The Bird Hide: rustic luxury 30 mins from Dunedin

Hut in Waikouaiti, New Zealand

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Emily
  1. 7 years hosting

Listing highlights

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the key safe.

Lake view

Soak up the view during your stay.

Park for free

This is one of the few places in the area with free parking.
A cosy shepherd's hut next to the Hawksbury Lagoon Wildlife Refuge - a haven for birds and a peaceful nature retreat for you. Enjoy tranquil views from the luxury of bed. Take your time with 12pm checkout. Explore the lagoon or walk 15 minutes to the stunning Waikouaiti beach. We'll leave you in peace but are on hand if needed. You have a separate guest area with kitchen and bathroom. Continental breakfast provided. Free high-speed internet and free parking. 30 minutes north of Dunedin off SH1.

The space
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 all modern conveniences (power points, lights and heating). The little woodburner creates a lovely atmosphere on a cold night (or just use the heater!). In warm weather you can throw open the French doors and relax in your own secluded nature retreat, nestled in the native plantings. The guest bathroom and kitchen nook are in a separate space below the main house, accessed a few steps from the sleeping hut across the private courtyard

Guest access
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. .

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Lake view
Waterfront
Wi-Fi
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises

Select check-in date

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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 92 reviews.

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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 98% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 2% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 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 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Waikouaiti, Otago, New Zealand

The Bird Hide is located beside the Hawksbury Lagoon Wildlife Refuge (a Department of Conservation reserve) in the heart of Waikouaiti. 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 on SH1.

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).

There is a local Beach St Tavern 10 minutes walk away with dinner options or the Golden Fleece pub on the main road near the shops. 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, a cafe for yummy breakfasts and lunches and a fish and chip shop. 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).

Meet your host

Host
133 reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
7 years of hosting
My work: Garden designer
Speaks English
I am lucky to live with my husband and daughter in this part of the world. We are excited to share our slice of paradise with visitors so they can enjoy it too.

Co-Hosts

  • Hosthub

Host details

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

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 pm
Checkout before 12:00 pm
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Exterior security cameras on property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Carbon monoxide alarm