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The old orchard cottage

Photo gallery for The old orchard cottage

Exterior
Looking from the lounge
Private kitchen
Living area
Lounge

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4914.9 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Maniototo County, Saint Bathans
  • Place, Hot Tubs Omarama
  • Place, Warbirds & Wheels
  • Place, Clay Cliffs
  • Airport, Wānaka Airport (WKA)
    ‪98 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 1 Crib

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The old orchard cottage

Located in the peaceful small historic village of St Bathans this cottage is a new build with an old feel. We used mud bricks to build the cottage in keeping with the local culture of the village, and inside we have created a lovely comfortable home with all modern facilities.
This cottage is an ideal place to base yourself if you want to explore the beautiful central Otago district. We are only 1.5 hours from Queenstown and only 40 minutes from Alexandra and Ranfurly. Nearby attractions are Naseby, Oterahura, Omakau and of course the Otago Rail Trail.
Directly across the road from the cottage is the famous Blue Lake which is a remnant of the old gold mining days, originally a 70 meter deep gold sluicing mine, now a recreational lake. The village itself is ideal for anyone who might be a history buff. There is a lot to explore and discover there. The Vulcan Hotel is about 200 metres along the road and is ideal for dining out or a convivial drink with the locals.
For night sky enthusiasts there is no light pollution and we get the most outstanding starry nights for star watching.
The climate is typical of the area with hot dry summers and brisk cool winters. St Bathans is gorgeous no matter what the weather does !
Special conditions:
Smoking allowed outside only.
No parties please.
Please take your rubbish with you when you go as St Bathans has no rubbish collection service.
Please leave the house in a tidy condition when you leave, we do ask that you do your dishes before you go.
Please leave your used linen in the washing basket in the bathroom.
There is WIFI and cell phone cover at the cottage.

Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to do the dishes before you leave.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please turn the hot water switch off. This is located under the kitchen bench.
Please take your rubbish with you, we don't have a rubbish collection service sorry.
Please check that doors are securely locked.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 00000000000ZZ

About the area

St. Bathans

Located in St. Bathans, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Travellers looking for local activities can try Tarras Golf Course and Naseby Golf Course, while those looking to experience a bit of culture can stop by Hayes Engineering Works. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in St. BathansOpens in a new window
Map
Maniototo County, Saint Bathans

What's nearby

  • Hayes Engineering Works - 32 min drive - 33.2 km
  • Maniototo Park - 43 min drive - 51.0 km
  • Maniototo Early Settlers Museum - 47 min drive - 48.2 km

Getting around

  • Wānaka Airport (WKA) - 97 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Vulcan Hotel - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The old orchard cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The old orchard cottage?

As of 6 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The old orchard cottage on 18 Apr, 2026 start from S$165, 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 old orchard cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The old orchard cottage?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The old orchard cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The old orchard cottage located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 32 miles (52 km) of Naseby Golf Course, Town Green and Jubilee Museum. Maniototo Early Settlers Museum and Naseby Snowpark are also within 32 miles (52 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 17 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 22 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Peter & Margie N.

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

Get away from it all

Orchard cottage is gorgeous and St Bathans is a real escape from the world. Stunning scenery and a great wee pub.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will C.

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

Wonderful warm winter getaway

This modern house looks timeless and fits nicely into the village. We enjoyed a warm, cosy winter stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug, 2022
Thanks Will, hope you come again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine S.

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

Super special

Idylic setting, beautiful house and contents
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jan, 2025
Thank you! do come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

anne r.

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

Awesome cottage!

Such a cute cottage, great location, great vibes, beautiful views, cozy and comfortable. The fireplace was set and ready to go which made for a fabulous evening after walking to dinner at the Vulcan Hotel. Couldn’t have asked for anything better!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald B.

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

Magical tranquility

The property looked really good online, and in reality it was actually better than that. It was just terrific. We loved staying there. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin C.

Exquisitely clean and tidy. Everything oozed welcome, from the flowering garden to the decor.

My husband and I needed a deep rest and this beautifully comfortable cottage gave it to us in spades. The beds were comfy, all the amenities were in top order. Alison and John clearly respect their lovely place with the attention to design detail in every corner. A truly gorgeous place in pure tranquility setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much for the lovely review and very glad you enjoyed our little piece of paradise. We're heading down tomorrow and I am dying to see the garden, sounds like its doing exactly as I planned it to do! Many thanks Alison and John
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alex g.

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

fantastic cottage, so cute, spotless. Highly recommended

We came for one night and stay at Alison's cottage. This is a gorgeous cottage with an fantastic location just 2 mns walk from the pub and to the lake. We loved it. Kitchen is fully equipped. In one word : beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Dec, 2020
Thank you Alex and Monique, it was a pleasure to have you stay. Do come again !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

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

Delightful hideaway

A wonderful cozy, modern little batch with everything you need for an isolated and quiet getaway. The hosts presented a beautiful location with lovely touches such as a pre-laid fire, Nespresso, selection of teas and coffee, condiments, and a bookshelf full of good reads. We would absolutely stay again! Tip - do take your own fresh drinking water as suggested by the hosts. Pro Tip - watch your knuckles opening the door if you want to keep your skin!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sue M.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication

Toxic smoke inhalation from fire unit

I have not had the response I required from the owner so I am lodging a claim in the Disputes Tribunal
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dof G.

