Located in a picturesque setting, The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offers a serene retreat with continental breakfast and garden views. Guests can unwind in the sauna or spa tub, play with their pets in the off-leash area, or stay connected with free WiFi. Previous guests have praised this charming boutique B&B for its delightful atmosphere.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Popular amenities
Pet friendly
Free parking
Free WiFi
Laundry facilities
Child-friendly activities
Main amenities (8)
Daily housekeeping
Near the beach
Sauna
Hot tub
Coffee/tea in a common area
Garden
Self-serve laundry
Playground
Feel at home (6)
Playground on site
Rollaway/extra beds available (surcharge)
Microwave
Private hot tub
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
The current price is $83
$83
$96 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Why we love this property
Breakfast included
Start each day off right with a free continental breakfast. This charming bed and breakfast ensures a delightful morning meal.
Dreamy sleep retreat
Premium bedding with Egyptian cotton sheets adorns each guestroom. Visitors can unwind in private outdoor hot tubs or enjoy free stocked minibars.
Southern Institute of Technology - 12 min drive - 13.0 km
Kaka Point Scenic Reserve - 29 min drive - 32.1 km
Kaka Point Beach - 29 min drive - 32.4 km
Catlins Lake - 33 min drive - 45.0 km
Nugget Point Lighthouse - 54 min drive - 42.4 km
Getting around
Dunedin (DUD-Dunedin Intl.) - 46 min drive
Restaurants
Heart and Soul Cafe - 6 min drive
Highway Diner - 8 min drive
Captains Cafe & Bar - 6 min drive
Cafe 55 - 7 min drive
Balclutha RSA - 7 min drive
About this property
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy your visit to Benhar with a stay at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation. The hot tub makes for a relaxing end to the day, and free perks include WiFi, self parking, and continental breakfast daily between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Other highlights at this boutique bed & breakfast include a sauna and a garden.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
3 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets stay free
Service animals welcome
Food and water bowls and off-leash area available
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free secured onsite self parking
Onsite parking includes off-street options
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free continental breakfast each morning 7:30 AM–10:00 AM
Coffee/tea in a common area
Traveling with children
Playground
Trampoline
Children's games
Toys
Art supplies
Children's books
Baby bath
Stair gate
Outlet covers
What to do
Beach nearby
Services
Laundry facilities
Facilities
Built in 1914
Garden
Hot tub
Sauna
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Thin carpet in public areas
Room amenities
Be entertained
Video-game console
48-inch Smart TV
Digital TV channels
Netflix
Streaming services
Home comfort
Heating
Free stocked minibar
Bathrobes
Sleep well
Premium bedding
Free rollaway/extra bed
What to enjoy
Private outdoor hot tub
Furnished patio
Yard
Individually furnished and decorated
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Freshen up
Private bathroom (not in room)
Bathtub or shower
Soap and shampoo
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
Freezer
Microwave
Toaster
Free bottled water
Children's dinnerware
Highchair
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
The Fern Thistle Accommodation
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Benhar
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Bed & breakfast
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Bed & breakfast Benhar
Frequently asked questions
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?
Yes, pets stay free. Dog exercise areas are available.
Is parking offered on site at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation and nearby?
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation has a sauna and a garden.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have rooms with private hot tubs?
Yes, each room has a private outdoor hot tub.
Does The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished patio and a yard.
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Reviews
The Fern & Thistle Luxury Accommodation Reviews
9.4
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.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6
Cleanliness
9.0
Amenities
9.8
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Breakfast was a great bonus with homemade breads, conserves, and plenty of choice. (7 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Room
Gardens
Historical
Bathroom
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 3, 2024
Comfortable B & B about 10 minutes outside Balclutha in the country. We enjoyed our stay
Howard
Howard, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 26, 2025
This was a gem of a property to find. The historic house and the hosts were exceptional. We were only there for 1 night, but they made us feel like friends that had returned for a visit. Absolutely recommend a stay here. And the homemade breakfast breads were amazing!
Shawn
Shawn, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 6, 2023
Historical building in a perfect location. Matt and Brooke were charming hosts and went out of their way to look after us.
Marty
Marty, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 8, 2024
The love and respect shown for the historic property by the current owners is inspiring.
There is a very welcoming and family oriented feel to the property, and their two labs are friendly and good company.
I would seriously recommend this property for small group getaways, corporate or private retreats.
Mary
Mary, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 2, 2025
This was the most luxurious accommodation we have stayed at in a long time. Not only was it perfect and indulgent, our hosts were amazing. We appreciated every attention to detail, even treating us in the morning by our first names as we got coffee.
They made us feel welcome and part of the family.
Richard
Richard, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 29, 2024
Hospitality and welcome excellent! Grounds are beautiful. It was my first time staying in this type of accommodation and truly enjoyed it. Highly recommended. My gratitude to the family hosts.
