Entire home

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

Photo gallery for Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

Property grounds
Pool
Exterior
View from property
Pool

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 550 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Mountain view

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

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.

Property manager

barblm764

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Shared/communal pool

Internet

  • Internet access

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Deck
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront
  • In the city center
  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 538.2 sq ft (50 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please discuss with me first.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please discuss with me first
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage House Purakanui Inlet
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage House
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Purakanui Inlet
Iconic Historic Seaside
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Purakaunui
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Private vacation home
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Private vacation home Purakaunui
Iconic Historic Seaside
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Purakaunui
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Private vacation home Purakaunui
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Purakanui Inlet, Dunedin City

What's nearby

  • Purakaunui Inlet - 1 min walk
  • Long Beach - 6 min drive
  • University of Otago - 26 min drive
  • The Octagon - 28 min drive
  • Larnach Castle - 49 min drive

Getting around

  • Dunedin Railway Station - 27 min drive
  • Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Carey's Bay Historic Hotel - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Mount Cargill - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Horopito Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Portsider - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Galley Cafe & Bar - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage located?

Located in Purakaunui, this beachfront vacation home is in the city center, steps from Purakaunui Inlet, and 1.8 mi (3 km) from Long Beach. Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Holy Trinity Church are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 367 out of 404 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 404 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 404 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 404 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 404 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jane G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Long Weekend Stay
Excellent location, charming property, full of character.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pleasant Surprise lovely cottage with great estuary views
Loved the historic cottage and watching the estuary wildlife as the tide ebbed and flowed. It was like an aquarium full os sealife. Enjoyed relaxing on the porch watching the sunset and wildlife.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Parkes F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning Spot
Had everything you could possibly need and a beautiful outlook to nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philippa R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Utterly Unique
We absolutely loved our time at Barbara's place. It's so unique with its spectacular position on the water's edge. Being so close to the tidal movement and able to enjoy the changing view was very special for us. The cottage itself is charming, really well kitted out and cosily comfortable. One of our most memorable stays.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Anna R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Little piece of paradise
Beautiful restful location and curiously appealing accommodation right in the middle of an ever changing environment. A quirky fun place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous location!!
Such a special couple of days spent in this sweet little cottage beside the Sea. Couldn’t recommend more highly!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Superb
Very much enjoyed our 3 nights here. Beautiful location on the bay. Saw seals frequently. The cottage(s) are very cosy and fun. Bathroom very clean and functional. Even the TV worked well, although the location really lends itself to no TV! But you have the option. Kitchen is small, but it all works. Didn't try the coal range (as not that cold), seems a bit complicated, but there were enough heaters in the cottage. There was someone else parked in our "spot" but this just required going down to the bay and easily finding that person and they quickly moved their car, as the understanding is that if someone uses the spot but occupants of the cottage turn up, they have to move... It was lovely to stay here as the property was as advertised – I cannot say the same for other Bookabach properties. Before staying here, we stayed at a “Cottage” in Windwhistle (the Granary) that turned out to be 2 cottages conjoined by a paper-thin wall. Very noisy - neighbours clumping up and down creaky stairs next door, talking (you can hear everything), being woken up (at night and morning). Awful. Clients should be aware that once you pay and refunds are no longer easily accessed, it becomes really difficult to call/email Bookabach. It's as though they don't want to communicate once you arrive & find problems.... Read reviews closely before booking... This property is the opposite – very nice and no “surprises”. And amazingly quiet. Overall loved the place - highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil Kiwi Crib
A really lovely, tranquil place to stay. I think this crib must be unique for being literally right on the water's edge.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness
An absolute gem
I had a wonderful stay here. It is a lovely character waterside property. The views over Purakaunui Inlet are gorgeous. It is a historic property but feels very homely and had all the facilities I needed. I didn't use the coal range as the electric heaters kept the cottage plenty warm enough for me. It is one of my all time favourite places I've stayed and will definitely be back with my wife who became very jealous when I gave her a video tour!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot
Outstanding cottage and stunning location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Marguerite V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super wee place
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trevor L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing get away
Unique New Zealand experience. Where else you stay in such a historical building with an estuary literally at your door. Calm peaceful and a great place to recharge your soul. Totally loved it and hope to go back again one day soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marnie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magic
A fabulous recreational area for us to walk and explore.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Sean H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter rest
A lovely spot for bit of piece and quiet, in a beautiful part of the country.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emma W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter break
This bach was perfect for us. Right on the water with everything you need for your stay. It was lovely and warm during a cold spell. Would recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard V.

Liked: Cleanliness
magic on the water
Historic cottage on the magic waterfront
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Bach
Overall excellent. Heater in second bedroom not working.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Ian W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good
Enjoyed
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous location and accommodation
This was a dream come true! I had seen this property during walks in the area and finally got to stay here for a couple of nights. Very well appointed, super comfortable, very relaxing and so peaceful!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
unrivalled location.
Enjoyed listening to Moreporks and the lap of the ocean at night. Charming property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Little piece of Paradise
A fantastic place to stay and take time out to relax. Thank you so much
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Beautiful wee cottage right on the water. Very relaxing watching the tide and listening to the birds.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monique S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise near Dunedin
A unique and tranquil place to stay right by the water. We loved spending a couple of nights here while we explored the surrounding area. Well equipped and warm. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elissa P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot
As you like it was perfect for our 2 nights in Dunedin. It was so nice and quiet being on the water and the cottage was set up perfectly. The separate buildings set up was really quaint, and made it feel like it might have felt years ago to holiday there. The views were beautiful. It rained for a lot of our stay which made the cottage feel really warm and comfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at Purakanui
Wonderful, memorising spot to watch the tides changing, and enjoy birdlife. Thankyou for preserving such a special part of NZ history. We loved it
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024