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3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!

Photo gallery for 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!

A bedroom with a large bed, a potted plant, a view of a lake and mountains through a sliding door, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.
A lakeside view with a bench and a wheelbarrow by the water's edge.
A table with food and a bottle, overlooking a lake and hills.
A beach with pebbles and a sunset over the water.
A room with a large sliding glass door leading to a deck with a view of a lake and mountains.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Sleeps 6•3 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Explore the area

View in a map
Little River, Canterbury Region
  • Place, Lake Forsyth
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Hagley Park
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Place, Lyttelton Harbour
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bunk Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!

Welcome to our three-bedroom lakefront home with stunning sea views, nestled in the heart of Birdlings Flat.

This comfortable and pet-friendly family home offers the perfect base to experience the rugged beauty of the area, just 200 meters from the treasure-filled beach. Spend your days beachcombing or exploring the dramatic coastline, then unwind in the evening at the bar while enjoying the Dark Sky nights or occasional Aurora.

Only 40 minutes from Christchurch, our unique getaway offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature — ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to relax and reconnect.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 1 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4669810vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Birdlings Flat

Birdlings Flat is home to this holiday home. Lyttelton Harbour and Port Hills are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Christchurch Adventure Park and Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub.
View more Holiday homes in Birdlings FlatOpens in a new window
Map
Little River, Canterbury Region

What's nearby

  • Lake Forsyth - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Wolfbrook Arena - 48 min drive - 51.0 km
  • Hagley Park - 49 min drive - 51.7 km
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre - 54 min drive - 54.2 km
  • Lyttelton Harbour - 57 min drive - 53.4 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little River Hotel - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Little River Café - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The One Next Door - ‬10 min drive
  • Little River Diner
  • ‪Junction Coffee & Eats - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 3-bed gem in Birdlings Flat with stunning lake & ocean views – a rare retreat! located?

Situated in Birdlings Flat, this holiday home is steps from Lake Forsyth and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Lake Ellesmere. Banks Peninsula and Wainui Banks Peninsula are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elye

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Richie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host Jan made sure we were all set up for a great weekend at the property. It's a fabulous spot with amazing views of the lake and ocean. Most relaxing!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
Thanks for the review Richie, pleased you enjoyed your time out here😁
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Juanita R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful communication.The pictures do not give enough credit to how amazing the views are at this holiday home.The outside is beautifully landscaped right down to the lake.The holiday home was lovely, clean and warm especially with the fire which we enjoyed The beds were very comfortable and warm.This holiday home has everything you need.We will hopefully come back again in summer.The only bad thing was my husband did not catch a fish :( maybe next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nikki A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jan was very welcoming and a great communicator. The views are outstanding, and the property is warm and comfortable with everything you need.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is fantastic for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle. The views are fantastic, and the home is nicely equipped for some meal prep. The walks along the beach are relaxing and there is little light pollution if you are into stargazing. Jan was a welcoming host, and was quick to answer any questions that we had about the property.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Feb 2026
Thanks for your review, so pleased you got your relaxing break😁
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful warm and cozy house. Has everything you need. My grandchildren loved the bunk beds and also loved exploring the property. Will definitely go and stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2025
Really appreciate the review and so happy you enjoyed your stay😁
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a real privilege to be able to stay in this home, and wished we had booked for longer. Everything (plus more) was provided. All we had to do was unpack, and make the hard decision as to where best to sit to enjoy the sun and views. A very relaxing holiday.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2026
Thanks Helen, we really appreciate your kind review.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Penelope C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We've never given a 5-star rating - but this is it! This really is a gem. The fire was ready for a single match when we arrived in the dark, and it was quickly warm and snug. Beds really comfy, decor quirky and stylish, extremely well stocked. The best was to come. When we opened the blinds in the morning we were stunned by the views - up and down Lake Forsyth and out to sea. The gardens are beautiful, again with quirky touches and lots of seating and viewing nooks, which we used often, day and evening, to take in the ever-changing vistas. Excellent communication, good directions and such an easy distance from Christchurch and to Akaroa. I can't recommend this bach highly enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
What a wonderful review, think I have read it about 100 times😁 Birdlings is such an amazing place and just chuffed you loved your stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Francis

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Situé dans un village très rustique et retiré, c'est le plus bel emplacement de l'endroit avec une vue tout simplement maginfique. La maison est propre avec toutes les commodités et même plus, incluant de belles attentions de l'hôte à l'arrivée. Exceptionnellement, nous sommes arrivé juste avant la pire période de pluie en Nouvelle Zélande depuis 30 ans avec bon nombre d'innodations et avons été isolé pendant 2 jours, car les routes bloqués, sans avoir pu faire notre épicerie... sans électricité, téléphone et internet pour un moment, nous avons été totalement en securité et au chaud grâce au foyer. L'hôte a très bien gérer cet événement, nous offrant ses réserves de nourriture au congélateur et nous faisant de très bons suivi sur la situation. Nous avons fait plusieurs belles découvertes dans la région qui est superbe. Un gros merci, Jan, pour ce séjour mémorable!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026

About the host

Hosted by Jan Daffin

Host profile image
We are both long term residence of Birdlings Flat and love the place dearly. We are off on our own adventure and will be working in different parts of New Zealand for the next few years.

Birdlings FLat is like being on a permanent holiday, you cant help but relax when you drive in and even after years we are still in awe of this truly stunning part of New Zealand.

Why they chose this property

Situated only 40 minutes from Christchurch and another 45 minutes to Akaroa, we are well located to explore the beautiful Banks Peninsula. We are a tiny suburb off State Hightway 75, with a population of only 300 residence. No footpaths and limited street lighting leads to a quiet, beautiful village,

What makes this property unique

Our property is situated on the Lakeside of Lake Forsyth (Te Roto o Wairewa. We also have amazing views of Birdlings Flat beach and from the comfort of the couch you can enjoy the stunning beauty off Lake meeting ocean.

On our lake we have an amazing array of birdlife including the rare puteketeke (crested grebe), swans and plenty of geese. You will also quite regularly see fish leaping out the water.

Dark nights are also a unique part of our area although not officially listed as a dark sky area. On a clear night, enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way and a million stars sparkling above. Birdlings Flat is also a popular spot for the aurora for this reason.

Languages:

English
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