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Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park

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Exterior - Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park (Makarora)
Outdoor dining - Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park (Makarora)
Property grounds - Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park (Makarora)
Fireplace, DVD player - Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park (Makarora)
Fireplace, DVD player - Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park (Makarora)
Nestled between Mt Aspiring National Park and the Makarora Wonderland Lodge, this original stone cottage is a serene retreat. Unwind in the hydrotherapy spa or explore the surrounding wilderness with access to The Nature Walk and Shrimpton Track right at your doorstep. With a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ area, and outdoor seating with views of Mt Shrimpton nearby are just some of its charms.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue
The current price is NZ$187
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar

Add dates for prices

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.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • 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.
  • In-room 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

Similar properties

Exterior
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
7.8 out of 10, Good, 246 reviews
The price is NZ$183
includes taxes & fees
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Wonderland Makarora Lodge
Compare similar properties

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

Pets not 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
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
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

Property is also known as

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

About the area

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 mountain climbing, ecotours and hunting nearby. Visit our Makarora travel guide
View more Cottages in Makarora
Map
Makarora, OTA

What's nearby

  • Lake Wanaka which includes a lake or waterhole and a sunset
    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

Frequently asked questions

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 28 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park on 22 Mar 2026 start from 187.26, 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).

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Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park Reviews

Reviews

Wonderful

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
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

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

8.2

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful garden and cozy cottage! Lovely to have games and dvds for both adults and kids. And interesting books about the local environment and alpine region. Wish we could have stayed another night.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeric D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

8/10 Good

Brett M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

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

10/10 Excellent

Alie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing, would stay again

Lovely hot tub, area, ground, cottage, fireplace, kitchen, bedrooms, everything amazing 10/10
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Michele M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot for hiking in the park.

Rustic and comfortable place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Roger B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

weekend away

Great location, very relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful wee cottage

good spot, lovely back garden, great birdlife
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage

Location was perfect, hiked from the cottage to a bit above the bush line towards Mt Shrimpton for lunch and a great view of the valley
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A little paradise

A cute cottage nestled against the forest
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Birdsong truly is the right name for this spot. We saw a tree with 12 woodpigeons on it!! Loved the location and spa was perfect for relaxing. Will book again
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location in rural area. Sadly no tv reception or coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jess J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

8/10 Good

Tad

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
It was interesting to experience the culture of the area through a stay in the "bush." We knew the stay would be more rustic than many of our accommodations. Some areas were a bit more rustic than we had planned... but the back porch, view and birds were a big plus.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and quiet.

My wife and I stayed three nights. This is perfect rustic home for a get away. The hot tub was running and we jumped straight in after a long days walking and travelling. Good internet. Great views. Kitchen has everything you need. Good weather throughout, but could just as easily stay inside on a rainy day.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Homey Cottage

My partner and I had a great stay at the Birdsong cottage! The views around the cottage were stunning and we enjoyed the hot tub after a long day of hiking and driving. The kitchen was well-equipped for us to cook dinner and had some instant coffee for the morning. We especially loved the DVD collection and watched What We Do in the Shadows for the first time! Also, we couldn't have asked for a better location for the night before our Brewster Hut hike. Thanks again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Kate P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable basic cottage with spa

The cottage is a reasonably rustic bach but is quite comfortable. The fridge was quite small with no separate freezer and the icebox in the fridge didn't keep ffGood base to explore the area. The best part is the spa in the private back garden and the sheltered back deck with solar lights. Hosts house right next door. Hosts are friendly and helpful. are helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unique rustic cottage, comfortable and cosy. Close to nature and we could hear birdsongs in the morning. Lots of bush walks within a short drive. The cottage had all the facilities for self catering, however bring all your own supplies. There is mobile phone coverage.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia Van K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Like stepping back in time

Cute older mountain cabin has all the essentials. WiFi is limited but birdsong is plentiful. Hosts are friendly and helpful. Area is beautiful. Couches and beds are comfortable and kitchen has everything you need. It's a bit like stepping back in time. DVDs, games and books are provided for your entertainment.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Vernon

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
The location of this property can't be beat. We were plopped right in the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park with quick access to hiking and exploring. The owners seem to be wonderful and kind people. The house itself is a marvelous, historic place. The hot tub really helps elevate the value of the experience. The house could really use a thorough cleaning. We were asked to take shoes off in the house and our socks got dirty walking around on the carpet! If the carpets were scrubbed and the house were dejunked and scrubbed clean, it would be a 5 star place. The owner was working abroad and difficult to access. Husband was there, but not involved. I would stay there again because of it's location, but not my first choice.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

10/10 Excellent

Alison H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

8/10 Good

Neil W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

Yeh H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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