Birds Eye View Lodge
Timaru
Bird's Eye View Lodge is set on Berwyn Farm in South Canterbury. It's about 20 minutes from Timaru and just under 3 hours drive from Christchurch.
Bird's Eye View Lodge is a true kiwi back country hut adventure - without the two day tramp to get there! While slightly more basic in its facilities than some of our other glamping locations, this hut is an experience like no other.
Transported by your host Gerry, in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you'll climb slowly over half an hour, up through the stunning scenery of the farm. When you get there, you'll find a place of incredible magic.
Sitting at the very top of the Hunter Hills, often above the clouds, the lodge has breath-taking panoramic views stretching from the Fairlie Basin, the Port Hills, Canterbury Plains and coastline, to Mt Hutt, and the Southern Alps. At night, the clear night sky, completely free of light pollution, is a spectacle of stars and planets.
The lodge itself is comfortable, cosy and atmospheric. Filled with curiosities and olde world finds, you'll almost feel like you've stepped back in time.
Once you're at the lodge, you'll be there until Gerry is back to collect you... But you'll find plenty to keep you entertained! The farm has some fantastic walking - with wildlife like deer and wallabies to spot. Mountain bikers are welcome to bring their bikes to explore the farm on wheels. Or simply cosy up with a good book, a board game and a glass of wine by the fire.
Out of all the places we stayed in New Zealand for our 3 week holiday, this cottage was - hands down - the best stay of them all. The hosts, Gerry and Odette, are extremely welcoming and have a passion for hospitality/sharing their home with others. The drive up to the cottage was beautiful - driving through the farm's working sheep and cow paddocks. A real treat! However, nothing compares to wonderful isolation of the cottage. The views and wildlife are incredible. This place is a real treasure and we would definitely love to stay here again!
"Amy December 2017
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Warm welcome from our hosts, Odette n Gerry. A fun and steep 4wd trip up onto the mountain range with Gerry, who was an excellent driver and very informative about the land. The cabin is perfect with the right balance of luxury and rustic charm. Great fireplace, amazing views, and the outdoor bath is the pièce de resistance!!
"23 May 2018
Our time at Bird’s Eye View lodge was absolutely incredible. Jerry and Odette are the sweetest, most lovely people to deal with and there are no proper words to describe the beauty of the lodge and its surroundings. You must experience it!!!
"9 July 2018
This place is totally magical! We would recommend the Bird's eye View to everyone as we really enjoyed this experience! The hosts are so lovely and really made us feel welcomed and special. It is an experience that you will not find anywhere else and totally worth it! Just the ride to get to the Shack is an adventure in its self. Make sure you bring your own water, drinks and a lot of food as once you are there is no way to go back down (unless hiking) until the check-out time...Thanks again to Odette and Gerald for this amazing stay!
"7 July 2018