Top 10 Bookabach Holiday Homes Near Catlins Forest Park, New Zealand

book a bach catlins
Leo
Leo 
Updated
| 5 min read

New Zealand is famous for its natural wonders. An area of the country that is a popular destination for tourists is The Catlins, located in the southeastern corner of South Island. The list will be endless if we note down all the attractions in this wooded and wild coastal area—such as dense forests, rock formations, campsites, and much, much more. If you are planning to visit Catlins Forest Park, you shouldn’t miss Kaka Point, Purakaunui Falls (a cascading three-tiered waterfall), Niagara Falls (yes, there is one here too), and many other waterfalls. Also check out Curio Bay (famous for a 180-million-year-old petrified forest), Nugget Point (where you can find Hooker’s sea lions, sea elephants, fur seals, and Roaring Bay’s yellow-eyed penguins), Slope Point, Papatowai Beach, Cathedral Caves, and Florence Hill Lookout. And if you need accommodation, check out some of the top Bookabach holiday homes near Catlins Forest Park.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.

1. A cozy beachfront accommodation close to yellow-eyed penguins (from USD 128)

This property is located close to Curio and Porpoise Bays, and it is where you should stay to be close to wildlife and scenic beauty. The place is near a Jurassic petrified forest, where you can check out yellow-eyed penguins and their nesting grounds and chicks. Hector’s dolphins can be spotted from October to March too. Waikawa Museum is also nearby. Staying at this bach means you can go swimming, kayaking, surfing, and bushwalking—or just relax and enjoy the great views of Southern Ocean. Three hours to the north is Dunedin, where University of Otago is located. Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is around three hours away as well. The cottage has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a washing machine, a kitchen, and a fireplace.

Stayed at this property?

59.39 km (36.9 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
132 reviews  
House 5 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
gorgeous view and plenty of room
cosy fire, super comfy beds, lots of great couches covered with sheepskins and well equipped kitchen with new fridge
one night was definitely not long enough to appreciate it all
our own track to the beach and incredible views
kitchen tidy and functional
Cleanliness:
the view is breath taking and pictures don't do it justice
great location amongst grand views, wildlife and fresh air
there were extremely unhygienic dish washing utensils and we had to wash dishes before we used them
as the whether was very cold when we arrived, we really appreciated the fireplace which warmed the whole house
everything needed was supplied and lots of firewood to keep it warm
Host:
we would have liked more welcoming household and local information
the next day it was extremely rainy with no breaks in sight so we ended up packing up and moving on early
melissa was a great help and the house was tidy, clean and cozy
beautiful location, very well appointed beach house, very helpful hostess
:) and also remember to bring sandfly repellent, especially for the backyard and beach (not a problem in the house)!! would happily stay again and definitely for longer than one night!
Location:
beautiful wee bach in a beautiful location!
location and view world class
the outlook was fantastic and location to the information centre great
we had a really nice time here, curio bay is a fantastic location
the petrified forest in curio bay is really close by too
Read more reviews

2. A lovely kiwi bach in the middle of The Catlins (from USD 111)

Located only 25 minutes of driving away from the Purakaunui surf beach and close to all the wonderful attractions of The Catlins, Catlins Lake Sanctuary is a comfortable accommodation with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a TV, and a fireplace with kindling and wood. The place has a garden and many trees where you can find bellbirds and tuis. You will get amazing views over the estuary as well, where you can spot flounders and soles. Make sure you visit Nugget Point Lighthouse, local waterfalls, and Blowhole at Jack’s Bay nearby.

Stayed at this property?