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

Cottage stay

Beautifully presented, warm and comfortable, set in a fabulous location.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Tania P.

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

St Bathans bike stop-over

Lovely little bach built in the St Bathans style. Close to pub and lake.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry W.

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

An absolute gem in an amazing setting

Orchard Cottage was a delightful, cute cottage in a lovely garden. The wood fire was fabulous and added to the cozy atmosphere. All amenities were of excellent quality. St Bathans was an idyllic setting and the blue lake was amazing. I'll certainly be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen L.

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

Stunning

Lovely, peaceful spot and really well appointed. A great overnight stop and fantastic town to explore
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug, 2021
It was a pleasure to have Helen stay at our cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jess G.

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

Lovely cottage

Only a few minutes walk to the pub. Nice warm cottage. Just like home
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul F.

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

Lovely place to stay

We really enjoyed our weekend at the old orchard cottage. A beautiful cosy building with lots of character and in a peaceful Central Otago setting. What could you ask for. We are definitely keen to return.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

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

Photo trip

Great stay, love the cottage. Would like to come back next year.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Brenda R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great Place to Stay - Very comfortable and private. Below are hopefully helpful comments.

I am approx 155cm tall but could not access the key holder, use the microwave safely, see myself in mirrors in bedroom. TV listed but no instructions think it was only the screen to watch DVD's. Poor lighting in the kitchen and living areas. Felt that we should have been warned about the probability of power cuts - we had 2. Need a secure place to store rubbish outside. Animals ripped open the black rubbish bag so we had to double bag. It would be very helpful to be told the closest drop off point for rubbish as we had to bring ours home and this won't always be possible.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan, 2021
Hi Brenda, thank you for your inciteful comments, most helpful and raises some points that have not occurred to me as issues. I'll amend the house manual to be a little clearer for folks. The power cuts I can't do anything about sorry as they occur without warning and I'm not advised unless someone calls me here in Christchurch. We don't have a rubbish collection service in St Bathans (despite frequently asking council to provide this) which is why I ask guests to take their rubbish with them. This is the normal practice for all house holders in ST Bathans and Alexandra has the closest rubbish processing centre. There is a lidded bin around the back of the cottage for excess rubbish to be used during ones stay. I'm heading down today for a few days so will look at the other issues you raise while there. Many thanks.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha K.

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

Wonderful

Wonderful stay, toasty fire, the most stars we have seen anywhere and the quietest location. Lovely new build, sympathetic to the historic location. Will be recommending to others.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penny T.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cozy Cottage with great views.

The attention to building this cottage to fit into the historic St Bathans town made the stay here special. The cottage‘s wood burner kept the whole house warm even in the middle of winter.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rupert H.

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

Great place to kick back, mull some wine, light the fire and read a book. Nice one.

Wonderfully clean and totally enjoyable. The fire wood was well stocked, the house warm and the beds comfy as. Walks around this old gold mining town throw you back to a different era and it's nice the cottage is in theme. It's also nice to know places like St Bathan's still exist today without all the chintzy tourist trappings and thanks to Alison you can come and enjoy it. Get there before Starbucks does!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jul, 2020
Thank you Rupert for the wonderful review, we’re very happy you enjoyed your stay at our cottage and hope you come again.
Verified

8/10 Good

Nick G.

Amazing location loved the property

Loved the property Alison very quiet and peaceful not far from Ranfurly for provisions and a fast charger for those (like us) who need them. The Vulcan hotel requires your booking for food in advance. We realized we have been to St Bathens moseying before years ago. Only issues yellow water and a swampy hole at the end of the drive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar, 2020
Hi Nick, Glad you enjoyed the cottage and I hope the weather was good for you. Yes the tap water is an issue and why we suggest you bring drinking water. As a community we are working on improving it. Not sure why we have a water collection at the front gate, it’s been there a while...but we’ve checked all pipes and cannot find a leak. It’s a mystery!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin N.

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

I want to live here

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Mar, 2025
Glad you enjoyed your stay Erin, sounds like you need to do a return visit! You would be welcome anytime 😀

About the host

Hosted by Alison Fitzgerald

Host profile image
John and I purchased the land in St Bathans in 2006 and started the building of the cottage in 2008. We chose to use traditional mud bricks in keeping with the village which has the best collection of well preserved mud brick dwellings in New Zealand.
John and I are born and bred New Zealanders and are passionate about our country and where we live.

Why they chose this property

St Bathans has always been a special place for us ever since we "discovered" it in 1994. We were researching mud brick homes in NZ at the time and it was this little village that impressed us so much with nearly all the buildings being historical mud brick built cottages. Even the hotel is made from mud! For a long time we dreamt of owning a piece of this little paradise and in 2006 a small piece of land came up for sale. We bought it and now we have a delightful little cottage built for us to stay in. We decided to share our cottage in 2016 and have it available for you to stay in and enjoy our little piece of paradise.

What makes this property unique

The Old Orchard Cottage has been hand crafted to be a comfortable and pleasant experience for travellers. If you want a quiet place to stay in a beautiful part of New Zealand then this is the place for you. All the comforts of home are there and it is so relaxing to stay in.

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English
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