The Brown House

Entire home in Lake Ōhau, New Zealand

  1. 10 guests
  2. 4 bedrooms
  3. 6 beds
  4. 2 baths
Hosted by Janet
  1. Superhost
  2. 10 years hosting

Listing highlights

Designed by

Lisa Webb

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the key safe.

Extra spacious

Guests love this home’s spaciousness for a comfortable stay.
The Brown House was tragically lost in 2020 in New Zealand’s worst fire disaster that devastated the village

Award winning architect Lisa Webb who designed the first Brown House was enlisted to design the rebuild. The results are just as stunning



This four-bedroom retreat accommodates up to ten guests. Each bedroom offers breathtaking views. The house includes two living areas a dedicated office space, two bathrooms and
a fully equipped kitchen.

The space
The Brown House Mark II
This beautifully crafted, four-bedroom retreat Each bedroom offers breathtaking views, while The Hideout features a skylight for stargazing. The house includes two living areas, one with a cozy nook and a roaring fire. For those needing to stay connected, there is a dedicated office space. The home features two bathrooms, one with a luxurious Ofuro Japanese soaking tub.
The fully equipped kitchen boasts:
• Two ovens
• Induction cooktop
• Dishwasher
• Wine fridge
• Large French-door refrigerator
• Coffee machine
A Spectacular Location – The Southern Alps & Mackenzie Basin
Lake Ohau is located in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, within the Mackenzie Basin—a vast, high-country region renowned for its dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, and breathtaking night skies. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for stargazing, with minimal light pollution allowing an unparalleled view of the Milky Way.
Surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes, Lake Ohau is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the region’s highlights include:
• Skiing & Snowboarding – The Ohau Ski Field offers uncrowded slopes, stunning views, and excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
• Water Activities – Boating, water skiing, kite surfing, and canoeing on Lake Ohau and nearby lakes and rivers.
• Fishing – The region is famous for its trout fishing, with brown and rainbow trout thriving in the cold, clear waters.
• Gliding – Omarama, just a short drive away, is one of the world’s premier gliding destinations, offering spectacular views over the Southern Alps.
• Hiking & Trekking – Explore the rugged mountain ranges, native beech forests, and alpine meadows, with trails suitable for all levels, from easy walks to challenging alpine treks.
• Cycling – The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular multi-day rides, passes through Lake Ohau, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
• Hunting & Wildlife Viewing – The surrounding high-country stations and conservation areas provide opportunities for hunting red deer, chamois, and tahr, while nature lovers can enjoy spotting native birds and wildlife.
Wildlife & Natural Beauty
The Mackenzie Basin is home to a unique mix of native and introduced wildlife. You may spot:
• Kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, known for its intelligence and playful nature.
• New Zealand falcons (Kārearea) soaring above the mountain ridges.
• South Island robins, bellbirds (Korimako), and tomtits in the native beech forests.
• The endangered Black Stilt (Kakī), one of the rarest wading birds in the world, found in nearby braided river systems.
• Himalayan tahr and chamois, introduced species that roam the alpine slopes.
• Stars of the Night – The region's dark sky reserve status makes it one of the best places in the world for astronomy, with unmatched views of the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and even the occasional aurora australis (Southern Lights).
An Unforgettable Stay
Lake Ohau is a place you will never forget—a breathtaking retreat in one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand.

Guest access
Guests are able to use the entire house.

Other things to note
please do not light any fires or let off fire works as this area has fire restrictions. please leave your cars at the top of the driveway so you do not get stuck on the pebbles outside the house.
No parties please

Where you'll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wi-Fi
Free driveway parking on premises – 1 space
Pets allowed
TV
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm

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Rated 4.81 out of 5 from 268 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is a guest favourite based on ratings, reviews and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 84% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 13% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 3% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for value

Guests mention

Where you’ll be

Lake Ōhau, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meet your host

Superhost
268 reviews
4.81 out of 5 average rating
10 years of hosting
My work: I am an artist
Lives in Auckland, New Zealand

Janet is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly-rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know