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The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

Sauna
Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar
Exterior
Free daily continental breakfast
Outdoor spa tub

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
146 Benhar Rd, Benhar, OTA, 9272
  • Place, Southern Institute of Technology
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaka Point Beach
    ‪37 min drive‬
  • Place, Nugget Point Lighthouse
    ‪63 min drive‬
  • Airport, Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite)

Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar

Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 269 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar

Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 194 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Luxury Double Room (O'Malley Suite)

Luxury Double Room (O'Malley Suite) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, free minibar

Luxury Double Room (O'Malley Suite)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 258 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Benhar

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation is located 7 mi (11.2 km) from Southern Institute of Technology and 8.9 mi (14.3 km) from Shaws Island. This 3-room, 4-star bed & breakfast has outdoor private hot tubs along with free in-room WiFi and free self parking.
View more B&B in BenharOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Southern Institute of Technology - 14 min drive - 8.5 miles
  • Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 36 min drive - 19.3 miles
  • Kaka Point Beach - 37 min drive - 19.5 miles
  • Catlins Lake - 40 min drive - 28.4 miles
  • Nugget Point Lighthouse - 63 min drive - 25.5 miles

Getting around

  • Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Captains Cafe & Bar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cafe 55 - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Highway Diner - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Heart and Soul Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bridge Tavern - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

Guests of The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation enjoy a sauna, a hot tub, and coffee in a common area. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls and an off-leash area. Other amenities at this boutique bed & breakfast include laundry facilities and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 48-inch Smart TVs with digital channels and Netflix. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and bathrobes, and beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets. Other standard amenities include outdoor private hot tubs, free minibar items, and furnished patios. Private bathrooms are not ensuite.
Recreational amenities at the bed & breakfast include a hot tub and a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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The Kaka Point Motels
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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 292 reviews
$84 nightly
The price is $98
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Hot tub
  • Playground
  • Sauna

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Baby bath
  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's dinnerware
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • High chair
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge
  • Playground
  • Separate in-room dining area
  • Trampoline

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Thin carpet in public areas

More

  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1914
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Free rollaway/extra bed

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Detached private bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 48-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services
  • Video game console

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Separate dining area
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you, lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Food and water bowls and an off-leash area are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Free rollaway/extra beds are available

Property payment types

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
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

The Fern Thistle Accommodation
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Benhar
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Bed & breakfast
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Bed & breakfast Benhar

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

As of Jun 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation on Jun 19, 2026 start from $88, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

This bed & breakfast is located in Benhar, close to Shaws Island.

Will I be able to park at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the bed & breakfast.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation feature a casino at the property?

No, The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this boutique bed & breakfast include a private outdoor hot tub, a free stocked minibar, and premium bedding.

Are there hot tubs at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

No, but guests can enjoy a sauna at this bed & breakfast.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, pets stay free at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation and the property also provides an off-leash area and food and water bowls for pets.

Are there connecting rooms at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this bed & breakfast.

Where is the closest airport to The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

The closest major airport to The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation is Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.), which is about 28.6 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

Yes, every guestroom at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation comes with a furnished patio and some offer garden views.

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 63 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 63 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 63 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 63 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 63 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharlene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hosts, loved the location and facilities. Appreciated the complimentary mini bar and beautiful selection for breakfast. Very accommodating for an early breakfast also.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The room is spacious and the continental breakfast is great. However, there are five other rooms on the property, and foot traffic in the corridor can be quite loud at times. The bathroom is not attached and is a bit of a hike from the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fresh homemade bread, jams and marmalade for breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous place.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic stay and Darryn and Sandy are excellent hosts.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don’t miss this place!

Great facility.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place. Would recommend to all who visit this area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable B & B about 10 minutes outside Balclutha in the country. We enjoyed our stay
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and excellent hosts! Had everything we could have dreamed of.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique and beautiful house with wonderful hosts.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary T

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming accommodation with beautiful garden and surrounds. It has character and close to Caitlin's and all the attractions of the region.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a gem of a property to find. The historic house and the hosts were exceptional. We were only there for 1 night, but they made us feel like friends that had returned for a visit. Absolutely recommend a stay here. And the homemade breakfast breads were amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historical building in a perfect location. Matt and Brooke were charming hosts and went out of their way to look after us.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Merry

Disliked: Amenities
The hotel itself was nice and the staff were friendly, but the room description was misleading. It did not clearly state that the bathroom is not attached to the room. The toilet is down the hall and up a flight of stairs, and the bath/shower is in a separate room down another hallway. Having to leave the room and walk through common areas to use the bathroom, especially at night, was very inconvenient. This setup should be clearly stated in the listing so guests know what to expect before booking. Breakfast was disappointing. There were 4 types of dry cereal and two types of bread. There was no fruit, yogurt, eggs, meats or cheeses.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Leonie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A quiet and enjoyable night, host very helpful
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The love and respect shown for the historic property by the current owners is inspiring. There is a very welcoming and family oriented feel to the property, and their two labs are friendly and good company. I would seriously recommend this property for small group getaways, corporate or private retreats.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the most luxurious accommodation we have stayed at in a long time. Not only was it perfect and indulgent, our hosts were amazing. We appreciated every attention to detail, even treating us in the morning by our first names as we got coffee. They made us feel welcome and part of the family.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice old style feeling. Beautiful room, building and surrounding courtyard as well as history behind the building & area
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yanlet

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

One of a kind

Relaxing and luxurious stay :) Very quiet and neat
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hospitality and welcome excellent! Grounds are beautiful. It was my first time staying in this type of accommodation and truly enjoyed it. Highly recommended. My gratitude to the family hosts.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hosts and accommodation in a beautiful historic home with lovely gardens. Comfortable spacious room with very comfortable bed and mattress. Large bathroom with plenty of extras. Excellent breakfast plenty of choice. Couldn't ask for more
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Well furnished large bedrooms. Bathroom was some way up the hallway. Continental breakfast plentiful as well as complimentary soft drinks. Quiet and peaceful in lovely large garden. Hot tub was a nice addition.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly helpful host. Beautiful historic building with well-appointed warm rooms (complimentary drinks!) and pretty gardens. Breakfast options aplenty with great coffee and homemade breads & spreads. Thanks Matt!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Selina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
OMG what an amazing we gem! Matt was so friendly and accommodating of us and our dog. The grounds were amazing, the room was amazing and everything else was just all round amazing. I would highly recommend a stay here and we will for sure be back again. Thank you so much!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Micheal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Host is a great guy and property is beautiful! Decor around the house is luxurious in a old victorian vibe. Only downside is that bathrooms are abit far from rooms and the door was not very sound proof. Other than that, it would be a great place to stay for a gettaway!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

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