Summary:
Bacardi Heights Waikaia by Tiny Away is country living at its best! It's the perfect holiday homes NZ getaway with a wild side. The mountains tower, pastures stretch, and the river carves through the land as if it owns the place. What's more, the silence here is profound, interrupted only by the morning birdsong or the soft clink of a glass beneath a moonlit sky. Wake up to the vibrant birdlife of a fresh new day, and be ready to capture a breathtaking sunrise.
Plan your day at your own pace and allow us to lead you to some of New Zealand’s most remote and pristine natural landscapes.
The Space:
Bacardi Heights Waikaia by Tiny Away is where rural meets just right. Elevated views, golden sunlight, and space to breathe without being so far off-grid that dinner in town is a mission. Just 20 minutes from Riversdale, you can hit Waikaia Royal Golf Course at twilight, bike through the forest, or chase waterfalls at McLean Falls. Craving history, Waikaia Museum has stories to tell. From here, even Piano Flat and Nugget Point Lighthouse isn’t out of reach.
A comfortable 139-square-foot tiny home with easy access to water, split air conditioning, a kitchenette, cooking equipment, and excellent bathroom facilities. These amenities include an eco-friendly cassette toilet, hand basin, and shower (gas-heated for hot showers).
If you plan to spend your holiday homes NZ getaway here, we advise bringing your basic necessities, such as food and water, during your stay with us. Thank you
Guest Access:
Guests have full access to the tiny home and its immediate surroundings.
The Neighborhood:
Bacardi Heights Waikaia by Tiny Away is a charming holiday homes NZ, where history and nature converge. Just 20 minutes from Riversdale, Waikaia is a former gold mining town that has transformed into a welcoming community. Explore the Switzers Museum, home to the unique Bottle House, built from 20,000 wine bottles.
Tee off at the local 9-hole golf course, cast a line in the Waikaia River, or venture into the Waikaia Forest for hiking. With a general store, hotel, motel, and school, it is the perfect base to experience this distinctive slice of New Zealand life.
Our local recommendations:
- Local Walk - An opportunity to experience local views. Two to three hours of leisurely walking on local farm land. Average fitness required.
- Waikaia Royal Golf Course: A hidden nine-hole gem with mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a round in the fresh country air.
- Waikaia Forest Trails, just a 5-minute bike ride away, featuring 10km of off-road trails suitable for those with average fitness and biking ability. E-bike hire available.
- Old Man Range Great Walk - A full day's hiking for experienced hikers. Climb up and traverse the hill before dropping down to Shingle Creek. High level of fitness required.
- Nugget Point Lighthouse: Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the famous “nugget” rock formations.
- Waikaia Museum: Step back in time and discover Waikaia’s rich gold mining history. This small but fascinating museum showcases artifacts, photos, and stories from the town’s past.
- Piano Flat - Half or Full day walk or bike (e-bike hire available). Sensational native bush that meanders alongside crystal clear river. Option for picnic lunch 🥂 to really soak up the silence.
- Gore: Known as New Zealand’s country music capital, this small town packs a punch with live music, street art, and rich local history. Visit the Eastern Southland Gallery for an unexpected collection of international art.
- McLean Falls: Hidden in the lush Catlins forest, this spectacular waterfall cascades down mossy rock formations. A short, scenic bushwalk leads to the base, where you can take in the beauty of the region’s most impressive waterfalls.
Getting Around:
By Car:
- Queenstown to Waikaia – Approximately a 2-hour drive.
- Dunedin to Waikaia – Approximately a 3-hour drive.
- Invercargill to Waikaia – Approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
By Public Transport:
- The best option is to hire a vehicle from the airport. If you enjoy the outdoors, we recommend a 4X4 for exploring the area.
By Flight:
- Queenstown, Dunedin, and Invercargill all have airports with domestic flights. From there, you’ll need to drive or hire a vehicle to reach Waikaia.
Other Things to Note:
Meal Options Available:
• Continental Breakfast – $30 per person: Cereal, fresh fruit, juice, and tea/coffee.
• Packed Lunch – $45 per person: Filled roll, seasonal fruit, muffin/biscuit/slice, and fruit juice.
• Dinner – $55 per person: Choice of chicken, beef, or lamb with vegetables or salad, rice or potatoes, and dessert.
We are in a remote area, so food orders must be placed at least 3 days before arrival.
Activities and Rentals:
Forest Bike Trails – Just 2km away, with e-bike hire available for $120 per bike, per day. Two bikes are available for your convenience.
Guided Walking Options:
Day Walk Guide – $150 per person
Half Day Walk Guide – $90 per person
More photos of these walking options are available upon request.
Piano Flat – A beautiful fishing and swimming spot. We offer drop-off and pick-up services for $70 per person.
Museum Guided Tour & Cave Tour – Full-day experience for $100 per person.
Golf – Available Wednesday afternoons only. $200 per person, which includes clubs, green fees, entry fee, and a raffle.
- Pets not allowed
- Gas BBQ grill is available
- Smoking is not on the property
- No unregistered guests or visitors are allowed
- Mobile reception has good signals for all telco lines
- Don’t forget to close the windows and lock doors when leaving the tiny house/ property
- Make sure to turn off the lights, air conditioning, and electronics (e.g., especially chargers)
- We would like to advise guests that longer stays or later check-outs will incur an additional charge
Important note:
- Keep in mind that BBQ grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban
- Due to the nature of the property, abundant wildlife may be present in the surrounding areas
- For stays of 5 nights or more (or for bookings of 5 nights or more), an additional cleaning fee will be collected to help maintain the cassette toilet and ensure a clean and fresh experience for all guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Interaction with Guests:
Guests will enjoy your own private space but we are always happy to chat with you.
