Restored 140 yr old cottage on the very edge of the sheltered Purakaunui inlet, just a scenic 25 min drive from Dunedin, New Zealand. Is a cluster of four buildings, one a cottage originally built by a local fisherman, another a whare Māori style room built of boat building kauri and another a railworkers cottage with a curved roof.
Although still faithful to it's historic roots, there are the home comforts of a full modern kitchen and bathroom. The rooms are tastefully decorated, cleaned and maintained to a high standard. There is electric heating in every room as well as a coal range. Electric blankets are on the beds except for the trundler in main house.
As featured in Life and Leisure Magazine, Jan, 2009. The cluster of four little buidings known as "As You Like It" since the 1930's, is a 100 metre walk down a path along the waters edge.
You can just sit on the deck and watch the fish just a metre away, or watch the sunset over the water, dig for cockles, fish off the deck or the rocks, walk along the ocean beach or row or canoe around the inlet. It's a great bird watchers spot- shags ,tuis, fantails, bellbirds, oystercatchers, woodpigeons, whitefaced herons, kingfishers, etc. A Dinghy or kayaks are available onsite. The white sandy beach can be accessed at low tide by walking across ankle deep water, or by canoe. At full tide the bay is full of water and great for a kayak around the bay.
Outings can include a visit the historic pa site, Motutapu and it's secluded beach, or the Orokanui Sanctuary, 5 min drive away. The new Dunedin Forsyth Barr Stadium is only 20 min drive away, access and parking is easy because you can avoid the crowds coming from the city side.
It is also a great base to visit Dunedin's attractions , Port Chalmers is a 10 min drive away, with designer clothes and jewelry shops as well as coffee bars and restaurants. Eating out options include the Carey's Bay Hotel overlooking the fishing village beside Port Chalmers, the Galley cafe or Portside Tavern which has specialty beers on tap. Fleur's Seafood restaurant at Moeraki is 50 min drive north. The unspoilt coastal settlements of Seacliff and Karitane are a short senic drive away.
There are many walks around the township and the boatsheds, along Purakaunui beach, around the inlet or to Longbeach.
Note:unsuitable for the mobility challenged.
Special conditions:
Two night minimum
Note that each bedroom-and the bathroom -are in separate cottages. The single bed in the main house is a trundler stored under the double bed. The buildings are clustered together and there are only a couple of steps between each cottage. Security lights light the way.
Please discuss bringing pets with us. A laundromat is at Port Chalmers if you need any clothes washed.
Check-in time after 3 pm check out by 11 a.m.
Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave.