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Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

Makarora accommodation with kitchen

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

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

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 area

Makarora

On river.At this Makarora cottage, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Te Wahipounamu and 6 miles (10 km) of Blue Pools. Lake Wānaka is within 9 miles (15 km) and Fantail Falls is within 16 miles (25 km).
View more Cottages in MakaroraOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Wānaka - 10 min drive - 15.4 km
  • Blue Pools - 16 min drive - 11.7 km
  • Fantail Falls - 17 min drive - 27.5 km

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.

Similar properties

Exterior
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
3.9 out of 5, Good, 253 reviews
The price is CA $133
CA $154 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park to the airport?

This cottage is 41.7 mi (59-min drive) away from the Wānaka Airport (WKA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Mar 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park on Mar 23, 2026 start from CA $117, excluding 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.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this cottage.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park offer free breakfast?

This cottage does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

No, there is no casino at this cottage.

What time is check-in at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park ?

Free parking is not available at this cottage.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park have a pool?

This cottage does not have a pool.

Does Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this cottage.

How close is Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park to downtown Makarora?

This cottage is 5.2 mi away from Makarora.

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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 traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Melissa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing little cabin for a getaway in the bush. Older property with classic kiwi batch vibes.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jess J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rural getaway

A beautiful country cottage is the best way to describe Sarah’s place. We stayed there for two nights as the rural part of our trip and loved it. It had everything we needed including a fire place. The property and grounds were beautiful and right behind the house was Mt Shrimpton which was an incredible forest hike. Photos of the hike below! Sarah was so so lovely and had so much knowledge about Makarora and the surrounding area. She actually picked us up from Wānaka to bring us to the house as we didn’t end up hiring a car. It was such a cosy stay, highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Tim B.

A little too rustic for us.

House smelt very musty, no tea or coffee provided. Shower wouldn't get to a desired temperature which was OK we just had a spa. Old fittings, furnishings, linen. Mouse droppings around the jug. Lots of birdlife which was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Brett M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Great stop over and accommodation style for touring cyclists. Close to facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Adrian

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

sheryl r.

A little bit too rustic for us.

Birdsong cottage was indeed like going to grandmas house. Everything was old and mismatched. Lights were not great in living area. No tea or coffee provided. Coffee machine requires special pods.Ok for a night but no longer. View was of a carport and owners shed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025