Are you looking for Adventure, or to just relax? Then come to where the Southern Alps meet the "Roaring Forties", base yourself in Tuatapere, on the famous 'Southern Scenic Route' and allow at least two days to explore some of the hidden treasures of the extreme southwest of New Zealand. Walk five minutes from town to see the 'Leviathans of the Forest' - thousand-year-old Totara trees! Wander along stunning Blue Cliffs Beach, just ten minutes drive away and formed by the wild storms spawned from the Great Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Enjoy the 'world famous' Tuatapere sausages! You can even walk the Hump Ridge Track, which is now a Great Walk, and visit the largest viaduct in the southern hemisphere. Welcome to Aunt Tui's where you'll feel like family or friends after even a night or two in this warm, comfortable and charming bach, which has everything you need for a relaxing or exciting holiday. It is private and well fenced so no worries if you're bringing pets or children and the large native garden is visited by tui, bellbirds and kereru. Don't expect all mod cons when visiting Aunt Tui's, this house is very special and reflects the owners' interest in art and collecting. The decor is virtually unchanged from the time it was built with high timbered ceilings. However, the beds are new and comfortable and will fit even the tallest visitor, one being “Californian King Size”! There is a 2nd double bedroom while the 3rd has 3 single beds. The sitting room is in the centre of the house and with a log burner, a music collection that will take you back and comfy armchairs and couches, it makes for memorable evenings! Off the sitting room is the dining room which boasts an ancient refectory table that has seated up to 20! A small cosy kitchen with all the basics you'll need, leads through to the sun room which catches both sunrises and sunsets.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number HANZ20010796
Frequently asked questions
Is Step back in time at Aunt Tui's pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Step back in time at Aunt Tui's?
As of 3 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Step back in time at Aunt Tui's on 31 July 2026 start from NZ$120, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Step back in time at Aunt Tui's?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Step back in time at Aunt Tui's?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Step back in time at Aunt Tui's?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Step back in time at Aunt Tui's located?
Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is 9.1 mi (14.7 km) from Clifden Suspension Bridge and within 25 miles (40 km) of Hump Ridge Track and Te Wahipounamu. Lake Hauroko is 26.1 mi (42.1 km) away.
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
the house is all set up with everything you could possibly need and the wee garden is truly a haven. We were very pleased to get it for the xmas/new years period and we would happily recommend it to anyone as the house itself is lovely and it is in a good position for plenty of wonderful day trips. The fact it is pet friendly is truly the icing on the cake. Thank you very much for a wonderful stay.
Robin D.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 January 2026
Thanks very much for your kind words! We love it too and are very glad when others do!
This is incredibly quaint - and so lovely to go back in time with all the memorabilia that fills the house. However; it was quite cold although there were lots of heaters. Would be perfect in summer. May I suggest reducing the number of electric chords by having more plugs inserted. Fantastic to be able to have the dogs with us. Host was outstanding in her communication.
We really enjoyed staying here. I loved the art and collections everywhere in the house. There was plenty of firewood if we'd needed it, the bed was amazing and it was so silent waking up in the morning. Thankyou so much.
Amazing garden. Nice beds. Interesting collections.
All the things you need. Great spot. Beautiful beach nearby. We had a lovely time as a family getaway with our dog.
Loved staying here. Reconnected with old friends in the area and it was a perfect base to explore the stunning coast. Cosy fire, great dvds, comfortable bed. Thanks so much
Very clean, character filled cottage in a hardy location to Southern Coastline.
Only negative was the pricing confusing as in US dollars so ended up more expensive than we thought.
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 February 2024
Thank you for your review! I'm sorry about the American dollars mixup. Another person has been confused by it as well. We have no control over it as the bookaback website does all the money part. But I will contact them and see why they do that. Cheers
Mary
Great weather this weekend! House was exactly as we expected. Tonnes of character, very comfortable and homey. Very convenient to the river and shops just down the road. Very warm with the fire going and lounge has a great variety of DVDs.
Lovely weekend exploring the deep south. Lovely bush walks, beautiful beaches, great fishing and some lovely dinning experiences, and even better was we were able to bring our 4 legged fur baby xox
Vicky N.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 November 2022
So glad you had a great time in the amazing deep south!
Was not sure what to expect. We loved it. Full of collections of treasures.Was so cosy, comfortable bed and had everything we needed. So close to town and the walking tracks. Would definitely stay again next time we come down to visit family, if Mary would have us.
kathy r.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 February 2025
You very welcome anytime! Glad you enjoyed your stay!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
12 February 2016
Great place; nice location!
Great place; nice location! We enjoyed our stay - the house is quirky and lovely, the sun room and deck were great for breakfast, and there was loads to discover in every room. The weather was good! We loved the reserve and walks around Tuatapere. Only felt previous occupants could have done a better job at cleaning (rubbish and hairs in shower plus found a t-shirt in some corner). Will definitely visit again!
Response from VrboOwner on 26 March 2020
Glad you enjoyed Aunt Tui's! That is one problem we have with the self cleaning option. We are exploring different options to address this issue. Thanks for your comments!
I love the area generally having holidayed there several times in the past. If you like the outdoors Tuatapere is a great base for all sorts of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing jet boating & tramping.The house itself is well sheltered with an eclectic decor with plenty of interesting pieces of memorabilia to inspect. The house is located in close proximity (walking distance) to the town centre for meals & groceries
So many interesting artworks,books , pottery and memorabilia. Great hot water for shower over bath.Excellent oven and fridge.Good Washing machine but difficult to find line space to dry clothes.Excellent local cafe. So many interesting