12.39 km (7.7 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
25 reviews   Wifi Available
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy :

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The beds were so comfortable & lovely to light the log burner in the evening
The beds were so comfortable & lovely to light the log burner in the evening
The view over the estuary is beautiful and everything was provided to make our stay comfortable
The surrounding gardens and trees added to the relaxing feel and the native birdlife was a bonus
Great place sitting on a hill a perfect vantage point to watch the changing light
Host:
Warm and toasty very comfortable
Definitely your quirky quintessential kiwi bach
Beautiful view surrounded by native birds Lovely and warm with fire going beds very comfy
Noelene and Bills home is exactly that a home away from home
We loved having the fireplace and the flexibility of lots beds
Location:
We loved the location for exploring the Catlins
This bach has a fantastic location sunrise and sunset views
Gorgeous view and perfect location in The Catlins Very handy to Owaka the main service town and so many of the attractions of the area
Easy access to Owaka for supplies or food Lovely clean bedlinen and towels
There's a good amount of outdoors lawn too but then again being perfectly in the middle of the Catlins we went exploring 25 min drive to Purakanui surf beach
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3. A wonderful beach house for a big family (from USD 154)

This beach house is for those on vacation with a big family. With queen beds, bunk beds, and sofas, the large property can accommodate 10 people, and it is warm and very cozy. There is a bathroom, AC, fireplace, heater, washer and dryer, fully furnished kitchen, and tennis courts behind the house. Located in Pounawea, this bach is across the road from the estuary, and there is a lovely playground nearby for your kids. You can go exploring forests or biking, or you can visit Owaka, which is only a few minutes away by car. Indeed this is a good place to stay if you are looking to explore The Catlins.

Stayed at this property?

9.68 km (6.1 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
37 reviews   Wifi Available
House 14 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 14
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
well equipped, comfy beds
with everything provided it was an easy place to stay and relax
comfy house with everything we needed
we watched sea lions swimming in the water in front of the bach
lots of room for the extended family and lots of activities for the kids
Cleanliness:
nice location in very good place, front of sea, beds are perfect, very clean, wahsmachine, dryer, dishesmachine, very nice garden, and if you are lucky you will see sea lions with binoclar !
Host:
absolutely awesome character house
warm house
we are already planning our next trip
family-friendly bach in an awesome location
loved being able to light the fire for extra warmth and ambience
Location:
central to lots of attractions
lots of dvds and games about
lots of short walks around
loved the location
great location with amazing views
Read more reviews

4. A splendid four-bedroom house on a hill (from USD 123)

Catlins Aurora is located on a hill overlooking Owaka, which is only five minutes away by car. It has its own dairy paddocks and a duck pond. The four-bedroom house has three bathrooms, BBQ and hot tub outside, washing machine, dryer, open-plan kitchen and dining area, and other facilities to make your stay a cozy one. You can go fishing on Owaka River or explore the sea on a kayak. You can also visit Owaka to find a supermarket, medical center and pharmacy, and popular hangouts such as Lumberjack Bar and Café, Catlins Cafe, and Catlins Inn. In addition, all the popular spots of The Catlins are easy to get to from this accommodation.

Stayed at this property?

11.25 km (7.0 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
28 reviews   Wifi Available
House 9 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the property was very well equipped with everything we could possibly need
Cleanliness:
very clean and warm
Host:
great communication with the owners, smita was extremely helpful in the lead up, during and after the stay
the hot tub was amazing
Read more reviews

5. A house nestled in the bush in Pounawea (from USD 74)

Located in the bush in Pounawea, this holiday home has three bedrooms, a bathroom, a washing machine, a fireplace, and a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, oven, and a BBQ. The place is just a short walk away from the water’s edge and a playground. Nearby, there is a golf course and horse trekking. You can go fishing in Owaka River too. Owaka is only five minutes away, and many attractions of The Catlins can be reached by car from this accommodation.

Stayed at this property?

