Family hotels and homes in Otira

The relative isolation, being amidst the beautiful vertical mountains that held you in their palms. The woodburner that warmed your bones with the aroma of dry popping pine cones. Early in the morning there was a deep silence and the silhouette of the mountains remained saturated in cloud. The cabin which was exactly as advertised, everything you need though a necessary secondary to the real purpose of the place: To be seduced and liberated for a time by nature. Our family loved the experience and will be back.

My last night of my 17 days in the South Island and such an great and unusual find. Saw the TransAlpine train lumber into the sleepy town of Otira. Explored the school paintings in the train underpass. Said hello to the goats and pig and found dozens of horse drawn carriages, drays and implements. Home cooked dinner and desert with friendly helpful staff, breakfast by the fire and a museum of my own to play in. Such fun

Loved all the collection of memorabilia, nice atmosphere infront of fire, kids loved feeding animals, jukebox songs and playing pool

Great host, well equipped (but basic) cabin, lovely new fireplace. Not a luxury stay, but exactly as described, and a great place to get away from modern life for a while (but it does have WiFi, a microwave , a hot shower and modern conveniences!)

Everything. Great warm accommodation with a fireplace which was fantastic. Great little kitchen. Family had a wonderful time.

Large and well-kept section around the hut. Great space for the dog to run around, well fenced. Also very private and tranquil space bar the occasional train. Hut itself is undersold, lovely warm functional space. We very much enjoyed our stay and would stay again.

This is a quirky characterful hotel reflecting the owners eclectic tastes. It was fun and interesting to see the collection of decorative items and vintage furniture pieces. The room was clean and comfortable and the shared bathroom was also good. There was a self service free breakfast of cereals available

People friendly, hardworking. Restaurant meal quantity was good, quality was ok. Place is quirky and fun to look around. It is old and needs maintenance but did not affect our stay