Welcome to Big Sky Cottage, self contained, self-catering accommodation right on the Otago Central Rail Trail in the centre of Lauder village, Central Otago, New Zealand.

The cottage is ideally situated for cycling, walking and exploring Central Otago, the Southern Lakes district and the Maniototo.

Within 100 metres of the Otago Central Rail Trail, it is an excellent place to start one of the most spectacular sections of the cycle trail through the Poolburn Gorge to the Ida Valley.

The house is self contained, with exclusive occupancy - ideal if you're looking for a place to yourself to relax.  Your party will be the only people there on the night.  
Built from mud bricks sourced in the area in 1930, Big Sky Cottage is a tastefully decorated character deco-style accommodation . It boasts an oak paneled hallway and beautiful deco ceilings in each room. It is well equipped with clean, comfortable furnishings and good appliances. The house is suitable for up to 4 people.  

It has two good-sized bedrooms (one king and one queen) and a large open plan living room and dining room leading through to the kitchen. It also has a wide cool veranda (with outdoor seats) for hot summer days and a sheltered sun-trap garden.

The cottage is only 2 minutes walk to the Lauder Hotel (for dinner).   The White Horse Hotel in Becks is a 5 minute drive up the road and Gary and Karen offer a courtesy pick up and drop off for guests at Big Sky Cottage.  The Muddy Creek Cafe in Omakau and Pitches Store in Ophir are a 5 minute drive away.

The house is in the heart of the sweeping Manuherekia Valley, close to the Manuherekia River and at the foothills of the magnificent Hawkdun, St Bathans and Dunstan mountains.  Ideal for relaxing holidays and Otago Central Rail Trail stop overs.

This is true Central Otago country with breathtaking views of this ‘big sky country’ at every turn.

Accommodation Facilities

Big Sky Cottage offers:

2 bedrooms with king and queen beds
linen and towels supplied
electric blankets for the cool months
lounge - spacious 
dining room - open plan to lounge
log burner and plenty of firewood
kitchen - well equipped for self catering
electric cooker and oven
fridge freezer
microwave
oil filled electric heaters in bedrooms
selection of books, maps and local information
TV and DVD player
CD/radio/tape player
selection of CDs, DVDs and tapes
bathroom with shower, heated towel rail and heater
hairdryer
washing machine and ironing facilities
large flat garden
veranda with seats at front overlooking Otago Central Rail Trail

Please note there is good cell phone coverage but no WIFI or fixed internet at the cottage.

Tariff - Self Catering Accommodation

2 people - $175 per night  (1 couple sharing room.  $87.50 per person )

2 people - $235 per night  (2 singles with a room each.  $117.50 per person )

3 people - $245 per night ($81.67 per person. 1 couple, 1 single)

4 people - $295 per night (2 couples. $73.75 per person. )

The prices quoted are per night in New Zealand dollars and includes cleaning fee for self catering accommodation.

Multiple nights and weekly rates are available on request.

Minimum 2 night stay over Christmas, New Year, school holidays, Waitangi and Easter periods. Please contact us for dates for these periods.

The house is for a minimum of two and maximum of four people.

All bookings are for single party use with exclusive occupancy.

Booking and Enquiries

Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
with your booking request or enquiry providing the following information:

Your name, address and phone number
Dates of arrival and departure
Number of guests

Alternatively you can phone Celia and Paul on

021 583 124 from within New Zealand

+64 21 583 124 outside New Zealand

We look forward to hearing from you and talking to you about Big Sky Cottage and this wonderful part of New Zealand

Celia and Paul