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Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups

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Catlins Aurora
Hot tub looking north
Hot tub
Dining room and lounge sliders
View to the east

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9250 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Katea, OTA
  • Teapot World
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Catlins Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Nugget Point Lighthouse
    ‪24 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Double / Single Bunk Bedroom

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

King / Super Single Bedroom

1 King Bed

Queen Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Super-King Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

En-Suite Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bathroom

Bathtub or shower

Separate Shower

Shower only

Toilet

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups

Catlins Aurora is a spacious 4-bedroom house built on a hill overlooking Owaka, neighbouring sheep paddocks, and our own dairy paddocks incl. a duck pond. Fish the Owaka River from our property or launch your kayak and paddle down to the sea.

Private driveway, two entrances, ample outside parking plus garage, generous lawn/garden area, and deck incl. outdoor furniture, BBQ, and hot tub. Open plan/kitchen dining room with sliding door onto deck and double doors into lounge. Main bathroom features heated towel rails, a bathtub/shower combo and plastic-free All-in-One soap bars from SpireNZ. Separate toilet. Directly adjacent is the laundry with tub, washing machine, dryer, and a separate shower. The laundry can also be accessed from the second entrance, which has storage space for outdoor gear. The master bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. All tap water is safe to drink (micro-filtered and UV-treated). The dwelling is equipped with 2 heat pumps plus a wood burner in the garage, which heats all radiators. Courtesy port-a-cot and high chair available upon request. This house offers complete privacy and stunning views of the Catlins’ rural landscape and star-studded night sky, yet is only a 5-minute drive from Owaka.

The township offers a supermarket (07:30 - 19:00 hrs), medical centre, pharmacy, garage, Basil & Baylys fresh produce, Lumberjack Restaurant, Catlins Café, Catlins Inn pub, coffee shop, eatery, museum and library, playground with toilets, art gallery, Doug’s Shed, and Black Sheep Boutique. The museum shows off the local history and usually hosts an art exhibition. The Information Centre within is manned with friendly staff or volunteers, who can provide you with maps, brochures, tidal times, and tips about places you can visit.

Not to be missed are the Nuggets and Lighthouse at Kaka Point with resident fur seals, Yellow Eyed Penguins and spoon bills, or Surat, Jacks, and Cannibal Bays with resident sea lions. Pounawea has a nice playground and jetty. Check out Earthlore’s insect dwellings and recycle-ware shop on the way to Jack’s Blowhole. The bush along the Southern Scenic Route boasts Matai, Purakaunui, and McLean waterfalls. After visiting the latter, you could pop in for a meal at the Whistling Frog or enjoy Tautuku Beach. If the tide is right, visit Cathedral Caves (access fee required). There is a beautiful loop walk starting at the bridge towards Papatowai through forest to the beach. Further along lies the Sunken forest at Curio Bay, where surfers meet dolphins. Be aware that access to the fossilised trees may be restricted to protect these as well as Yellow-eyed penguins’ nesting grounds. Check out “Catlins.org.nz” for map and further info.

Property manager

Smita & Michael
Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Courtesy port-a-cot and high chair available.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Katea

Located in Katea, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Nugget Point Lighthouse is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Kaka Point Scenic Reserve and Catlins Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Katea, OTA

What's nearby

  • Teapot World - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Catlins Lake - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Cannibal Bay Beach - 17 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Jack's Blowhole - 20 min drive - 11.5 km
  • Nugget Point Lighthouse - 24 min drive - 19.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Catlins Cafe - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Lumber Jack Cafe & Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Tahatika Coffee Traders - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Earthlore - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bakehouse Takeaways - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Catlins Aurora - The perfect getaway for couples, families or small groups located?

