High Country Cabin – Ohau

Five reasons why you need to book an escape at the High Country Cabin Ohau. 

The high country cabin is possibly one of my favourite places in New Zealand. Not only is it situated in one of the best national park in the country, it is an absolute dream come true from the moment you close that gate. I am going to let you in on a little secret, building a cabin in a remote location would be an absolute dream come true for me. I can picture myself chopping wood for the fire, collecting eggs from the chicken coop and putting my feet up on the sofa with a cup of Yorkshires finest and my laptop ready to work and lose myself in the view outside. I am a huge home gal, I would much rather stick my pyjamas and slippers on and get comfortable under a blanket than head to a pub, any day of the week. I love, love, love cooking so to have a beautiful rustic kitchen filled with pots, pans and trinkets is absolute goals. Also the neighbours, the High Country Cabin is set on a rural patch of land right next to the Ben Ohau mountain range and there are Merino sheep that roam the property. They come right up to the windows and are so lovely to watch. 

I have always dreamed owning my own cabin like this so getting the chance to stay there twice this year, once in early June right after the New Zealand lockdown and second for our wedding / mini honeymoon was a delight. We soaked up the rural bliss for three whole days and I am here to inspire you to do the same. Here are five solid reasons why I think everyone deserves a break at the High Country Cabin. 

To fully switch off 

Leave all your troubles and real life behind. Set off on an adventure in to the Mackenzie Country, locate the cabin of dreams and relax. Yes, the cabin has WIFI and phone reception but the solitude and rural location will do wonders for your soul. The cabin sleeps 5 people, with a wonderfully comfortable bed downstairs and three futon style beds in on the upper level it is the perfect place for a romantic escape or for a group adventure. The log fire will have you relaxed in no time and the huge L Shaped sofa with the comfiest cushions known to mankind is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of red. 

To live out your cabin dreams 

Everyone dreams about their ideal house location and style. Well, if you are like me this is it. The cabin is finished to perfection. The architecture is modern yet rustic and all the little touches have you feeling at home from the moment you step through the door. The cabin has a fully working kitchen, stove, coffee pod machine and everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The furnishings are plush and the shower, well it’s a good one and you may be there a while (don’t be greedy, be sure to conserve the water though) You can chop your own wood and stoke your own fire all night. Be sure to turn all the lights off and soak up the night sky. With zero light pollution the Mackenzie country is one of the finest places in New Zealand to watch the stars. 

To put your feet up in front of a log fire 

Did I mention the High Country Cabin has a log fire? Well, it does and I have now decided that any home we decide to buy must have a log fire so I can sit in front of it, in all seasons wrapped in a blanket enjoying the heat. There is a plentiful wood stock out the back, an axe and a chopping block. I tell you, as soon as that fire is lit you will not want to move. 

To stay in rural New Zealand 

The south island of New Zealand is a whole lot of nothing. I remember when we first moved here driving around and not passing cars for hours. It is so crazy when you drive through land that has not heavily been hit by infrastructure and buildings, letting the natural landscape take charge. The Mackenzie country is exactly that. As soon as you enter the Lindis Pass, pretty much right up to Canterbury, you will be surrounded by mountains, beautiful, wonderful mountains. The High country cabin has mountains in every direction and I highly recommend getting up for sunrise and sticking around for sunset to enjoy the sky change colour. The photos will be magical. 

To explore one of New Zealand’s finest National Parks 

Ahh you know I have love for Mount Cook National Park. I have so many good things to say about it, I will keep you here all day. Hiking trails such as the Hooker Valley Track, Sealy Tarns, Red Tarns, The Tasman Glacier walk and MORE, yes more will keep you busy for days. You can fly with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Heli’s, or have lunch at the Hermitage. You can explore the glacier by boat with glacier explorers or just sit and soak up the magic in front of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki. If you have time I highly suggest the Edmund Hillary Museum and make sure you take your time to drive that road. It really is such a special place. 

If you are around in the winter months (lucky you!) ski or snowboard and Ohau Ski Field, honestly possibly the best place I have ever been snowboarding. The views are incredible and that club field vibe will have you wanting to stay all day and night. We also love taking an hour out of what looks like a busy trip to the Mackenzie to soak in the Omorama hot pools… pure bliss. 

Have I convinced you to go to the High Country Cabin yet?? Need I say more? Follow the link HERE to the website or jump on Air BnB here to book your stay. 

We can’t recommend this place enough and it will always hold such special memories for us.