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Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa

Photo gallery for Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa

Exterior
Outdoor spa tub
Living area
Living area
Room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Makarora, OTA
  • Lake Hawea
  • Lake Ohau
  • Lake Wānaka
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa

This original stone cottage is nestled on a bushy section between Mt Aspiring National Park and land owned by the Makarora Wonderland Lodge. We live in the Octagonal house next to you 😉 The bird life is incredible with Kaka, Tui and Kereru frequently landing in the trees around us. It is a spacious, self-contained, 2 bedroom abode (choice of singles or King bed in second room) with lounge and a hydrotherapy spa! There is a collection of DVD's and board games. Fully equipped kitchen. Outside is a garden entertaining area with table and chairs, BBQ, and views up to Mt Shrimpton. The Nature Walk and Shrimpton Track join up to our property. Go for a night wander to see the glow worms!
The Cottage is a 2 minute walk from the Wonderland Cafe/Restaurant/Bar and a 10 minute drive from the must-see Blue Pools. There are a number of epic short walks and multi-day hikes including the Gillespies Pass Circuit right at your door-step. We recommend staying a few nights to enjoy the wilderness, hiking, trout fishing or jumping on a fixed wing plane, heli or jet boat for an adventure up the Wilkin River Valley and beyond.

Property manager

Sarah
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Important information

You need to know

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

About the area

Makarora

Located in Makarora, this cottage is in the mountains and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Te Wahipounamu and Blue Pools. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting, ecotours and mountain climbing nearby.
Map
Makarora, OTA

What's nearby

  • Lake Wānaka - 11 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Blue Pools - 16 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Fantail Falls - 18 min drive - 27.1 km

Getting around

  • Wānaka Airport (WKA) - 59 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

As of 10 August 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa on 11 August 2025 start from NZ$143.76, 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.

What time is check-in at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is steps from Te Wahipounamu and within 9 mi (15 km) of Blue Pools and Lake Wānaka. Fantail Falls and Peter Fraser Park are also within 32 miles (52 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing little cabin for a getaway in the bush. Older property with classic kiwi batch vibes.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Brett M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Great stop over and accommodation style for touring cyclists. Close to facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful wee cottage

good spot, lovely back garden, great birdlife
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jess J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rural getaway

A beautiful country cottage is the best way to describe Sarah’s place. We stayed there for two nights as the rural part of our trip and loved it. It had everything we needed including a fire place. The property and grounds were beautiful and right behind the house was Mt Shrimpton which was an incredible forest hike. Photos of the hike below! Sarah was so so lovely and had so much knowledge about Makarora and the surrounding area. She actually picked us up from Wānaka to bring us to the house as we didn’t end up hiring a car. It was such a cosy stay, highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, would stay again

Lovely hot tub, area, ground, cottage, fireplace, kitchen, bedrooms, everything amazing 10/10
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Boudina H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birdsong cottage

charming little cottage, very homely and cozy. We enjoyed our stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Michele M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot for hiking in the park.

Rustic and comfortable place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little paradise

A cute cottage nestled against the forest
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Birdsong truly is the right name for this spot. We saw a tree with 12 woodpigeons on it!! Loved the location and spa was perfect for relaxing. Will book again
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

joanne r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool cottage

It was a lovely cottage with all the old school stuff in it brought back such fond childhood memories. Thanks for being great hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yosef S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and cozy

It is quiet and feels like home. Close to beautiful places. Worth visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location in rural area. Sadly no tv reception or coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Homey Cottage

My partner and I had a great stay at the Birdsong cottage! The views around the cottage were stunning and we enjoyed the hot tub after a long day of hiking and driving. The kitchen was well-equipped for us to cook dinner and had some instant coffee for the morning. We especially loved the DVD collection and watched What We Do in the Shadows for the first time! Also, we couldn't have asked for a better location for the night before our Brewster Hut hike. Thanks again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joannd B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A cosy and comfortable cottage!

A gorgeous cottage that is furnished with vintage flair. Easy check in and check out with hosts that are kind, caring and quick to respond to any questions etc. Loved our overnight stop off here!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable basic cottage with spa

The cottage is a reasonably rustic bach but is quite comfortable. The fridge was quite small with no separate freezer and the icebox in the fridge didn't keep ffGood base to explore the area. The best part is the spa in the private back garden and the sheltered back deck with solar lights. Hosts house right next door. Hosts are friendly and helpful. are helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely hideaway cottage

Lovely eclectic cottage with fascinating bits and pieces. Check out the bathroom sink stand. My favourite.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and quiet.

My wife and I stayed three nights. This is perfect rustic home for a get away. The hot tub was running and we jumped straight in after a long days walking and travelling. Good internet. Great views. Kitchen has everything you need. Good weather throughout, but could just as easily stay inside on a rainy day.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Adriana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice to have table and chairs outside.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Tim B.

Liked: Location

A little too rustic for us.

House smelt very musty, no tea or coffee provided. Shower wouldn't get to a desired temperature which was OK we just had a spa. Old fittings, furnishings, linen. Mouse droppings around the jug. Lots of birdlife which was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Tad

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
It was interesting to experience the culture of the area through a stay in the "bush." We knew the stay would be more rustic than many of our accommodations. Some areas were a bit more rustic than we had planned... but the back porch, view and birds were a big plus.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

sheryl r.

Disliked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little bit too rustic for us.

Birdsong cottage was indeed like going to grandmas house. Everything was old and mismatched. Lights were not great in living area. No tea or coffee provided. Coffee machine requires special pods.Ok for a night but no longer. View was of a carport and owners shed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vahid G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pleasant and relaxing

Actually we were notified one day before the check-in by the manager that this property was double-booked. She booked another property nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unique rustic cottage, comfortable and cosy. Close to nature and we could hear birdsongs in the morning. Lots of bush walks within a short drive. The cottage had all the facilities for self catering, however bring all your own supplies. There is mobile phone coverage.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia Van K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like stepping back in time

Cute older mountain cabin has all the essentials. WiFi is limited but birdsong is plentiful. Hosts are friendly and helpful. Area is beautiful. Couches and beds are comfortable and kitchen has everything you need. It's a bit like stepping back in time. DVDs, games and books are provided for your entertainment.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Vernon

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
The location of this property can't be beat. We were plopped right in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park with quick access to hiking and exploring. The owners seem to be wonderful and kind people. The house itself is a marvelous, historic place. The hot tub really helps elevate the value of the experience. The house could really use a thorough cleaning. We were asked to take shoes off in the house and our socks got dirty walking around on the carpet! If the carpets were scrubbed and the house were dejunked and scrubbed clean, it would be a 5 star place. The owner was working abroad and difficult to access. Husband was there, but not involved. I would stay there again because of it's location, but not my first choice.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

About the host

Hosted by Sarah

Host profile image
My husband, son and I have lived in Makarora for 7 years. I am a conservationist and coordinate predator control work out here to protect our precious wildlife. I know a lot about birds!

Why they chose this property

For the mountains and rivers!

What makes this property unique

An affordable and spacious place, very much undiscovered

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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