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Reviews of Catlins Lake Sanctuary

193C Hina Hina Road, 9586 Owaka, New Zealand

#9 of 12 hotels in Owaka

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 57 hotel reviews

8.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.6

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    9.9

  • Facilities

    8.2

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    8.9

  • Free Wifi

    9.2

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: July 26, 2025

    10
    A great spot to base yourself to explore the area. With great amenities nearby. Cosy house with a fire and everything yo
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

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

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: February 5, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

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

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 25, 2025

    8.0
    Views to die for!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

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

    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!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 10, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights

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

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: November 24, 2024

    9.0
    Unique
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very nice place and view to the lake

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: September 15, 2024

    8.0
    Nice cosy place
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

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

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: August 28, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: July 30, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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! 😍

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: June 30, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing. I could have stayed for much longer

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

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 27, 2024

    10
    Family retreat in Catlins
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: May 26, 2024

    7.0
    Fabulous view and great location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: April 19, 2024

    7.0
    Relaxing with Great Views
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 15, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Quite dated decor but very clean and tidy.

    Amazing view.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: March 30, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Hot water needs improvement

    Location Fire Beds were comfy

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 15, 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Property needs some TLC. (Tender loving care)

    The sea views were superb. Lovely quiet location.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 3, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: December 4, 2023

    8.0
    Very comfortable and quiet
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Front door lock is a bit fiddly

    Great Location. Plenty of room. Outdoor area.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: November 11, 2023

    9.0
    Beautiful views from this cosy little cottage.
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

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

    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.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: November 1, 2023

    7.0
    Traditional Kiwi bach in a stunning location
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Stunning location.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: October 6, 2023

    10
    Peaceful spot with great views easy access to the Catlins
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Reception was not great

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

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: September 13, 2023

    10
    Secluded hideaway in a magical location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No complaints

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

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: August 3, 2023

    7.0
    Loved the location and some things about the house good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    Location and space.. good lights

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: April 24, 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Really good except for shower

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 18, 2023

    9.0
    Relaxing in a homely environment with wonderful views
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom House
    • Stayed 2 nights

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

    Stayed in April 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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