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Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

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Photo gallery for Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

Exterior
Fireplace, DVD player
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Fireplace, DVD player

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Makarora, OTA
  • Place, Lake Ohau
  • Place, Lake Hawea
  • Place, Lake Wānaka
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Makarora

This cottage places you next to Te Wahipounamu and within a 10-minute drive of Blue Pools. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
View more Cottages in MakaroraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Wānaka - 10 min drive - 9.6 miles
  • Blue Pools - 16 min drive - 7.3 miles
  • Fantail Falls - 17 min drive - 17.1 miles
  • Peter Fraser Park - 39 min drive - 38.0 miles

Getting around

  • Wānaka Airport (WKA) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Makarora country cafe - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

This original stone cottage is nestled on a bushy section between Mt Aspiring National Park and land owned by the Makarora Wonderland Lodge. We live in the Octagonal house next to you. The bird life is incredible with Kaka, Tui and Kereru frequently landing in the trees around us. It is a spacious, self-contained, 2 bedroom abode (choice of singles or King bed in second room) with lounge. There is a collection of DVD's and board games. Fully equipped kitchen. Outside is a garden entertaining area with table and chairs, BBQ, and views up to Mt Shrimpton. The Nature Walk and Shrimpton Track join up to our property. Go for a night wander to see the glow worms!
The Cottage is a 2 minute walk from the Wonderland Cafe/Restaurant/Bar and a 10 minute drive from the must-see Blue Pools. There are a number of epic short walks and multi-day hikes including the Gillespies Pass Circuit right at your door-step. We recommend staying a few nights to enjoy the wilderness, hiking, trout fishing or jumping on a fixed wing plane, heli or jet boat for an adventure up the Wilkin River Valley and beyond.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a fireplace and a coffee maker. Change of bedsheets is available on request.

Similar properties

Exterior
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
Makarora
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.8 out of 10, Good, 260 reviews
$102 nightly
The price is $117
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Total with taxes and fees
Wonderland Makarora Lodge

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:30 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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
  • Check-in: 3:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • 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.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property Makarora
Vrbo Property Private vacation home
Vrbo Property Private vacation home Makarora

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Makarora, just steps from Te Wahipounamu. You'll also find Blue Pools nearby.

How much does it cost to stay at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

As of Apr 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park on May 3, 2026 start from $101, 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.

Will I be able to park at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cottage include a fireplace and a kitchen along with a garden.

Are there hot tubs at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

Yes, every cottage at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park comes with a patio and some offer mountain views.

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Grant W.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Heatpump was good, and the setting was nice. Some nice eclectic touches in the decor, but overall maintenance was below standard.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Andrea H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovrly setting, friendly owners
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

8/10 Good

Amy J.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved the Birdsong Cottage! Highlights include the songbirds and overall feel of the cottage. We also enjoyed the cafe nearby. The Cottage is well-loved. The hostess was super helpful and communicative.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is a aptly named rustic cottage like you'd find in an English romantic novel. There's lots of space. The concentration of birds was phenomenal. It is literally next to three walking trails all with their own charm. Ideally located for Mt. Aspiring hikes.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Nikki W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous one night stop over at Bird Song Cottage. We were lucky enough to see our favourite birds:)
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jill S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Host was lovely and helpful. This rustic cottage is a wee gem. Peaceful and comfortable. Lovely place to spend a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bridget P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location for exploring Mt Aspiring. Beds were very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alec Sherman C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very rustic , very quaint , clean and quite. Beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Stuart D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Plenty of room, all neat and tidy
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Pene W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birdsong Cottage is a delightful, charming and quirky property at Makarora, with a real old time kiwi crib/ bach feel. The birds’ song was constant during the day and we also heard a ruru (morepork) one night.This was a fantastic base for us to explore parts of the tracks along the Haast Highway and both Mount Aspiring National Park and Hāwea Conservation Park. A real bonus was the extension to the nearby Makarora Bush Track with a recently constructed Charteris trail through a QEII covenanted forest area meaning a lovely walk up to an hour if you doubled back.The cottage had a power outage the first two nights - not the hosts’ fault - and they were fantastic in their communication and management of this problem.Absolutely recommended and we would like to go back!
View from the back up to the mountains
Constant tui, korimako (bellbird), kereru (wood pigeon) and other birds
Makarora Bush Walk 5 minutes away
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful quirky cottage away from the Christmas madness - just what we needed to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
The loveliest hosts and a beautiful traditional cottage made for a great stay at Birdsong Cottage.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Lynnette C.

