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The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

4.0 star property
Family-friendly 4-star B&B with free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

Sauna
Front of property
Luxury Double Room (O'Malley Suite)
Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite) | Bathroom
Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

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
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaka Point Scenic Reserve
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Kaka Point Beach
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Airport, Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite)

Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite)

Luxury Room (McSkimmings Suite)

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

View all photos for Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

Superior Room (Iwi Katea Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 18 sq m
  • 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)

Luxury Double Room (O'Malley Suite)

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

About the area

Benhar

Close to the beach.Stay at this Benhar B&B and you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Southern Institute of Technology and Shaws Island. Kaka Point Scenic Reserve and Kaka Point Beach are also within 20 miles (32 km).
View more B&B in BenharOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Southern Institute of Technology - 12 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 29 min drive - 32.1 km
  • Kaka Point Beach - 29 min drive - 32.4 km
  • Catlins Lake - 33 min drive - 45.0 km
  • Nugget Point Lighthouse - 54 min drive - 42.4 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation

Family-friendly 4-star B&B with free breakfast
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offers its guests a hot tub and a sauna. Free breakfast is available daily. The family-friendly The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation also features a garden, coffee/tea in a common area, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Benhar bed & breakfast.

  • 3 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1914
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Garden
  • Smoking in designated areas
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offers 3 accommodations with outdoor private hot tubs and free minibar items. Rooms open to furnished patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate dining areas. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 48-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels, video-game consoles, and Netflix.

Rooms have detached private bathrooms. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, and hair dryers. This Benhar bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
The Kaka Point Motels
Kaka Point
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 291 reviews
The price is CA $126
CA $145 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 3 - Jun 4
The Kaka Point Motels

Property amenities

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

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Thin carpet in public areas

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Free rollaway/extra bed

Bathroom

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

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

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Food and water bowls and an off-leash area are available

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Free rollaway/extra beds!
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not 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
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. 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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

How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation to the airport?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation is 34.5 mi (46-min drive) away from the Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation on Jun 3, 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 The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation.

How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation to the beach?

This bed & breakfast is 16.1 mi (29-min drive) from Kaka Point Beach.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offer free breakfast?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

No, there is no casino at this bed & breakfast.

What time is check-in at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?

This bed & breakfast offers free self parking.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have a pool?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation does not have a pool.

Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this bed & breakfast.

How close is The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation to downtown Benhar?

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation is 0.3 mi away from Benhar.

The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

travis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I’ve stayed at some of the finest places in the world. There is not enough space to list all of amenities and complimentary services offered here. It is beautiful and you feel like a pampered guest of the aristocracy. You’ll just have to see for yourself. Best in the south island for sure. Hosts are great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Darwyyn

Disliked: Amenities
I was in the Superior Room which their internal brochure describes as their "standard" room. The bedroom was nice and the bed was comfortable, although the dresser bureau had some sticky residue on it. The trouble was that my bathroom was split between the ground (shower/bathtub with a sink) and first (toilet and a borderline unusable sink), so I had to go up the stairs to use the toilet and then, because the sink tap had no space between the water and the bowl (see pictures), I would go down the stairs and down the hall to use the other sink. I've stayed in accommodation where the toilet was separate from the shower before, but never where it was on another level. Frustratingly, I was told my room was the only room with this split bathroom facility - but I was also told there were 2 Superior "Iwi Katea" rooms, so it's not clear which you'll get from the listing. When I asked if I could move rooms, because I was there 3 nights, I was told no, even though they weren't fully booked all the nights I was there. Folks might also want to know that the McSkimmings Suite's bathroom is on the first floor as well, but all beddrooms and the other bathrooms seemed to be on the ground floor. The outside grounds and gardens are really nice, and the breakfast was nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025