Entire cabin

The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

Exterior detail
Interior
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle
Terrace/patio

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Waikouaiti, Otago
  • University of Otago
    28 min drive
  • The Octagon
    31 min drive
  • Larnach Castle
    53 min drive

Room options

About the area

Waikouaiti

On waterfront.At this Waikouaiti cabin, you'll be within 16 miles (25 km) of Warrington Beach and 20 miles (32 km) of Doctors Point. Shag Point Scenic Reserve and Orokonui Ecosanctuary are also within 20 miles (32 km).

What's nearby

  • Warrington Beach - 18 min drive - 20.8 km
  • University of Otago - 28 min drive - 38.5 km
  • The Octagon - 31 min drive - 40.3 km
  • Larnach Castle - 53 min drive - 55.2 km
  • Royal Albatross Centre - 62 min drive - 70.6 km

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

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Free breakfast available

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

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

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

  • Golfing on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (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 available

Check-out

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

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 is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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. Onsite 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 each accommodation.

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

The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Finn B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Lovely Getaway on the Lagoon
We had a fantastic weekend away. The house is very well equipped, and it's clear that a lot of care and work has gone into it. The location is wonderful, and we were warm and cosy enjoying the sounds of the estuary birds nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Mark N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun weekend away
We lived in Dunedin years ago and never been off the main road at Waikouraiti - what a treat the Bird Hide is. Lovely accommodation, interesting area and great nearby beach. The bird hide was super clean, well thought out use of a couple of small areas. Lovely breakfast, mattress with memory foam - so very comfortable. Compact space but attractive decor and everything we needed. The host was welcoming but not intrusive and seemed to have a great sustainability ethos - right down to providing a caravan plug for our ev to charge with! Thanks so much - we highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jakob L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peacefull
Amazing location with a beautiful sunrise over the lagoon. The cabin with its little wooden burner creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the stay. The host is very friendly and helpfull and makes you feel at home. 100% recommend and will come back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

justine H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful spot, so close to Dunedin with great walks.
We had a lovely time, bird hide was comfortable warm and private.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jackie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic setting
Comfortable and warm (very important mid winter:) Emily was a welcoming and available host. All needs were catered for and my comfort was enquired after. The view couldn't be beaten.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Phil B.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a real little gem
Excellent views peaceful place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing little unit. Great view, great facilities.
Easy access, great location. We will definitely come back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Johanna V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the location
Short walk to through the logon and to the beach. Just what was needed to blow away the cobwebs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alison S.

Liked: Cleanliness
It’s a kind of magic...
Situated down a long gravel driveway is sweet bliss. A place to take a deep breath and exhale while overlooking the most tranquil setting and only 30 minutes away from Dunedin. The accommodation was everything you could wish for and the bed was super comfy, had the best night sleep. Bathroom and kitchen was well appointed and breakfast was delicious and a great start to the day. Fabulous coffee and really yummy muesli. Would definitely recommend and stay here again. Thanks so much for a comfortable and sublime place to unwind.

10/10 Excellent

Bennett J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
We loved staying here. Everything was perfect about the place, sheep wagon, kitchen and bath. We especially enjoyed being in close proximity to so many different kinds of birds and sea life. The beach was long and beautiful. A perfect way to end our epic journey to a remote beach on Stewart Island. Also so very happy we could make it for dinner at Fleurs Place in Moeraki. Loved seeing the Spoonbills.

8/10 Good

peter w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden charm
A very nice place to stay if you appreciate a water view and being able to observe birds from close quarters. Some difficulty finding the place as communication was by email on the day of arrival and we don't have roaming Internet access. After we found we had a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Lagoon is a best kept local treasure
Delightful location: a true hidden gem. Without staying at the Birdhide we would have not realized the secluded haven on the lagoon. The walking track around the lagoon was an easy flat walk and a great way to take in the variety of native birds in their habitat. As for the accommodations, the queen bed was comfy and clean and the sunrise over the mountain was the best alarm clock. A heater was available and along with the quaint log burner it was more than adequate to keep away the chill of spring. The well maintained kitchen and bathroom were a short walk away and although tucked into the main home the access and use remained private with a little outdoor courtyard created between the spaces. The birdhide had all the necessities of true kiwi hospitality while offering a secluded retreat. We found the resident chicken to be a curious and friendly host!!! Thanks for the lovely stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kimberley H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful little hideaway
Lovely quaint little cottage, with Fanta views across the lake at sunrise. Beautifully presented. Would definitely stay again.

10/10 Excellent

Sharyn H., 16 Orbell St Queenstown

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect little getaway
Spent the night here and it was lovely and clean, well-stocked with all the essentials you could need, and had a very calming atmosphere. Right on the lagoon with the birds chirping and lovely walks around the causeways right on the doorstep. Will definitely be returning!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matthew B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing night away
Great little cottage with awesome view of the lagoon. The cottage was clean and well presented. Very cozy.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019