Entire home

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

Riverside cottage with kitchen and patio

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

Exterior
Living area
Living area
Room
Room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Makarora, OTA
  • Place, Lake Ohau
  • Place, Lake Hawea
  • Place, Lake Wānaka
    ‪10 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. 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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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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
Property # 9408500

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 mountain climbing, ecotours and hiking nearby.
Map
Makarora, OTA

What's nearby

  • Lake Wānaka - 10 min drive - 15.4 km
  • Blue Pools - 14 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Aotearoa Gemstones - 49 min drive - 97.9 km
  • Haast Visitor Centre - 51 min drive - 100.5 km
  • Haast Beach - 64 min drive - 105.6 km

Getting around

  • Wānaka Airport (WKA) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Makarora country cafe - ‬3 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 is parking at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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. 33 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Delightful quirky cottage away from the Christmas madness - just what we needed to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeric D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is very cozy and clean. We had a wonderful time with the spa while enjoying the spectacular views of the mountain.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a beautiful setting and the bird sounds were wonderful! I loved the cabin. The beds were super warm
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Neil W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
pleasant greeting upon arrival, room clean and warm - was a wet, cold day - Host brought over dry kindling for the fire.authentic rustic building with all required conveniences
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you love New Zealand bush especially silver beech forest, glacial pools, mountain views, peace and quiet - you’ll love it here! Such a good base to explore the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lynnette C.

Disliked: Communication
never saw the host.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yeh H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was suprr easy , and the house is so cozy , we feel right at home straight away ! Have full kitchen ware and oven , we had no problem cooking meals. We loved it here !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

Damien B.

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

Great stay

We had a great time Cheers
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

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

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

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

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

Roger B.

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

weekend away

Great location, very relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

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

Cute cottage in the bush

Cute little house surrounded by beautiful bush, had everything we needed, wish we could have stayed longer
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

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

Jeremy F.

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

Great cottage

Location was perfect, hiked from the cottage to a bit above the bush line towards Mt Shrimpton for lunch and a great view of the valley
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 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

Clare R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved our overnight at Birdsong! The deck and hot pool were great for bird listening and spotting. We had everything we needed for a comfy stay. Quirky and old school amenities with all the good stuff.If we are being picky We could have done with a second set of towels as we used the hot tub and needed a shower the next morning. Also struggled with the fire as kept going out, maybe flue needs cleaning? Heat pump was more than adequate to keep us all warm and cosy!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Rachel W.

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

Cosy & Clean

Exactly what we needed - 5 stars Thank you very much
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

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

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Forder

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
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