A haven for the ornithologically inclined, this 25-year-old guesthouse is tucked into a private forest and wetland reserve. Rates include a guided walk between 600-year-old trees with the affable hosts, who point out bird life (including fernbirds, of course) along the way. Fernbirds only hosts one group at a time, lending this ecofriendly hideaway an exclusive air. Advance bookings only.
As you'd expect of a property enclosed by a wildlife reserve, Fernbirds is as green as can be, from the use of rainwater and natural cleaning products, to the hosts' involvement in forest restoration.
It’s five minutes’ drive from central Invercargill. The lodge may close from May to July, so plan well ahead.