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.
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Makarora
Located in Makarora, this cottage is in the mountains and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Te Wahipounamu and Blue Pools. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting, hiking and ecotours nearby.
Is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park?
As of 5 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park on 15 Apr 2026 start from AU$92, 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.
How much is parking at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park located?
Situated on a river, this cottage is steps from Te Wahipounamu and within 9 mi (15 km) of Blue Pools and Lake Wānaka. Fantail Falls and Peter Fraser Park are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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.
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
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.
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!
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 !
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.
Cute little house surrounded by beautiful bush, had everything we needed, wish we could have stayed longer
Katie C.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
About the host
Hosted by Sarah Forder
My husband, son and I have lived in Makarora for 7 years. I am a conservationist and coordinate predator control work out here to protect our precious wildlife. I know a lot about birds!
Why they chose this property
For the mountains and rivers!
What makes this property unique
An affordable and spacious place, very much undiscovered