10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Tahakopa Bay Retreat
10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins 🏡 [2024]

© Tahakopa Bay Retreat

Find the Perfect Holiday Home in The Catlins

Want to experience The Catlins like a local, coming back to your own private abode after a hard day watching sea lions fighting, penguins waddling and too many waterfalls? Do that by booking into the fantastic holiday homes in The Catlins that we list below! From modern studios to luxurious hilltop retreats to classic Kiwi baches, you’ll find a wide range of holiday homes in The Catlins.

For more travel tips, check out The Complete Guide to The Catlins, as well as 15 Best Things to Do in The Catlins.

1. Kaka Point Views Apartments (Kaka Point)

Two holiday homes suitable for two types of travellers but both offering the same contemporary style and magnificent views from Kaka Point… Families seeking their own space, check out the two-bedroom holiday home of Kaka Point Views Apartment 1, while couples and solo travellers have the cool studio of Kaka Point Views Apartment 2. Soaking in the views of the beaches out to Nugget Point, these apartments are ideal for travellers wanting to relax in their own space. You have a fully-equipped kitchen; the two-bedroom apartment with a dishwasher. Note that you may be sharing a garden with your neighbours if the other apartment is booked.

Check Kaka Point Views Apartment out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Kaka Point Views Apartment

2. The Yellow House (Kaka Point)

Aptly named, The Yellow House is, indeed, a bright yellow house in Kaka Point. Only a few minutes’ walk from the beach, this two-bedroom holiday home reinforces the holiday vibe with its beach house theme across its soothing tones with hints of blue and yellow. Relax in the hanging chairs in the garden or enjoy the social set-up of the open-plan lounge and kitchen. Sleeping arrangements include a queen bed and two singles.

Check The Yellow House out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© The Yellow House

3. Catlins Lake Sanctuary (Owaka)

Get a hint of the old-school as this classic Kiwi bach on the shores of the Catlins Lake and Catlins River. Try your luck fishing from the property or simply enjoy the views from the Catlins Lake Sanctuary‘s elevated position. The nearest town is Owaka, but the holiday home itself is in its own secluded location. The two-bedroom home has a conservatory, which is gorgeous on those sunny days, while the log burner in the lounge keeps the house toasty in winter.

Check Catlins Lake Sanctuary out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Catlins Lake Sanctuary

4. Niagara Ridge Retreat (Niagara)

Another luxury offering, Niagara Ridge Retreat sits on a hill overlooking the Waikawa Harbour, just a 10-minute drive from the popular Curio Bay. The holiday home is the ideal stay for friends and couples travelling together thanks to its three bedrooms with queen beds. Entertain in the large kitchen with a breakfast bar, get more options with the two bathrooms and, most important of all, relax in the outdoor spa pool with sensational views.

Check Niagara Ridge Retreat out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Niagara Ridge Retreat

5. Waikawa House (Waikawa)

A good one for groups, Waikawa House is a holiday home with plenty of space. Located on the way to Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay, the three-bedroom holiday home is well-positioned to explore several of The Catlins’ attractions. Enjoy a modern kitchen, laundry machines, extensive gardens, games, books and DVDs all included in your stay. The sleeping arrangements consist of two queen beds, a bunk bed and a double sofa bed. See more like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in The Catlins.

Check Waikawa House out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Waikawa House

6. Private Seaside Couples Hideaway (Kaka Point)

Nestled in forest just south of Kaka Point, the “Private Seaside Couples Hideaway” holiday home provides everything couples or solo travellers may need for a short stay in The Catlins. With a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge with a TV and a washing machine, the essentials are sorted. The expansive deck with a barbecue, sea views and attractive gardens are just a holiday bonus! You can even bring your beloved pet here too. For more stays ideal for couples, check out the 10 most Romantic Accommodations in The Catlins.

Check Private Seaside Couples Hideaway out:

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Private Seaside Couples Hideaway

7. Tahakopa Bay Retreat (Purakauiti)

Those seeking a little luxury should take a look at Tahakopa Bay Retreat, a two-bedroom holiday home for groups but a romantic stay for couples. Situated on in a quiet corner of a 685ha (1700-acre) farm, this ultra-modern retreat boasts unrivalled views of The Catlins Coast, which can be enjoyed from either your deck or private picnic area. The off-the-grid holiday home is powered by an emission-free hydro system, running all the modern comforts across the tastefully-decorated fully self-contained home.

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Tahakopa Bay Retreat

8. Beresford Heights (Puketiro)

Offering rugged luxury, Beresford Heights is an attractive lodge atop Table Hill where getting there is quite the adventure with ATV transfers provided by your hosts. Once to the top of this 1,200ha (3,000-acre) farm, the views around are bound to take your breath away, an expansive stretch of pastures, mountains and forest. Enjoy the views from your deck’s hot tub or the comfort of the indoors with large sliding glass doors and a cosy log burner. The wooden interior mixed with contemporary fixings adds character to your stay. Meals, farm tours, hunting trips and massages are available for an additional cost.

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Beresford Heights

9. Gypsy Wagon (Curio Bay)

And for something a little quirky, stay in the Gypsy Wagon near Porpoise Bay and Curio Bay. This fun and affordable tiny house experience is squeezed into a traditional gypsy caravan complete with essentials like a kitchenette, log burner and lounge furniture, breakfast bar and a plush bed. The wagon is also decorated with antique furniture. If you need room to breathe, head out onto your private deck where you’ll find a barbecue and outdoor dining furniture. Oh yeah, and a converted water tank located about 10m (33ft) from the wagon is your toilet and shower!

Check Gypsy Wagon out on Airbnb.

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Gypsy Wagon

10. Carol’s Cabin (Papatowai)

Finally, enjoy your own space for a great price at Carol’s Cabin. Essentially a sleepout, this studio-style accommodation with private access has its own shower and toilet, as well as a kitchenette with a hotplate, microwave and the usual breakfast (with continental breakfast ingredients supplied) and hot drink-making facilities. The accommodation sleeps up to three guests across a queen and single bed. For more cheap stays, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in The Catlins.

Check Carol’s Cabin out on Airbnb.

10 Best Holiday Homes in The Catlins© Carol's Cabin

[CLOSED] Koru Flat

In the quiet settlement of Pounawea near Owaka, Koru Flat is the perfect wee flat for a large family or group – up to seven guests! The three-bedroom apartment is modernly decorated, features a garden and a cosy kitchen with an oven. One bedroom has a double bed, while the other two are kitted out with singles and bunk beds. Nearby is a children’s playground and the waterfront of the Catlins River.

More About Holiday Homes in The Catlins

That’s it for our list of the best holiday homes in The Catlins. For more Catlins talk, including what to do and where to stay, take a look at these awesome guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to The Catlins.

Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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