Entire home

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

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

Exterior
Property grounds
Outdoor spa tub
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Fireplace, DVD player

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Makarora, OTA
  • Blue Pools
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Lake Wanaka
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Lake Hawea
    ‪71 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Makarora

On river.At this Makarora cottage, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Te Wahipounamu and 6 miles (10 km) of Blue Pools. Lake Wanaka is within 9 miles (15 km) and Fantail Falls is within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Blue Pools - 6 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • Lake Wanaka - 9 min drive - 8.5 miles
  • Fantail Falls - 16 min drive - 14.2 miles
  • Haast Beach - 62 min drive - 52.7 miles
  • Lake Hawea - 71 min drive - 32.8 miles

Getting around

  • Wanaka (WKA) - 59 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property Makarora
Vrbo Property Private vacation home
Vrbo Property Private vacation home Makarora

Frequently asked questions

How close is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa to the airport?

This cottage is 41.7 mi (59-min drive) away from the Wanaka (WKA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

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

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa ?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa to downtown Makarora?

This cottage is 5.2 mi away from Makarora.

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

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Tim B.

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

Brett M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

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

8/10 Good

Adrian

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

sheryl r.

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

Katie C.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Grace K.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Matthew H., Lyttelton

Liked: Cleanliness

wonderful wee cottage

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

8/10 Good

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Vernon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

4/10 Poor

Nancy B.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Disappointing

The property was neglected, especially the cottage. On arrival, it was closed up tightly and smelled old and musty. The bed and pillows and bedclothes smelled musty, the hot tub had so much chlorine that when opened, it was overpowering. We were looking forwarf tothis stay and were awfully disappointed!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle V.

Liked: Cleanliness

A little paradise

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

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Amber K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

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

Boudina H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Birdsong cottage

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

10/10 Excellent

Rachel W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cosy & Clean

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

8/10 Good

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Peter W.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Quynh

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Damien B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

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

10/10 Excellent

Alie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Graham D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Sarah W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yosef S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice and cozy

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