High Country Cabin is a stylishly decorated cabin in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Inspired by the Backcountry huts throughout the area, it provides a rustic country-style experience.
Situated 15 minutes outside of Twizel in the heart of the Mackenzie, it has direct access to all of the natural amenities that the area is world famous for including snow sports, mountaineering, hiking & tramping, mountain-biking, hunting & fishing among many other activities.
**IMPORTANT**WEATHER POLICY High Country Cabin is in a non urban area. As such the roads to and from town can (not common but possible) become blocked in unusual weather events due to high amounts of snowfall. This is beyond our control. It is the guest's responsibility to keep track of upcoming weather events. In the event that unusually high snowfall is predicted and the guest chooses to relocate elsewhere, High Country Cabin will accept a cancellation and issue a refund on any unused nights if notified before the checkout. A weather forecast from a reputable weather forecasting website must be used as documentation for the cancellation.
**IMPORTANT**LOG BURNER The main source of heating at the cabin is via traditional log burner. When used properly this a great source of heating. Follow these instructions to start a fire:
Place about 6 pieces of kindling (small bits of timber) in a criss cross pattern across the metal grate inside. Place a single piece of firewood on top of the kindling Place a small (about the size of 2 dice) bit of Firelight (provided) under the kindling Using the provided fireplace matches, light the Firelight. This will burn for some time until your kindling is well lit. Once the Firelight is lit, close and latch the front door immediately Pull the air vent lever to OPEN by sliding to the left, until the firewood has caught fire Once the firewood has caught fire, you can add more firewood in a criss cross pattern Slide the air vent to the right to allow the fire to burn slowly steadily. Generally it should be almost completely to the right
IMPORTANT FIRE SAFTY TIPS:
-NEVER OPERATE LOG BURNER WITH GLASS DOOR OPEN -ONLY USE PROVIDED LOG BURNER TOOLS WHEN HANDLING ITEMS INSIDE -TAKE CARE WHEN OPENING LOG BURNER DOOR, HAVE A LOG BURNER TOOL HANDY TO PUSH BACK ANYTHING THAT MAY BE LEANING AGAINST THE DOOR -NEVER LEAN OR PLACE ANY OBJECTS ON OR AROUND LOG BURNER -DO NOT BURN PAPER OR NEWSPAPER IN FIRE, AS THIS CREATES UNNECESSARY ASH. USE PROVIDED FIRELIGHT INSTEAD. -DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START FIRE USING HALF BURNT LOGS, AS THIS WILL CAUSE SMOKE. USE A FRESH LOG. ONCE FIRE IS ESTABLISHED YOU MAY ADD OLD LOGS BACK IN.
FIREWOOD & KINDLING
High Country Cabin is provided with a supply of pre-chopped firewood and kindling. To those who are not used to using a Log Burner for regular heating, managing this can take some getting used to. We suggest the following:
Always make sure the supply of kindling inside the house is maintained by filling up the indoor kindling basket regularly, wet kindling needs about 24 hours to dry to be useful. Always make sure the supply of firewood inside the house is maintained by stacking and restocking the indoor firewood piles as you use them. Keeping the firewood you plan on using over the next 24 hours allow the firewood to dry inside the cabin before it's used.
LINEN & SERVICING
High Country Cabin is supplied with hotel-quality linen from a local hotel supplier. This supplier can replace the linen plus provide the cabin with a full clean at additional cost if required.
LPG GAS
LPG Gas powers both the cooktop and the hot water. If either of these stop operating simply follow these directions:
-Notify us that a bottle is out (so we can order a new one straight away) -Switch all knobs on the cooktop to the OFF position (Water Heater is automatic) -Go outside and locate the LGP Gas Cylinders -In Between the cylinders you'll find a central valve which switches between the bottles -Switch from the bottle is is directed to, to the alternate bottle -Return inside and continue using
RUBBISH
Due to our rural location, there is no rubbish collection or bins. We ask that rubbish is bagged up securely and left inside the cabin (out of reach of wildlife). If you are able to take with you as you depart, this is also highly appreciated.
Easy Instructions: GPS Maps should get you very close to our driveway, then look out for a blue sign showing our street number.
Detailed instructions: When coming from Twizel, head towards Lake Ohau on Manuka Terrace. After a while the road goes from sealed to gravel (drive carefully), approx 2 kms on you will see the power lines cross from the right side to the left side of the road. We are the (second driveway) long straight driveway on the right that heads towards the mountain. There is a blue council sign saying our street number (available to guests with a confirmed reservation) at the start of the driveway. Turn off Manuka Terrace down the long straight driveway till you reach a farm gate, open and enter gate (please keep closed at all times). The driveway then turns into a gravel track, follow the track to the cabin.
Please keep vehicles to gravel track only, and do not drive elsewhere on property.
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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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
About the area
Ben Ohau
Located in Ben Ohau, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ohau Skifield and Ladybird Hill Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Ohau and Mueller Ridge. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and mountain climbing nearby.
Is Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel?
As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel on 29 August 2026 start from NZ$590, 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 Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Secluded Rustic Cabin near Twizel located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 9 miles (15 km) of Lake Ohau, Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge. Lake Ruataniwha is 12 mi (19.4 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved everything about this wonderful property. Peaceful, well catered, warm and welcoming.
Would have loved to have stayed longer.
Great hosts, excellent communication.
We absolutely loved staying here, the property was beautiful and had everything we needed. It wasn't far off the beaten track and the host was helpful with us. Bed was super comfy, the place in general was really comfortable for us to stay in, and we had a memorable christmas here. Highly recommend!
Not much to do during the day but in the afternoon and night when the sun goes down and you can see all the stars it is magical! Would come back again during the spring or autumn when it’s no so hot.
We only stayed one night which didn’t seem enough! Beautiful cabin, magical atmosphere, and excellent communication from the host. Really well furnished cabin and a view unmatched by anything else!
This cabin has so much character with fantastic amenities. The host sent us detailed instructions which made checking in very easy, as well as pointing us in the direction of Lake Oahu which was the most refreshing afternoon swim. Would have loved to have spent longer and would definitely return.
I saw this this accomodation back in 2018 and it’s been on my bucket list ever since. Almost four years on I was beyond excited to finally stay. It exceeded expectations. We had the most magical stay in the High Country cabin. Autumn has been such a great time to visit, as we had beautiful sunny days out doing the walks around Mt Cook, yet the evenings were cool enough to snuggle up and drink hot chocolates by the fire. Being located in the dark sky reserve the stars were absolutely breathtaking. Located in the most beautiful location surrounded by the mountains, this cabin was a dream come true.
A great location to enjoy all that the Mackenzie has to offer. The cabin was quiet and had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The host was a great communicator and kept us informed with all the information we needed to ensure a relaxing experience. Highly recommend if you want to be able to gaze out at the mountains or at the stars in peace and quiet with a cosy log fire to keep you warm.
Mel M.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Daniel J.
1 January 2025
Daniel J.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by Kenny Smith
Travel constantly for work and love it. Quiet unassuming individual who loves the outdoors, good coffee and whole foods. Respectful and well mannered. Find me personally on Instagram @kennysmithshoots
Why they chose this property
On Instagram we are @highcountrycabin
This is my wife Heidi and my personal cabin. We designed and built it to be fairly basic to minimise distractions, get back to the basics and reconnect with nature and take time out. Therefore there are some limitations, but at the same time we feel that the limitations are part of the experience. We hope you're looking for the same thing we are, a place to rest after spending the day exploring, or reading by the fire.
What makes this property unique
We hope you enjoy the country air, peaceful setting and watching the never ending nature display out the big windows
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests