My family has been coming here for over 60 years. It started as a couple of old Railway huts but it grew with extensions over the years as all the best cribs do. It's now a nice jumble of rooms, with all the basic requirements and quite comfortable but with lots of charm. It's an old school New Zealand holiday home really, but with a brand new roof, a new gas hot water system and shower, a new water tank and a heat pump. We're still working on bits and pieces but it's a fantastic place to relax and unwind. There are beds for seven, but it's not big and it would be a pretty tight fit to actually have seven adults in the place; four adults, with some kids, is ideal.
The location is pretty special; on the main street of Pounawea and just up from the beach front, the river, and the stand of native bush in the camping ground next store (accessible to the public). It was the fabulous fishing in this area that first attracted my grandfather to the place and that is still the case. But it also offers a great central location for exploring the Catlins, with the last surviving remnants of New Zealand's east coast rain forests, hidden valleys and waterfalls, remote townships and spectacular coastal cliffs and beaches. The weather is amazingly variable; don't count on constant sun even in summer, but it changes so much that some interesting weather is always on the way. This is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle and just enjoy the peace and quiet of one of the Catlins most beautiful spots.
Owaka township is just 5 minutes away by car and has excellent cafes, a museum and a Four Square supermarket open seven days a week 8am til 7pm.
Please note, no pets. A few renters seem to have missed this condition. A recent renter suggested we explain that the fridge/freezer is turned off when the crib is not occupied. This means it will take a few hours before it is at chill/freezing temperature in case you bring food that needs immediate storage.
In the Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave; Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels).
Finally, when making a booking request please provide full details of who is coming and what for, especially if you are new to the site and don't have a booking track record. The booking site only gives us 24 hours to confirm acceptance but we always need to be sure about you before accepting a booking request so will ask for these details if you don't provide them.
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Owaka
Owaka is home to this holiday home. Teapot World is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Kaka Point Scenic Reserve and Catlins Lake. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 16 min drive - 24.2 km
Restaurants
Catlins Cafe And Restaurant - 3 min drive
Tahatika Coffee Traders - 3 min drive
LumberJack - 4 min drive
Lumber Jack Cafe & Restaurant - 5 min drive
Kurumi Kitchen - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach) pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach)?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach) on 16 May 2026 start from NZ$156, 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 Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach)?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach)?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Jedforest, traditional family crib (bach) located?
Situated in Owaka, this holiday home is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Teapot World and within 9 miles (15 km) of Catlins Lake and Jack's Blowhole. Cannibal Bay Beach and Willsher Bay Domain Reserve are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Jesforest is one of favourite places to stay, a classic kiwi bach to kick back and relax in. Pounawea is such a lovely quiet little place too, with plenty of outdoor places to explore there
Lovely tradition Kiwi crib. You can definitely relax in this place it's so quiet and peaceful.The beds are comfortable and lots of blankets to keep us nice and warm. Thank you for having us.
Traditional bach with all the things you need for a great stay including puzzles on a rainy day. Lots of wood for the fire and heaters in the bedroom we had a lovely few days stay with 3 generations of family exploring the area.
It was a great place to stay with my adult children and to explore the beautiful Catlins. Short walk to the estuary to watch the gorgeous sunrises. Comfortable old style bach(crib) perfect for us, plenty of beds and couches!
Absolutly stunning place everything you would expect of a family bach by the sea. The informarion Sean gives about the surrounding area and things to do is just amazing, the attention to detail spot on. Absolutly love this place and cannot wait to come stay again
Had a wonderfully peaceful weekend at Jedforest. The cosy fire was wonderful - enjoyed lots of local walks around the settlement. Can’t wait to return.