Catlins Lake Sanctuary

Great location with a view, comfortable and warm with the fire. Cozy batch feel

The location had lovely views of the surrounding countryside and estuary

The decor was dated and the beds were quite firm.

Location

Musty smell and dead flys

Loved the view and the wood fire

Unfortunately nowhere to dump the ashes from the fireplace except into the rubbish bin .

The home provided everything you would expect and more with excellent views over the estuary. It had plenty of firewood to keep us cozy in winter. Owaka village was only 5 minutes drive away with dinning and a supermarket

We couldn't find much not to like.

Beautiful views. Easy and short drive to Owaka and Catlin attractions.

A bit isolated.

No details given ahead of arrival as to how to access the property. We were told the host would meet us at the property, but this was not the case and only after 45 mins of leaving voicemail messages on their mobile did we get a call advising us where the entrance key was hidden.

Apart from the let-down about access, we liked the property - rustic, but a classic family holiday chalet, with a cosy, warm feeling.

Beautiful location. Everything you need, very comfortable and clean. Lots of space for the kids to run around, a short walk to the estuary and the fire outside perfect for roasting marshmallows. I would definitely recommend to all and plan to return myself sometime.

Location was perfect for all the Catlins offers. Log burning fire and plenty of wood. Close to Owaka. Birdsong and visiting tuis.

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Good location with nice outlook

View

Bit shabby, but clean.

View

Bit pricey for an old house.

Handy to Owaka with Four Square, cafes and an awesome gift shop. An excellent spot close to local walks.

Location-fantastic views of the lake and convenient place to explore the beautiful Catlins.

As much as the actual house is old, it is so warm and welcoming! Like a huge from Grandma!!! Has everything that is needed. Location probably one of the best views I have had! Was so pretty... Owner was so helpful and responsive every time I contacted her!

Place inside was very old, although very comfortable. So to be honest absolutely no complaints.

Great location. Excellent instructions made key uplift a breeze. Very helpful owner.

Very nice place and view to the lake

The location and views looking over Catlins Lake and Estuary were absolutely great. Easy scenic drives to many lovely places. The hosts anticipate virtually every need. Rarely have we stayed in a holiday home so generously outfitted with equipment including a high powered torch, extra batteries, cold packs in the freezer for picnics and fishing expeditions. The kitchen abounded with quality seasonings, oils, spices, coffee, tea... the works. All needed to start and maintain wood-burner was handily placed. The house stayed warm and the beds were super comfy. The linens were very cozy. The grounds were lovely and very well-maintained but not overly "manicured" as such would be at odds with the graceful natural beauty of the site.

Hard to think of anything. The latch on the wood burner was a little loose but didn't cause any problems.

Nice private location with a beautiful view of the lake. South facing if you want to shoot aurora. Cosy Comfortable beds

Quite cold if the fire wasn't going. Would be nice to have a drying clothes rack to use for wet weather vs using a dryer. The air stoppers on the bottom of the doors were good but the toilet door was hard to close as it caught on the carpet.

Perfect location for exploring the area, close to the village. Great evening views as the sun goes down over the estuary. Typical 70's batch but everything provided and lovely and clean.

Perfect spot overlooking the estuary. Private enough with everything you'll need in the house. Warm fire. Location really central to lots of things to see and visit. Saw tūī and bellbirds, plus a couple of sea lions feeding in the estuary, all from the front porch! 😍

Location was stunning. Everything we needed was there. Plenty of space for myself and 2 teens

Nothing. I could have stayed for much longer

The house is very cosy and confortable. Perfectly located on the top of a hill overseeing the estuary waters. It's spacious and well equipped so families will enjoy it very much. It's also a short car ride from surat bay beach or nugget point so ideal if you want to explore the area. The staff was also very friendly and proactive on making sure we had a good time. We definitely recommend this house for families or couples wanting a nice retreat in Catlins.

It was not an issue for us but anyone looking to stay here should be aware that the roads to access the house are dirty/grit roads so take that into consideration depending on the type of vehicle you ride. Anyway there were in very good state and presented no issues for an SUV.

Fabulous views overlooking the estuary. Lots of birds around the property. Great log fire. A central location to the coast, waterfalls, Nugget Point Lighthouse and amenities.

We had an issue with the shower which we had been advised of immediately before arriving, but it turned out to be a little worse than expected by the owners and ourselves. However upon notification the owners quickly resolved the issue and we were able to use the Annex facilities. Our choice of which bed to use was made for us as one of the electric blankets was not working.

