Enjoy Takitimu mountain views from our character filled, recycled timber Shepherd's hut. It sits on its own quarter acre section in the peaceful ex-mining village of Ohai. Behind the hut is an organic vegetable garden - sneak a strawberry, fresh greens or chill under the old pear tree in the shade. Bring bikes for gravel road cycling, dogs are welcome. Unsuitable for children sorry. No wifi but excellent coverage.
Te Araroa trail 7kms (txt if you need a lift)
75 mins Te Anau, Queenstown 120 mins
The space
Our character filled hut has been painstaking crafted by local tradespeople from the Ohai area.
The Shepherd's Hut sits on its own 1/4 acre section, which you will have full use of. While the garden is being developed, the Mutabilis Rose hedge at the front of the section is stealing the show - covered in multicoloured blooms most of the year round. There is a lot of bird life in Ohai, you will often see tui and kereru at different times of the year, depending on what's on their menu!
The hut has a partially covered porch, and easy steps up to the hut. Open up the French doors, and sit on the deck with views over to the Takitimu mountains.
Inside, the hut is decked out in calming greens and soothing blues, creating a calming space. There is a very comfortable queen bed, with super size pull out drawers underneath the bed for storage. Even the handles have been specially designed to fit in with the character of the hut.
The cute fire keeps the hut cosy over the winter months, however this cannot be used over the summer months. There is a heater that can be used on any colder nights.
A bench bar with stools makes a great spot to enjoy meals while looking across the township to the mountains. This table top has been created from recycled rimu and resin, inset with local river stones. A pantry cupboard will store all your food supplies, while the right hand cupboard has a rail with hangers for jackets. There is a gas hob for cooking, also a mini oven/air fryer is stored under the sink. A bar fridge with a small ice box completes the kitchen.
An upcycled door opens into the quirky bathroom which boasts a very generously sized shower, complete with hand made copper rainhead. The arched window was from a local convent, and ties in beautifully with the curved roof lines.
Enjoy the big, open skies of Ohai, and the glorious sunsets. If you are up in the wee hours, make sure to look towards the south (above the sink window) and you might see the Southern Lights. The stars are stunning on a clear night.
Some pantry basics are provided, along with tea and coffee. The nearest supermarket is the 4 Square at Nightcaps, so please make sure you bring provisions. They also sell hot food, great burgers and coffee.
Just along from the hut is Te Oraunui Marae, and behind the marae is the old football field which is a great spot for dog walks. There is an indoor heated swimming pool at the back of the field, a heritage apple orchard, and a tennis court which you are welcome to use.
Ohai is centrally located in Western Southland, and is a great spot to explore Fiordland from, being only one hour to Manapouri. We highly recommend the Doubtful Sound trip which runs from Manapouri, this trip is on a par with Milford Sound, and less busy. Book through Real Journeys.
45 minutes to the beach and cafes at Riverton, another short 10 minutes drive to Gemstone Beach, with the award winning Orepuki Cafe nearby.
60 mins to Invercargill
2 hours to Queenstown
Enjoy your stay at our hut, we are proud to share this special space with you.
Arohanui,
Nicky
Guest access
Please feel free to wander around the section. Please help yourself to strawberries from the garden (please replace nets) and any salad greens during your stay.
Other things to note
The hut is on its own 1/4 acre section, but there are neighbours both sides of the property. The hut can shake a bit in the wind, but its on a very heavy steel trailer so won't move.