This family-friendly Katea holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Teapot World and Catlins Lake. Cannibal Bay Beach and Kaka Point Beach are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 55 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Seumas W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay
It had everything we needed. Great rural outlook and spa pool.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chrissie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice and comfy in Owaka
Lovely home overlooking countryside...spacious and clean and super comfy beds!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding seclusion at the end of the earth!
The house is beautiful. Has every amenity one could ask for including a functioning, hot tub. The hosts were responsive and kind absolutely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxing stay
Property is very nice and tidy. Hot tub is great. Very spacious and a great place to relax between visits to places to see in the Catlins.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reade D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Caitlin’s Aurora stay
Beautiful home/location.Peaceful and relaxing with lots of option to get outdoors and explore.Family friendly with lots of space for the kids.Freshly mowed lawns would have been nice. 5stars :)
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay, and would recommend to anyone visiting the Catlins.
Location was great for us to be able to do our day trips around the Catlins. Was very clean and tidy and had everything we needed, even a hot tub to relax in after exploring the many sites.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emma L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable
Clean, comfy beds and pillows, would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always Excellent
Just love coming here. So quiet and peaceful. Always clean, tidy and a pleasure to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darren L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome house and location
We had a great time staying here. Location is beautiful,house is clean and communication with property managers was great. Highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great New Year’s Eve stay
We had a lovely time at this proper over New Year’s Eve. It was very clean & provided everything we needed for our ten guests. The hot tub and views are amazing!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
excellent place and stay
loved the place. amazing views. v close to town. all as advertised. would love to stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dean F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean
Great place super clean and well organised, many thanks for the stay
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice relaxing stay
A fantastic place to stay. The house was really nice, clean and spacious, great for our family. Has everything you need for a comfortable stay. A really nice spot that is very central in the Catlins, so a perfect base to explore in all directions from.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love Staying Here
Always lovely to stay. This time I had work in the area and used this as my base. Was excellent and a nice quite place to come back to each night.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marjie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded expectations
Very comfortable and lots to do around The Catlins
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ankit P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Remote escape
It was great experience at hill top location overlooking to Green space all around. Great place to spend some time with friends and family and relaxing. Enjoyed our trip definitely recommend to others
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joel H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful, majestic, gorgeous.
This place was a gem. The host was on top of making our stay easy, comfortable and pleasant. The beds were some of the most comfortable we had on our trip and we will come back and stay longer in a future year. Amazing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Incredible stay!!
We were blown away at this very tidy, warm and spacious home! Absolutely perfect for our family and the bedding etc was wonderful! Hosts went beyond to ensure we were looked after !
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always lovely
Always lovely to return. Nice and relaxing. A good gathering place.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pam S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect spot for our family
We loved everything about this quiet spot in the Caitlins- the house gave us plenty of space for our family of 6, the views were amazing and it was an ideal home base to explore the beaches and forest. The hot tub made the perfect ending to a long day. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rush Hour in the Catlins
This was an ideal base for our days of enjoying the sights and experiences on offer in the South. We ventured out daily to explore returning to recuperate to start again. Spacious, clean and well resourced.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Lee C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Nice rural break
Overall very spacious property with nice 360 views and close to Owaka. Good water pressure for showers and nice to have two fridges. A couple of small things could be improved like having a dish cloth, oven mitt and darker curtains in three of the bedrooms. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Orsome Owaka
We had a fabulous week long stay in this perfect property. It was really spacious for three adults and three teens. The house was immaculately presented, and the instructions on how to get there and how to use the facilities were spot on. It was ideally situated for us to explore the Catlins and the lower South Island. We would highly recommend this place for a family, or a friends gathering. The spa was an added bonus that was well utilised.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natalie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous Weekend Getaway
Arriving at Katea we were immediately impressed with the location. The views from the property of the rolling hills and grazing cows was beautiful. The house was larger than we expected and comfortably housed seven family members for the weekend. The weather was perfect to enjoy breakfast on the terrace and some games on the lawn before adventuring around the Catlins for the day. Well situated for coffee and a local shop to pick up some extras, and we enjoyed coming home to be greeted by the cows at the gate. The house was very clean and well appointed. Overall a wonderful spot, would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Celia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Clean and warm but a dangerous driveway
We felt that we had to comment on the driveway up to the house, which is in need of maintenance. Saying it can be slippery is not really fair warning because the drive is potholed and on a tricky camber at some points. You have to be very careful to stay within the gravelled tracks or risk going into a steep ditch. This happened to us and we were lucky to get out of it. It marred our stay because every ascent and descent was done with tredpidation and we dared not risk it at night. Also there were no instructions for the hot tub.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Smita & Michael

Host profile image

Languages:

English, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests