Cabin

The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

Photo gallery for The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water

A view through a doorway of a lake with surrounding vegetation and trees.
A rustic cabin with a door and window, surrounded by natural vegetation and a body of water in the background.
A narrow hallway leading to a kitchen with a dining area.
A wooden room with a large window, a chair, a bed, and a wood stove.
A gravel path leading to a seating area with chairs and a table, overlooking a lake with trees in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top-rated comfy beds
    Guests liked the comfy beds here.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Breakfast included
  • Kitchenette
  • Free internet
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Waikouaiti, Otago
  • Place, Doctors Point
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Place, Warrington Beach
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Otago
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

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About the area

Waikouaiti

Located in Waikouaiti, this cabin is on the waterfront. Historic Fort Taiaroa and Otakou Marae are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Doctors Point and Shag Point Scenic Reserve. NZ Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium and Dunedin Botanic Garden are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Scuba diving, snorkelling and power boating adventures can be found near the property.
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Map
Waikouaiti, Otago

What's nearby

  • Doctors Point - 21 min drive - 26.8 km
  • Warrington Beach - 24 min drive - 24.2 km
  • University of Otago - 33 min drive - 45.5 km
  • Dunedin Botanic Garden - 33 min drive - 45.5 km
  • The Octagon - 35 min drive - 46.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Fish Inn Waikouaiti - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Vicories Shed - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Truby King Reserve - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Golden Fleece Hotel - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Ploughmans Cafe - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

As of 25 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water on 6 Jan 2027 start from £147, 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 The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Bird Hide - rustic luxury by the water located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 20 miles (32 km) of Warrington Beach, Doctors Point and Shag Point Scenic Reserve. Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Holy Trinity Church are also within 25 miles (40 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. 31 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bird Hide was Easy to find with the instructions given by Emily. Super easy check-in, super clean and only 30 mins from Dunedin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had a great time at this great little home away...beautiful views in the mornings over the lake...very quiet and very clean...host provided a lovely assortment of breakfast items which was unexpected...
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

hideaway

Just a delightful place to stay- would highly recommend to family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

An ideal spot to hide away.

A sweet little cabin in a lovely tranquil location. Sunrises over the lagoon with it's abundant birdlife made for a very relaxing stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Total Relaxation

Wonderful location. Beautiful walks around the lagoon and to the beach. Facilities 10/10 very comfortable bed. Thank you Emily for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cute and comfy

Great location by the lagoon (especially if you're into birdwatching) and Emily is a lovely host. Very cosy little shepherd's hut for sleeping with other facilities just up the path.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A Lovely Getaway on the Lagoon

We had a fantastic weekend away. The house is very well equipped, and it's clear that a lot of care and work has gone into it. The location is wonderful, and we were warm and cosy enjoying the sounds of the estuary birds nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely and clean. Lots of heaters to keep us warm. Friendly host's. Lovely little touches like bread, coffee and tea bags etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfection

Couldn't have been a better location for a much-needed break away. Relaxing, beautiful, well equipped, modern and rustic, and lovely hosts. Would love to go back. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous

The property is absolutely lovely. The location is to die for - stunning. We couldn’t have asked for more in the way of provisions. Only downside - we had to leave to continue our holiday. From our arrival to departure we were made to feel welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Absolutely blissful

I can not fault this stay at all! Everything was perfect. Location is amazing and the accommodation is gorgeous. Extremely clean. The bed was comfortable. Shower and water pressure AMAZING. Was just what we needed. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was really excellent in every way. Thank you.Maurice
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The bird hide

Ngā mihi nui Emily and Sam, this was our first visit to Dunedin and we absolutely fell in love with the place. The bird hide was perfect place to return back to each night. It has an amazing walrua, peaceful, comfortable, with small touches that made it just magical. Waking up to watch the birds in the lagoon was very special. The bird hide was clean and had a real sustainable philosophy. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Bird hide

Suited us perfectly. Dawn across the Lagoon beautiful. Wouldn't change a thing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great relaxing stay.

Amazing property with a superb view of the lagoon. Highly recommend!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fun weekend away

We lived in Dunedin years ago and never been off the main road at Waikouraiti - what a treat the Bird Hide is. Lovely accommodation, interesting area and great nearby beach. The bird hide was super clean, well thought out use of a couple of small areas. Lovely breakfast, mattress with memory foam - so very comfortable. Compact space but attractive decor and everything we needed. The host was welcoming but not intrusive and seemed to have a great sustainability ethos - right down to providing a caravan plug for our ev to charge with! Thanks so much - we highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Peacefull

Amazing location with a beautiful sunrise over the lagoon. The cabin with its little wooden burner creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the stay. The host is very friendly and helpfull and makes you feel at home. 100% recommend and will come back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful spot, so close to Dunedin with great walks.

We had a lovely time, bird hide was comfortable warm and private.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fantastic setting

Comfortable and warm (very important mid winter:) Emily was a welcoming and available host. All needs were catered for and my comfort was enquired after. The view couldn't be beaten.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

This is a real little gem

Excellent views peaceful place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing little unit. Great view, great facilities.

Easy access, great location. We will definitely come back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved the location

Short walk to through the logon and to the beach. Just what was needed to blow away the cobwebs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

It’s a kind of magic...

Situated down a long gravel driveway is sweet bliss. A place to take a deep breath and exhale while overlooking the most tranquil setting and only 30 minutes away from Dunedin. The accommodation was everything you could wish for and the bed was super comfy, had the best night sleep. Bathroom and kitchen was well appointed and breakfast was delicious and a great start to the day. Fabulous coffee and really yummy muesli. Would definitely recommend and stay here again. Thanks so much for a comfortable and sublime place to unwind.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely

We loved staying here. Everything was perfect about the place, sheep wagon, kitchen and bath. We especially enjoyed being in close proximity to so many different kinds of birds and sea life. The beach was long and beautiful. A perfect way to end our epic journey to a remote beach on Stewart Island. Also so very happy we could make it for dinner at Fleurs Place in Moeraki. Loved seeing the Spoonbills.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Hidden charm

A very nice place to stay if you appreciate a water view and being able to observe birds from close quarters. Some difficulty finding the place as communication was by email on the day of arrival and we don't have roaming Internet access. After we found we had a very pleasant stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Hi Peter I’m glad you enjoyed your time at The Bird Hide. I’m sorry if the arrival and address information was unclear. If you have suggestions on how this could be improved (other than the timing mentioned) please do let me know. Thank you for staying! Best wishes Emily
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