Entire home

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

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

Exterior
Living area
Living area
Room
Room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Makarora, OTA
  • Place, Fantail Falls
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Place, Peter Fraser Park
    ‪53 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

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.

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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

Property # 9408500
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 hiking, ecotours and hunting nearby.
Map
Makarora, OTA

What's nearby

  • Fantail Falls - 23 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Peter Fraser Park - 53 min drive - 61.8 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 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?

As of 27 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park on 12 October 2026 start from NZ$158, 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 Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park?

On-site parking is available at the property.

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

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

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

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park 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. 46 out of 78 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 78 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 78 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 78 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

ross s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Carol F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very enjoyable stay. Everything there
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emmett B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super welcoming and very laid back! Stars were absolutely beautiful! Definitely a 10/10
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our second time staying at this idealic setting. So private, so beautiful, so welcoming, a perfect break. Easy reach to Blue Pools, Haast in one direction and Lake Hawea, Wanaka and beyond the other.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovrly setting, friendly owners
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for exploring Mt Aspiring. Beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 February 2026
Thank you so much! xx
Verified

8/10 Good

Amy J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the Birdsong Cottage! Highlights include the songbirds and overall feel of the cottage. We also enjoyed the cafe nearby. The Cottage is well-loved. The hostess was super helpful and communicative.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nikki W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous one night stop over at Bird Song Cottage. We were lucky enough to see our favourite birds:)
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was lovely and helpful. This rustic cottage is a wee gem. Peaceful and comfortable. Lovely place to spend a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Communication
This was a comfortable, rustic place, a true cottage feel. Close to many walking trails. Restaurant available a very short walk away.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Large two unit, very quiet with full kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The loveliest hosts and a beautiful traditional cottage made for a great stay at Birdsong Cottage.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Birdsong Cottage is well named with a multitude of birds in the surrounding bush and we could hear morepork at night. Beautiful location, good directions and cosy. I would suggest the shower could be improved and the pool chemicals would be better out of reach of children.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay and our time in Makarora. It was spacious, with good kitchen facilities, BBQ, and comfy bed, lovely outdoor deck, aircon and fire box to choose from. Lots of Kiwi cottage charm. Birdlife and song incredible, hence the apt name! Close to some lovely walks too. Top spot for exploring the Haast Pass corridor, Lake Hawea and to escape the crowds of Wanaka but not too far away for a day trip. The cafe next door was closed for winter, but the cafe up the road was fantastic. 24hr petrol available in Makarora was reassuring.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Stuart D.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Check-in
Plenty of room, all neat and tidy
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Grant W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Heatpump was good, and the setting was nice. Some nice eclectic touches in the decor, but overall maintenance was below standard.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a aptly named rustic cottage like you'd find in an English romantic novel. There's lots of space. The concentration of birds was phenomenal. It is literally next to three walking trails all with their own charm. Ideally located for Mt. Aspiring hikes.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alec Sherman C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very rustic , very quaint , clean and quite. Beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful cottage, wonderful views, great hot tub!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful garden and cozy cottage! Lovely to have games and dvds for both adults and kids. And interesting books about the local environment and alpine region. Wish we could have stayed another night.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Harry B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Password requires correction, no gap, Aspiring100Two lights in living area do not seem to be working.TV couldn't view, no instructions.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lana

Fantastic, cosy and atmospheric place in an amazing location. We loved absolutely everything about our stay here. Such a gem and the spa bath was incredible. Go in after dark, don't use the jet streams (so there will be no noise) and enjoy the stars and the sounds of the Ruru, the frogs and other creatures of the night.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

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

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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