10.02 km (6.3 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
64 reviews  
House 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Its your basic kiwi bach Comfortable and has everything you need
The home has everything you need Close to the water front & surrounded be native plants & birds 4 adults & 6 children
free relaxing & enjoyable xmas spent in your bach
were a comfortable fit with 2 fold out sofas & plenty of games/puzzles to enjoy when the sun went down
Nice property in a great area house is large with a big kitchen with everything you could need
Cleanliness:
Property was as described very adequate for our stay
The house was clean and spacious with everything we needed - including a great selection of games
Host:
the only negative was the temperamental stove rings
Clean and tidy with good fixtures/fittings Would not hesitate to book again
walks kayaking and swimming spots
We are familiar from our growing up years with 1950s - 1980s homes
simple layout sizeable space against
Location:
Loved this house and it's location
It is very conveniently located close to some delightful walks and scenery and a short drive from Owaka for groceries dining and a visit to a very interesting museum
so we loved the bach nature of this house:
An awesome house in an awesome location
Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay are only a few minutes drive
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6. A wonderful rural property for the entire family (from USD 92)

This accommodation boasts three bedrooms and a bathroom and is big enough to sleep eight. Located close to many wedding venues, the house also has a kitchen, flat-screen TV, great mobile phone coverage, heat pump, wood burner, and a garage games room. The town of Owaka, where you can find a Four Square supermarket, pub, cafe, and restaurant, is only a short drive away. Jack’s Bay and Blowhole Walk are located 10 minutes away. Drive for 30 minutes to get to Nugget Point Lighthouse or Papatowai. If you keep going south, you can explore Cathedral Caves and McLean Falls, then eat at The Whistling Frog.

Stayed at this property?

11.48 km (7.2 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
57 reviews   Wifi Available
House 8 Guests 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Another couple of stools/chairs tucked away to enable 6 of us to eat around the table together as
There is a lovely view and plenty of space outside
Many thanks for a great stay in your well equipped bach Stayed super cozy in both cold & warm temps
The house had everything we needed and our teenage kids loved the pool table Very comfortable beds lots of towels a well appointed kitchen and cosy fire and heat pump
This was such a comfortable place to stay Lovely cosy beds clean bathroom and kitchen
Cleanliness:
Gorgeous location house very clean and well equipped
Host:
Host was delightful and super helpful
Lovely Bach with awesome views
Beautiful views warm and cosy even on rainy days
An honest summary of a great property that checked out for our requirements
Great location close to any activities on the Catlins and with a great view and easy access Extremely well equipped with a comprehensive kitchen
Location:
There is a playground 5 minutes away and several near by beaches
Very good location just out of Owaka; comfortable and cosy cottage with great views out to the sea and estuary
Purakainui Falls is an excellent walk for little legs with lots to see along the way Highly recommend
Wonderful views and quiet location
the house was suitable safe and warm
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7. A spectacular cottage in the village of Papatowai (from USD 162)

Although it doesn’t look that special from the outside, Surfinn Eco Cottage is quite stunning to live in. This beautiful accommodation features all the things you will need to make your stay memorable. There are two bedrooms, AC, heating, internet, parking, and kitchen with a fridge, microwave, oven, and toaster. The place is in the coastal village of Papatowai, close to the attractions of The Catlins. You can go surfing and snorkeling to find paua and crayfish, or you can look for yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, gannets, and kakarikis. There are wonderful rainforests and waterfalls nearby, and Tahakopa River is also conveniently close.

Stayed at this property?

29.74 km (18.5 mi) from Nugget Point Lighthouse
10 reviews   Wifi Available
cottage 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lovely cosy house
the town of papatowai was very quiet and the beach that the bach rests above was empty also
the bed in bedroom 2 downstairs (where our adult daughter slept) was a fold out bed of an old style that was extremely uncomfortable
this is a very quiet place, away from any hubbub with all the amenities you might need
the tea towels were of the type that did not actually dry dishes, and there was no dish rack to drip-dry the dishes
Cleanliness:
very clean , warm and tidy
Host:
we stayed during winter, so being warm is all important, which this place was
Location:
all else just lovely thanks
very tranquil, peaceful spot
Read more reviews

Get ready to explore The Catlins

So there you have it—all the best places you can stay in if you are planning to explore The Catlins. These houses can be your base camp when you go see the wonderful attractions nearby, before relaxing in your warm, comfortable accommodation. Have a wonderful holiday!

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Leo is passionate about travelling, photography, and writing. If he's not doing any of those, he will be on the mat practicing freestyle wrestling or in his dojo doing Karate.

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