never saw the host.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lana

Fantastic, cosy and atmospheric place in an amazing location. We loved absolutely everything about our stay here. Such a gem and the spa bath was incredible. Go in after dark, don't use the jet streams (so there will be no noise) and enjoy the stars and the sounds of the Ruru, the frogs and other creatures of the night.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a lovely stay at the cottage. Host was very welcoming. Had the best nights sleep the beds were very comfortable. Movie selection was great and the bbq worked well. Unfortunately the hot tub wasn’t working which we only found out when we went to use it but completely understand. The only other thing was also the door to the property only locked form the outside. Not a big issue but as two young girls travelling alone we did get a bit anxious about this. Overall loved our stay and would recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeric D.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house is very cozy and clean. We had a wonderful time with the spa while enjoying the spectacular views of the mountain.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a beautiful setting and the bird sounds were wonderful! I loved the cabin. The beds were super warm
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Neil W.

Liked: Cleanliness
pleasant greeting upon arrival, room clean and warm - was a wet, cold day - Host brought over dry kindling for the fire.authentic rustic building with all required conveniences
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful cottage, wonderful views, great hot tub!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clare R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our overnight at Birdsong! The deck and hot pool were great for bird listening and spotting. We had everything we needed for a comfy stay. Quirky and old school amenities with all the good stuff.If we are being picky We could have done with a second set of towels as we used the hot tub and needed a shower the next morning. Also struggled with the fire as kept going out, maybe flue needs cleaning? Heat pump was more than adequate to keep us all warm and cosy!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness
If you love New Zealand bush especially silver beech forest, glacial pools, mountain views, peace and quiet - you’ll love it here! Such a good base to explore the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yeh H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Check in was suprr easy , and the house is so cozy , we feel right at home straight away ! Have full kitchen ware and oven , we had no problem cooking meals. We loved it here !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Alexis H.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Fit for Purpose, but Not Relaxing

The location is great for walking trails along the pass, and overall the bach was comfortable enough. There was plenty of bedding and it warmed up well. The wood burner and supply of logs were lovely.There is a mouse issue, with one dead on arrival and droppings in the cupboard. It's not uncommon close to the bush but a heads up would've been appreciated. The only mouse-proof areas to store food were the fridge and microwave.The fridge was a poorly functioning mini-fridge, not a standard fridge and freezer as per the photo, which made things difficult for a four night stay and medication. It struggled to keep anything chilled on any setting.The toilet facilities were okay. The shower drain was blocked and would immediately overflow with sediment from the drain, but the water was nice and hot. Surfaces were dusted and it wasn't musty. However, socks continuously collected a lot of hair from the carpet, and some dirty tissues were under the sofa when we shuffled it to face the TV. Some furniture covers were stained but seemed clean.The spa was out of order during our stay, but the hosts let us know it might be an issue a few days in advance. The view from the lounge is of the host's carpark, but out the back is private and surrounded by trees. The bird presence was akin to Dunedin botanic gardens and university grounds.The collection of DVD's was a nice range.Overall the bach was fit for purpose, but not a relaxing stay in itself.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Karen D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cosy

Cottage was cosy enough for the 2 of us. Unfortunately, the spa was out of order, but these things happen and the host did communicate with us on this. Close enough to Haast to do a drive and check out the waterfalls.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025