On the sheltered edge of Purakaunui inlet, As You Like It is a charming cluster of four historic buildings with tasteful modern comforts. Watch fish swim by from the deck, explore the ocean beach, or simply unwind in your cozy room with electric heating and an electric blanket.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 550 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Laundry
Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage
Restored 140 yr old cottage on the very edge of the sheltered Purakaunui inlet, just a scenic 25 min drive from Dunedin, New Zealand. Is a cluster of four buildings, one a cottage originally built by a local fisherman, another a whare Māori style room built of boat building kauri and another a railworkers cottage with a curved roof.
Although still faithful to it's historic roots, there are the home comforts of a full modern kitchen and bathroom. The rooms are tastefully decorated, cleaned and maintained to a high standard. There is electric heating in every room as well as a coal range. Electric blankets are on the beds except for the trundler in main house.
As featured in Life and Leisure Magazine, Jan, 2009. The cluster of four little buidings known as "As You Like It" since the 1930's, is a 100 metre walk down a path along the waters edge.
You can just sit on the deck and watch the fish just a metre away, or watch the sunset over the water, dig for cockles, fish off the deck or the rocks, walk along the ocean beach or row or canoe around the inlet. It's a great bird watchers spot- shags ,tuis, fantails, bellbirds, oystercatchers, woodpigeons, whitefaced herons, kingfishers, etc. A Dinghy or kayaks are available onsite. The white sandy beach can be accessed at low tide by walking across ankle deep water, or by canoe. At full tide the bay is full of water and great for a kayak around the bay.
Outings can include a visit the historic pa site, Motutapu and it's secluded beach, or the Orokanui Sanctuary, 5 min drive away. The new Dunedin Forsyth Barr Stadium is only 20 min drive away, access and parking is easy because you can avoid the crowds coming from the city side.
It is also a great base to visit Dunedin's attractions , Port Chalmers is a 10 min drive away, with designer clothes and jewelry shops as well as coffee bars and restaurants. Eating out options include the Carey's Bay Hotel overlooking the fishing village beside Port Chalmers, the Galley cafe or Portside Tavern which has specialty beers on tap. Fleur's Seafood restaurant at Moeraki is 50 min drive north. The unspoilt coastal settlements of Seacliff and Karitane are a short senic drive away.
There are many walks around the township and the boatsheds, along Purakaunui beach, around the inlet or to Longbeach.
Note:unsuitable for the mobility challenged. Special conditions: Two night minimum Note that each bedroom-and the bathroom -are in separate cottages. The single bed in the main house is a trundler stored under the double bed. The buildings are clustered together and there are only a couple of steps between each cottage. Security lights light the way. Please discuss bringing pets with us. A laundromat is at Port Chalmers if you need any clothes washed.
Check-in time after 3 pm check out by 11 a.m.
Extras: Linen (included); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Clean the house and do the dishes before you leave.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Pool/Spa
Communal pool
Outdoor pool
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Wood stove
Entertainment
DVD player
Smart TV
Stereo
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Phone
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the city center
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please discuss with me first.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Please discuss with me first
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please discuss with me first
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Purakaunui, this vacation home is in the city center and on the beach. Speight's Brewery and Otago Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Dunedin Botanic Garden and Dunedin Railways. New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and Dunedin Chinese Garden are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling. Visit our Purakaunui travel guide
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage located?
Located in Purakaunui, this beachfront vacation home is in the city center, steps from Purakaunui Inlet, and 1.8 mi (3 km) from Long Beach. Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Holy Trinity Church are also within 9 mi (15 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Stunning little retreat by the water. A unique seaside adventure which should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Great facilities and location was everything and more. We loved it and highly recommend.
The location was superb! Absolutely stunning scenery and being able to jump right into the water was magical. We were so lucky it was a hot weekend too so the water was very refreshing.
Everything was amazing! From the terrific host communication to the cottage itself, location right by the water. Loved the bird life. Saw a seal swim by. Loved the history of the place and the book of all the different cottage wallpapers was a really cool touch and interesting.
Location was amazing right on the ocean edge with birds fish and sea lions to watch. A 2 minute walk from the car to house but with it. Two kayaks to paddle around. Port Chalmers only 15 mins away with supermarket and restaurants perfect get away!
Wonderful stay. Quiet, very relaxing and exactly the restful 'mini-holiday' we needed. Every bit as quaint as the photos suggested - 100% classic kiwi summer vibes. Good, clear communication and property information supplied. Kitchen well equipped with everything needed. Location perfect, could easily spend hours just sitting on the deck with a cup of tea watching the world go by as ever changing depending on the time of day, weather and tides. Hope to visit again some day.
Situated right at the waterfront this bach is perfect to relax and unwind. It offers everything you need. We are looking forward to coming back in summertime.
Excellent location, charming property, full of character.
Jane G.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Natalie E.
16 October 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Beautiful place, stunning location with a gorgeous property. I wasn’t impressed with the cleanliness, states it was very clean to detail, there was a lot of dust in the rooms, under beds and cobwebs. Needs a good clean, and the bathroom heater wasn’t working which was hard during cold mornings and evenings. Other than the cleanliness and heating bathroom was lovely.
We loved this fisherman's cottage so much. It is right on the water's edge and so peaceful. There are lovely walks close by and the overall area has some beautiful beaches to visit. We would love to stay here again.
Saw this property a year ago and the opportunity to book it for 3 days came up. Just the most magical place, so much to do and explore. The property is so well set up, we couldn’t have asked for more.
We loved our time at the historic cottage, was so peaceful and quiet and just next to the water. Will definitely come back again. Thank you Barbara for the stay!
Loved the peace and serenity of this property. Highly recommend. It is a beautiful, hidden gem only 30 minutes outside of Dunedin, feels like another world.
This was a dream come true! I had seen this property during walks in the area and finally got to stay here for a couple of nights. Very well appointed, super comfortable, very relaxing and so peaceful!
Absolutely unique location, loved watching the tide coming in and out each day! Very peaceful. Historic and comfortable accommodation with a well-appointed kitchen. Looking forward to visiting again!
Ginene Holmewood n.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christel
9 March 2024
An absolutely beautiful heritage home, directly on the water. Very quaint and peaceful. Can’t wait to visit again but next time for longer.
This crib is so unique, historic, quaint, picturesque and away from the beaten tourist track! We loved it! Thanks Barbara for making this haven available to us!
Such an incredible location! I don’t think the photos quite do it justice. We loved sitting on the porch watching the tides change. Even had a sea lion come past! Wonderful to be able to use the kayaks and explore.The cottage is warm,cosy and has everything you need. Thanks for the stay!