Central Otago is a stunning region of New Zealand to travel through all year round. With beautiful wineries to visit, exceptional hiking options, incredible views and rich history, we cannot recommend visiting Central Otago enough.
It is also home to several glorious, boutique accommodation options that are sure to wow even the most seasoned luxury traveller.
In this article, we are going to introduce you to our favourite boutique, affordable and luxury accommodation in Central Otago: Coombes Cottage. The perfect blend of affordability and luxury for those seeking an escape to the country.
Coombes Cottage is located on Shepherds Flat Road, just outside the historic town of Saint Bathans.
Don’t worry, we hadn’t heard of Saint Bathans either. Which makes this accommodation option even more unique.
With exceptional views of the Hawkdun Range, this self-contained mud brick cottage is ideal for couples looking for a romantic weekend away, or for those who want to work remote in a calm place, far from the hustle and bustle of the nearby towns & cities like Dunedin and Queenstown (which are only two hours away).
The immediate area itself is fascinating: up the road is Saint Bathans, an old goldmining town which once was home to 2,000 miners and now has a population of 10. Saint Bathans is home to two exceptional attractions: The Vulcan Hotel and the Blue Lake. The Vulcan Hotel is one of the most historic pubs in Central Otago, dating back to the 1860s and the Blue Lake is a man-made lake bore through gold mining activities is now a tourist attraction offering a stunning landscape for photography and a rugged 90-minute hike around.
Boutique Charm
Coombes Cottage has its own boutique charm. We love experiences off the beaten track and the peace and quiet of the countryside.
We’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
Staying in Coombes Cottage feels like a home, unlike other luxury accommodation in Central Otago which can feel slightly commercialized and over the top. Its cozy, intimate and downright cute set up sets this place apart from other luxury cottages. Lets not forget about the views of course!
Affordable Luxury
How much does it cost to stay at Coombes Cottage?
$235 per night.
For the level of uniqueness and luxury provided, we think this is a great price with high value for money.
We often describe the Saint Bathans area of New Zealand to be the ‘real New Zealand’.
What do you think of when you think of New Zealand?
For us, it’s mountain ranges stretching off into the distance, a vast expanse of beautiful countryside, and flocks of sheep!
Believe it or not there is another accommodation in the area. The Vulcan Hotel in Saint Bathans, it is cheaper at $150 per night, however these two types of accommodation are extremely different and quite incomparable.
We would suggest a night in each place, as you can have one night of serene, peaceful romance and luxury at Coombes Cottage, and another night experiencing the magic of The Vulcan Hotel.
More on The Vulcan Hotel here.
Interior Features
The inside of Coombes Cottage is gorgeous.
A comfy double bed in a studio apartment set up, complete with an open wood fire in the seating area, a kitchen area and a bathroom complete with gorgeous clawfoot bathtub and shower… Not to mention the rustic décor!
It does also, very importantly, have WiFi…
We loved sharing a bottle of wine (a 2016 Rockburn Pinot Noir, if you are interested) and sitting by the fire, chatting away.
Outdoor Features
Simplicity is often missed with luxury accommodation as they try too hard. But the outside amenities of Coombes Cottage include the following:
- Spa pool
- Outdoor seats under the veranda
- BBQ
- A paddock with a few sheep in
- Unmatched star gazing (on a clear night)
What more do you need?!
Our only advice would be to make sure that you have a good quality bottle of wine to enjoy… maybe two!
Booking Details
The best way to book a stay at Coombes Cottage is via Air BnB which is accessible through the button below.
Lorna and David, the owners, are warm and genuine people who go above and beyond when it comes to welcoming you to their stunning, boutique accommodation.
Best Time of Year to Visit Coombes Cottage
There is no best time of year to stay at Coombes Cottage.
Arguably, the winter is a better time to visit as there are far less people travelling around, the Hawkdun Range looks exceptional when they are snow-capped, and you can really benefit through the open log fire. Plus the cold, frosty nights make getting into the spa pool and gazing at the stars even more special.
Getting to Coombes Cottage
The journey to Coombes Cottage is very simple, much like the rest of New Zealand, there are only a few roads in or out.
Our main piece of advice if you are visiting in the winter is to be cautious of the hawfrosts and black ice along the tar sealed road as you are driving in. Many cars slip and slide on this, and we do not want any accidents.
For an escape to the rural and rugged New Zealand, we 100% recommend this luxury accommodation in Central Otago. It is the ideal balance between countryside and luxury, between old, rustic design and modern amenities, and the warmest hosts during the coldest of winters who will light a fire just before you arrive!
Book Coombes Cottage on Air BnB here.
To stay up to date with what the only pub in the local area is doing to plan your stay better, check out and follow The Vulcan Hotel’s Facebook page for continuous updates with events and functions.
Catching up with up with your blog and so glad that you seem so happy, enjoying yourselves and having great experiences.