Te Rawa on Pelorus Sound

Te Rawa and the lodge’s current status

The status of Te Rawa Lodge is important when planning an overnight stay. As of 15 September 2026, it has been sold, is privately owned, and is no longer operated as a bar, restaurant or accommodation; future use of the property may change. If you are looking for a hotel, do not plan on staying at Te Rawa Lodge as bookable accommodation. The historical information about the boatels describes their former use, not a current hotel offering.

Wilson Bay and getting there

The Lodge at Te Rawa is in Wilson Bay, one of the many sheltered bays of Te Hoiere/Pelorus Sound. Wilson Bay is the specific location; Te Hoiere/Pelorus Sound describes the broader geographical setting.

Te Rawa is far from the nearest road. Access options include your own boat, the Pelorus Mailboat, a water taxi, an aeroplane or a helicopter. These options include water and air transport; they should not be confused with an ordinary road journey. Before travelling, check which access options are currently available.

The western route of the Pelorus Mail Boat

The western route of the Pelorus Mail Boat includes Nydia Bay, North-West Bay, Tira-Ora Bay, Miro Bay, Wilson Bay, Te Rawa Lodge, Te Pakeka Maud Island and Brightlands Bay. This makes Te Rawa part of a named route that includes several bays and other listed places. Route details and access are separate matters for your planning: check the timetable as well as route information, as both may change.

Boatels and the mail boat: two historical insights

There are two specific dates relevant to Te Rawa’s maritime history. In 1962, the Pelorus Sound mail boat docked at the wharf at the Te Rawa Boatels in Wilson Bay, on the Hikapu Arm of Pelorus Sound. In 1973, four Te Rawa Boatels were advertised as waterfront motels, each with room for four to eight people. The capacity applies to each of the four motels.

The years describe different aspects: the 1962 reference concerns the mail boat’s arrival at the wharf, while the 1973 reference concerns accommodation advertising at the time, including capacity. Together, they offer a snapshot of the historical connection between water access and overnight accommodation in Te Rawa. They should be distinguished from the lodge’s current situation: it is no longer operated as accommodation.

Wildlife watching in Wilson Bay

Seals and dolphins are frequently seen in Wilson Bay, while orcas are seen less often. This difference in frequency helps set expectations: wildlife sightings vary and cannot be guaranteed as part of a visit. If you are particularly interested in wildlife, consider these species as possible, but not certain, sightings. The frequency descriptions indicate an opportunity to see wildlife, not a promise that you will see it on a particular visit.

Discover more destinations: Anakiwa, Havelock, Rai Valley, Grovetown, Portage, Canvastown, St Omer, Kenepuru Head

For the broader travel overview: Marlborough District.