The Cottage

Everything inside The Black Shack

A closer look at every room, every amenity, and what to expect from a stay in this classic kiwi bach.

It's an older property that makes lake views affordable, a rustic, unpretentious bach for people who'd rather sit by the fire than fuss over finishes.

6
Guests
3
Bedrooms
1
Bathroom
1
Level, no stairs
Bedroom 01 & 02

Two queen rooms in the main house

Both bedrooms sit in the main house, alongside the living area and kitchen. Room-darkening shades and extra bedding are provided in each, and guests consistently mention how comfortable the beds are.

  • 1 queen bed per room
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Electric blankets
  • Extra pillows and blankets on request
Bedroom 03

A private sleep-out, just steps away

The third bedroom is a separate building from the main house, giving one group extra privacy. It's ideal for guests travelling together who'd like a little more space between them.

  • 1 queen bed
  • Separate building from the main house
  • Own private entrance
Living room with Lake Hawea view, The Black Shack
Living area

Fireplace, books, and a view that doesn't quit

The heart of the cottage: a wood-fed fireplace, shelves of books and board games, and sliding doors that open straight onto the lake view. Sky TV and Netflix are there for quieter nights in.

  • Wood-fed fireplace with fireplace guard
  • Sky TV, Netflix, and a sound system with aux
  • Books and board games
  • Electric heating
Kitchen at The Black Shack, Lake Hawea holiday house
Kitchen

Everything you need to cook a proper dinner

A full kitchen with the essentials covered: oven and stove, fridge and freezer, and enough pots, pans, and dishes to put a meal together for the whole group.

  • Oven, stove, fridge, and freezer
  • Microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker
  • Cooking basics: pots, pans, oil, salt, pepper
  • Dishes, cutlery, and glassware
Bathroom at The Black Shack, Lake Hawea holiday house
Bathroom

One bathroom, shared across the cottage

A single bathroom serves all three bedrooms, so it's worth planning around if you're travelling as a full group of six. It's simple and well kept: a shower, hot water, and the everyday essentials.

  • Shower with hot water
  • Hair dryer and body soap
  • Towels provided
  • Washer available, with a clothes line and iron for drying
Outdoor dining table at The Black Shack, Lake Hawea
Outside

A rustic spa, a BBQ, and the whole lake to look at

Outside is where The Black Shack earns its name. A gas-heated outdoor bathtub, a BBQ for evening dinners, and an open lawn that runs down toward the water, with off-street parking and space to bring the boat.

  • Rustic gas-heated outdoor spa bath
  • BBQ and outdoor dining area
  • Outdoor furniture and a hammock
  • Off-street parking, plus boat parking nearby

Everything included in your stay

Heating & comfort

  • Wood-fed fireplace
  • Fireplace guard
  • Electric heating
  • Electric blankets

Kitchen

  • Oven and stove
  • Fridge and freezer
  • Microwave and toaster
  • Kettle and coffee maker

Bathroom & laundry

  • Shower, hot water
  • Hair dryer, body soap
  • Washer, clothes line
  • Iron and drying rack

Entertainment

  • Free WiFi
  • Sky TV and Netflix
  • Sound system with aux
  • Books and board games

Outdoor

  • Gas-heated outdoor spa
  • BBQ and dining area
  • Outdoor furniture, hammock
  • Private, partly open lawn

Practical

  • Self check-in, lockbox
  • Free off-street parking
  • Linen and towels provided
  • Pet friendly, child friendly
Not included

There's no clothes dryer (a clothes line and iron are provided instead), no air conditioning, and no carbon monoxide alarm. A smoke alarm is installed. WiFi is available but can be limited given the rural location, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Good to know

Before you book

Check-in and out

Self check-in with a lockbox after 3:00 PM. Checkout before 10:00 AM.

House rules

6 guests maximum. Pets are welcome. No parties or events, and no smoking.

Extra fees

Linen and cleaning fees apply on top of the nightly rate. Exact pricing and dates are shown on Airbnb and Holiday Houses.

Cancellations

Standard policy applies: partial loss if cancelled within 30 days of check-in, larger loss within 7 days. Full terms are shown at booking.

As a classic kiwi bach, this is an older property in rural New Zealand. If insects aren't your thing, this might not be the spot for you, and there's a chance of the odd mouse if food is left out. A tidy kiwi keeps it that way. Guests have also noted the water from the tap comes from a rainwater tank, so bringing bottled water for drinking is a good idea.

Ready to book your stay?