begins a new journey, honouring its rich past while creating an exciting future for locals, travellers, cyclists and everyone lucky enough to pass through our beautiful corner of the world.

The Rough Ridge Railway Hotel has welcomed generations of visitors to the Ida Valley, and we're excited to bring that name back to life. It's about celebrating our heritage, our incredible community, and everything that makes Central Otago such a special place to live and visit.

We can't wait to share what's in store over the coming weeks as we prepare to reopen the doors under the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel name.

Here's to preserving history, supporting our community, and creating many more memories together.

Welcome back to the Rough Ridge Railway Hotel.

10/09/2026

❄️ SURPRISE!! ❄️

Our guests from Australia were just as surprised as we were when we opened the curtains this morning to discover that winter had decided to make a comeback! 😂

A fresh dusting of snow has arrived here at Inverlair Lodge — and while we do expect a little spring snowfall in Central Otago, it always feels like a surprise when it appears!

Tradition tells us that the spring snow usually arrives just after the newborn lambs do… 🐑❄️

So, with snow on the ground, we reckon those little lambs must be getting pretty close! 💕

02/09/2026

🌼 Spring has sprung… finally! 🌼

Our daffodils have started blooming in the garden, and it’s looking like a beautiful spring day here in the Ida Valley! ☀️🌱

Our first Otago Central Rail Trail guests of the season arrived last night — Shelley & Tony from Auckland. 🚲

Lucky for them, they had the whole lodge to themselves… but we suspect that won’t last long! 😉

Spring is here, the Rail Trail is calling, and we’re ready for another season at Inverlair Lodge. 💛

Safe travels 😊

01/09/2026

📰 OTUREHUA NEWSLETTER

Did you know that Oturehua has its very own community newsletter? 💛

Packed with local news, what’s on, weather reports, a nod to our history and plenty of happenings around the community, it’s a great read for anyone who has visited Oturehua — or is planning a visit!

Here’s the latest edition, with plenty to catch up on. 👇

And, of course, farewell to Grahame & Liz, who are retiring to Christchurch after an incredible 17 years of owning and running the pub.

We wish them all the very best for their next chapter and thank them for the contribution they have made to our little community over the years. 🍻