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The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

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Exterior
Property grounds
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle
Property grounds
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Water viewWater viewWater view

Check out the area

Map
Waikouaiti, Otago
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Otago28 min drive
  • Popular LocationThe Octagon31 min drive
  • Popular LocationLarnach Castle53 min drive

Room options

About the area

Waikouaiti

At this cabin, you'll be 20.8 km (12.9 mi) from Warrington Beach and 25.4 km (15.8 mi) from Doctors Point. .Cabin features free WiFi, a fireplace and a patio. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge and a microwave. A coffee/tea maker, a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board are also available.

What's nearby

  • University of Otago - 28 min drive
  • Dunedin Botanic Garden - 29 min drive
  • Forsyth Barr Stadium - 30 min drive
  • The Octagon - 31 min drive
  • Larnach Castle - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • Fish Inn - 17 min walk
  • Harvest Moon Cafe - 18 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

Our modern shepherd's hut overlooks the Hawksbury Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birds and a peaceful escape for you. Enjoy panoramic views from your bed and from the outdoor seating areas. Walk across the lagoon to the stunning Waikouaiti beach or stoke up the little fire for a cosy evening. We'll leave you in peace but are on hand if needed. Guests have a separate private bathroom and kitchenette. Free WiFi. Plenty of parking and a campervan port too. 30 minutes drive to Dunedin.

We love to share our special spot beside the lagoon. You can bird-watch from your bed in the Bird Hide! There are often spectacular sunrises across the water too. The cosy sleeping space with curved ceiling has a queen size bed made up with luxury cotton and linen bedding. It's a replica of a shepherd's hut with modern conveniences such as power, lights and heating. The little woodburner creates a lovely atmosphere on a cold night. In warm weather you can throw open the French doors and relax in your own secluded nature retreat, nestled in the native harakeke.

We've tried to keep the Bird Hide access quite separate from our family home so that you can come and go as you please, arriving and leaving without needing to interact with us. You share a driveway and parking area with the household but the Bird Hide access is private to you. The guest bathroom and kitchen nook are in a separate space below the main house, accessed from the Bird Hide by a few steps across your own private gravel courtyard.

Waikouaiti is a beautiful historic area with many options for walking and exploring in and around the village and is only 30 minutes drive away from Dunedin city.

There is a network of flat causeways across the lagoon with easy walking on gravelled surfaces. You can take a lovely walk from the end of our street along the causeways to the beach (about 15 minutes). Waikouaiti beach itself is a stunning, sheltered long white beach with few visitors.

Other exploring ideas include: the historic Matanaka farm buildings of early settler Johnny Jones that overlook the ocean; the delightful St Johns Anglican church around the corner (the oldest church still in use in Otago/Southland and a filming location for the movie The Light Between Oceans); golf at the Waikouaiti golf course (visible from the Bird Hide) nearby Huriawa peninsula and Karitane beach and fishing village; Karitane Maori Waka Tours; local second-hand shops; the Coast Road drive along to Blueskin Bay and Waitati; a visit to the Moeraki boulders (30 minutes away) and further afield to Oamaru (50 minutes away).

The Golden Fleece pub on the main road near the shops has meals and the Fish Inn fish and chip shop also does Asian meals. The local shops are all on the Main Road (Highway One) and are 10 minutes walk away. There is a dairy for all your general needs, a bakery with delicious Beanos pies and baking and the Outpost cafe for yummy breakfasts and lunches. In the summer months you can also enjoy wood-fired pizza from the nearby Karitane general store (5 minutes drive) and food trucks and beer at the stylish Arc Brewery in Evansdale (15 minutes drive).

There is a public bus service between Waikouaiti and Dunedin, the bus stop is 5 minutes walk away from the Bird Hide. Visit the Otago Regional Council website for the timetable. However most guests will have their own transport. We have plenty of parking on the property and we even have a caravan plug by the parking area so you can plug in your campervan or charge your electric vehicle!

Property manager

Emily

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cabin: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • On-site parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Paper towels
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Free breakfast available

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower only
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayaking on site
  • Golf on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Property is also known as

Bird Hide Rustic Luxury Water B&B Waikouaiti
Bird Hide Rustic Luxury Water B&B
Bird Hide Rustic Luxury Water Waikouaiti
Bird Hide Rustic Luxury Water
The Bird Hide - Rustic Luxury by the Water Waikouaiti
The Bird Hide - Rustic Luxury by the Water Bed & breakfast
Bed & breakfast The Bird Hide - Rustic Luxury by the Water
The Bird Hide - Rustic Luxury by the Water Waikouaiti
Bird Hide Rustic Water B&b

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

The closest beach to The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water is St. Clair Beach (36.1 km).

Does The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water have a pool?

No, this cabin doesn't have a pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

No, The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenna K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely blissful
I can not fault this stay at all! Everything was perfect. Location is amazing and the accommodation is gorgeous. Extremely clean. The bed was comfortable. Shower and water pressure AMAZING. Was just what we needed. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dianne H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous
The property is absolutely lovely. The location is to die for - stunning. We couldn’t have asked for more in the way of provisions. Only downside - we had to leave to continue our holiday. From our arrival to departure we were made to feel welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn T.

Liked: Cleanliness
hideaway
Just a delightful place to stay- would highly recommend to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time at this great little home away...beautiful views in the mornings over the lake...very quiet and very clean...host provided a lovely assortment of breakfast items which was unexpected...
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phoebe T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection
Couldn't have been a better location for a much-needed break away. Relaxing, beautiful, well equipped, modern and rustic, and lovely hosts. Would love to go back. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julian R., Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute and comfy
Great location by the lagoon (especially if you're into birdwatching) and Emily is a lovely host. Very cosy little shepherd's hut for sleeping with other facilities just up the path.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

greg f.

Liked: Cleanliness
The bird hide
Ngā mihi nui Emily and Sam, this was our first visit to Dunedin and we absolutely fell in love with the place. The bird hide was perfect place to return back to each night. It has an amazing walrua, peaceful, comfortable, with small touches that made it just magical. Waking up to watch the birds in the lagoon was very special. The bird hide was clean and had a real sustainable philosophy. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicky A.

Liked: Cleanliness
An ideal spot to hide away.
A sweet little cabin in a lovely tranquil location. Sunrises over the lagoon with it's abundant birdlife made for a very relaxing stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wayne T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bird hide
Suited us perfectly. Dawn across the Lagoon beautiful. Wouldn't change a thing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joel K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great relaxing stay.
Amazing property with a superb view of the lagoon. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022