Welcome to
Birds Ferry Lodge B&B
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Punakaiki, Birds Ferry Lodge offers you a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation in the heart of the West Coast
Meet your Hosts,
A Warm Welcome Awaits
At Birds Ferry Lodge, every detail is designed with your comfort in mind. A truly memorable stay is more than just stunning surroundings—it’s about feeling welcomed, cared for, and completely at ease.
Your host, Andre, originally from South Africa, from Swiss parentage, has over 15 years of experience as a South Island tour guide. With a deep knowledge of New Zealand’s landscapes, culture, and hidden gems, he’s always happy to help shape your journey—whether it’s crafting the perfect itinerary, recommending off-the-beaten-track adventures, or sharing a fascinating local story. He also speaks French, making it easy for French-speaking guests to feel right at home.
In the kitchen, Alison, who hails from Scotland, creates meals that celebrate the flavours of the West Coast. With a background in hotel management and corporate catering, she takes pride in using fresh, seasonal ingredients—many from her own garden—to craft delicious homegrown dishes that feel both nourishing and indulgent.
Between them, Andre and Alison have been New Zealand citizens for 60+ years, embracing the country’s way of life and sharing their love for the West Coast with guests from around the world. From the moment you arrive, the experience is all about you—whether it’s a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled getaway, your time here is designed to be effortlessly relaxing, uniquely local, and truly unforgettable.
We share Birds Ferry Lodge with our two very friendly and hospitable terriers Monti and Muscat, who can’t wait to meet you.

Warm West Coast Hospitality At A Glance......
Located just north of Punakaiki, enjoy a peaceful retreat in the heart of New Zealand’s rugged West Coast.
A secluded and very private adults only escape situated conveniently close to the West Coast’s top attractions.
With just two beautifully appointed guest rooms enjoying ocean views, we provide an intimate and tailored experience.
Start your day with a delicious seasonal breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients to start your day.
Only 5 minutes to the Kawatiri Cycle Trail for amazing day walks and cycling. Local e-bike hire can be arranged.
Conveniently located safe allocated parking alongside your room making unpacking a breeze.
Your experienced hosts are dedicated to warm hospitality, providing personalised recommendations to make your stay unforgettable.
Enjoy freshly prepared gourmet evening meals crafted with care using homegrown and regional produce.
Eco-conscious practices with sustainability at heart ensures a meaningful stay that respects & preserves natural beauty around you.
Explore 15 hectares of lush gardens and native landscapes, offering peace, beauty, and a deep connection to nature.
Just a 20 minute drive to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Pororari River Trail and the Paparoa Track.
A wealth of excellent reviews from prior guests that simply speak for themselves.


Accommodation
Just two spacious guest suites offer luxury and tranquility with sweeping views of the ocean, Totara Valley and Paparoa Ranges.
Dining
Enjoy gourmet, homecooked meals with fresh local ingredients, paired with fine New Zealand wines in an intimate setting.
Explore
Explore scenic costal walks, discover hidden waterfalls or simply soak in the tranquility of nature from the lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions - answered
Check-in Time.
As a small lodge, with a limited number of staff, we ask guests to check in no earlier than 4pm. This is to give us time to prepare the rooms after the previous night’s guests have checked out, as well as to give us an opportunity to take care of any errands we need to do outside of the lodge. If you expect to arrive earlier than 4pm, we request the courtesy of a phone call or email to notify us so that we can plan to be here.
Check-out Time.
Similar to the above, we require rooms to be vacated by 10:00am so that we can get them turned over ready for the next guests to check in.
Dining.
Many guests have said that dinner at Birds Ferry Lodge was one of the best meals of their time in New Zealand. We are very happy to offer dinner as part of a stay at the lodge, under the following conditions:
We require no less than 24 hours’ notice if you wish to add dinner to an existing booking. We need time to prepare the menu, order anything that needs ordering, and arrange our schedules to allow for us to devote the time to your meal’s preparation.
We need notification of any and all dietary restrictions well in advance. As a small operation, we do not keep a wide range of alternatives on hand, and we cannot change the menu once it is prepared. Even something as minor as a preference for anything other than full-fat cow’s milk needs to be advised in advance.
While we are able to cater for many specialty diets, we do not offer Kosher or Halal dining options.
If there are food allergies that need to be catered for, we will make every effort to keep them off the menu, but as a small operation with a small kitchen, we cannot guarantee that no cross-contamination will occur.
Children. With many antiques and fragile items around the lodge, and as a place where guests seek respite from the noise and clamour of the regular world, we do not welcome young children under the age of 13 to stay at the lodge.
Activities. There is a lot to do in the surrounding area, so we encourage you to spend enough time in the area to allow you an opportunity to make the most of your visit. Be sure to download our Birds Ferry Lodge Free Guides to the area to get a feel for what there is to do here.
"What an amazing setting and gorgeous view over the West Coast. You must try Alison's cooking - the biggest vege garden I have ever seen. The Ferryman's Cottage is a unique spot and perfect for a romantic stay."
Peter and Claire Nelson
"Outstanding hosts and accommodation! Alison’s fantastic cooking and Andre’s expert travel tips made our stay exceptional. Highly recommended—stay a few days longer if you can!"
Andreas 2025 Auckland
"Absolutely wonderful experience at Birds Ferry Lodge near Westport. Bucolic, relaxing and thoroughly delightful in every way! Loved being right on the edge of a duck pond, packed with friendly ducks. Fantastic guiding to the amazing Pancake Rocks by co-host Andre and magnificent meals by co-host Alison. A great big WOW!!!"
Doug UK 2024
Download your Free Guides & Explore New Zealand
Unlock your West Coast New Zealand experience with these free guides that have been put together with you in mind.
Are ready to plan your West Coast visit? Hit the download button and let the adventure begin.
We help you discover the must do attractions
As well as providing a packing list for New Zealand
So that you have everything that you need for your holiday.