Location is spectacular - overlooking Catlins river and Lake in the one spot. Beds were very comfortable and the property was clean and tidy. Property is a little dated, but photos showed this, so it did meet expectations.

Bathroom shower was not good. Water pressure (especially on hot water) was hopeless. The shaver powerpoint in the bathroom also did not work. Apart from this, the stay was relaxing.

Amazing view.

Quite dated decor but very clean and tidy.

Location Fire Beds were comfy

Hot water needs improvement

The sea views were superb. Lovely quiet location.

Property needs some TLC. (Tender loving care)

Lovely location on hilltop overlooking the lake/bay. Very clean, comfortable and spacious. We enjoyed using the wood stove and wood provided. Lots of natural light during the day and cozy at night.

Great Location. Plenty of room. Outdoor area.

Front door lock is a bit fiddly

A good stay in this cosy cottage with wood burner as a bonus, as it was chilly, in a lovely location with wonderful views and so peaceful. Communication was great and the information provided in the book in the place was very helpful and comprehensive. Beautifully kept gardens too.

Tumble dryer - it was good to have one but a nightmare to access the filter. Luckily we could hang our washing out.

Stunning location.

Beautiful quite spot with lake views Fire ready to light Pantry had basic supplies

Reception was not great

The Views! The Facilities. The Location. The Serenity 😊

No complaints

Location and space.. good lights

Very cold when we arrived. Tried to get the fire going but didn’t go well. Emptied ashes next day and it went betterShower only tepid because fire hadn’t gone well . Better the next day. TV and internet didn’t work.

Really good except for shower

Excellent location. Great views and outdoor facilities Lovely birdsong. Peaceful and Quiet. Cosy and Comfortable.

The view and location

The shower

The location and ambience

2 days wasn’t long enough

beautiful views, clean, comfortable

Nothing negative!

The views,location, birdsong,night sky and stars, The comfy and understated detail in the house, the bygone era where family memories were made .. my Sister in law was delighted ..we are both in our sixties !

Location was superb So quiet and peaceful with spectacular views Close to all the Catlins attractions

amazing place at an amazing location, outstanding views and birdlife

Location is lovely

Cooker needs replacement for safety

The peace and quiet… privacy and gentle sounds of the birds. Watching the tide come in and out. Ability to take day trips and see the local attractions in every direction. One day the sheep in the neighbouring property got out and provided great entertainment for us. They got it quickly under control but we had a lot of laughs cause we don’t get that in Canada. They were very apologetic but it was a highlight of our very enjoyable stay.

My tummy, accustomed to very pristine well water I’m Canada had some issues with the rain water…. If you have a sensitive tummy, bring bottled water.

A true kiwi Bach experience with great views

Could have been a bit cleaner, oven had 1 temperature and sleeping option with the sofa bed in conservative not really up to standard.

Outstanding veiws,and very central.

great location. communication from owner was great, very comfortable, sunrise and sunsets was the best

nothing

Location, conservatory, garden, birds, beds, information book.

The shower was very weak. We couldnt get the tv working.

beautiful setting. cosy property and well equipped

Location is amazing. Great base to roam the Catlins. Relaxing place. Scenery was beautiful, looked different every time you looked out the window. Locals so friendly and helpful.

Little available in Owaka. Most places closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The restaurant at the local pub was a god send.

Great view and good location to explore the local area with so much to see. Accommodation had character, a lovely garden and outdoor area that allowed us to enjoy the beautiful outlook. It was helped that we had fantastic weather.

Shower pressure was weak.

The home offered homelike comforts, with superb views east over the lake.

Private and tranquil with everything we needed.

The location was perfect to either stay and relax or use as a base to explore the surrounding area

This was a great base camp for exploring the Catlins. Beds were clean and comfortable, although I felt I had to wipe down the kitchen before using it. The property was amazing! Beautiful views of the estuary, a peaceful place to walk in the mornings, and good view of stars at night.

It was paradise the views over the lakes and hills, the rainbows. The house was so cosy and easily heated with the open fire. Birds everywhere, I can’t wait to go back.

No Frills house with a million dollar view. So quite and peaceful. Loved being able to use the fireplace and there was plenty of chopped wood. I am guessing this house is a work in progress as there is lots of construction waste about.

A very comfortable house to stay in with great views an only a few minutes from Owaka. We loved the stay and would definitely come back to stay again.