Renee
Renee, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 27, 2023
Great hosts and accommodation in a beautiful historic home with lovely gardens. Comfortable spacious room with very comfortable bed and mattress. Large bathroom with plenty of extras. Excellent breakfast plenty of choice. Couldn't ask for more
Geoffrey
Geoffrey, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 26, 2024
Well furnished large bedrooms. Bathroom was some way up the hallway. Continental breakfast plentiful as well as complimentary soft drinks. Quiet and peaceful in lovely large garden. Hot tub was a nice addition.
sally
sally, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 16, 2024
OMG what an amazing we gem! Matt was so friendly and accommodating of us and our dog. The grounds were amazing, the room was amazing and everything else was just all round amazing. I would highly recommend a stay here and we will for sure be back again. Thank you so much!
Selina
Selina, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 30, 2024
If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I’ve stayed at some of the finest places in the world. There is not enough space to list all of amenities and complimentary services offered here. It is beautiful and you feel like a pampered guest of the aristocracy. You’ll just have to see for yourself. Best in the south island for sure. Hosts are great.
travis
travis, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jan 29, 2026
I was in the Superior Room which their internal brochure describes as their "standard" room. The bedroom was nice and the bed was comfortable, although the dresser bureau had some sticky residue on it. The trouble was that my bathroom was split between the ground (shower/bathtub with a sink) and first (toilet and a borderline unusable sink), so I had to go up the stairs to use the toilet and then, because the sink tap had no space between the water and the bowl (see pictures), I would go down the stairs and down the hall to use the other sink. I've stayed in accommodation where the toilet was separate from the shower before, but never where it was on another level. Frustratingly, I was told my room was the only room with this split bathroom facility - but I was also told there were 2 Superior "Iwi Katea" rooms, so it's not clear which you'll get from the listing. When I asked if I could move rooms, because I was there 3 nights, I was told no, even though they weren't fully booked all the nights I was there.
Folks might also want to know that the McSkimmings Suite's bathroom is on the first floor as well, but all beddrooms and the other bathrooms seemed to be on the ground floor.
The outside grounds and gardens are really nice, and the breakfast was nice.
Darwyyn
Darwyyn, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 10, 2025
Whispers at Fern & Thistle
Absolutely loved our stay at the Fern & Thistle Hotel in Balclutha! The historic charm of the house is beautifully preserved, with a stunning vintage garden full of old roses and unique plants. The amenities are outstanding—from the cozy dry sauna in a barrel cabin to the luxurious hot tubs (one in the room and a massive one in the garden). The countryside views add a peaceful touch, and the complimentary drinks and local beer were a generous bonus. Our room had a super king-size bed and Netflix on the TV, making it the perfect spot to unwind. The owner is warm, polite, and clearly takes pride in every detail. A truly special place—highly recommend!
Steam curls in the garden air,
roses dream in silence there.
Barrel sauna, warm and still,
country hush on every hill.
Golden beer and velvet bed,
gentle words the owner said.
In this house, the past is near- peace and beauty, crystal clear.
Ning
Ning, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 24, 2024
Fabulous Historical Home
Wow what a beautiful setting for this glorious homestead. Stunning room (wonderful free upgrade-thank you!) with so much space and history beautifully presented. Unlimited tea & coffee & cold drinks a real bonus and the free sweet treats in the room much appreciated. Bathroom is separate but each room has its own bathroom so not a problem. The included breakfast was a great bonus with homemade breads & conserves. Radiator heating throughout the house made it so warm & cosy! Will definitely stay again as hosts very welcoming and helpful. Really interesting history of the building & the town which adds to the experience and so close to Balclutha so great for business trip.
E
E, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
May 8, 2026
It was a lovely experience
Charity
Charity, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 15, 2025
Fresh homemade bread, jams and marmalade for breakfast.
Ross
Ross, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 18, 2025
Fabulous place.
Julie
Julie, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 30, 2025
Fantastic stay and Darryn and Sandy are excellent hosts.
Bryan
Bryan, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 14, 2025
Don’t miss this place!
Great facility.
John
John, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 22, 2024
Very nice place. Would recommend to all who visit this area.
Roy
Roy, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 20, 2024
Beautiful property and excellent hosts! Had everything we could have dreamed of.
Ruth
Ruth, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 24, 2024
Unique and beautiful house with wonderful hosts.
Sharon
Sharon, 1-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Mar 6, 2026
The hotel itself was nice and the staff were friendly, but the room description was misleading. It did not clearly state that the bathroom is not attached to the room. The toilet is down the hall and up a flight of stairs, and the bath/shower is in a separate room down another hallway. Having to leave the room and walk through common areas to use the bathroom, especially at night, was very inconvenient. This setup should be clearly stated in the listing so guests know what to expect before booking.
Breakfast was disappointing. There were 4 types of dry cereal and two types of bread. There was no fruit, yogurt, eggs, meats or cheeses.
Merry
Merry, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 17, 2023
Charming accommodation with beautiful garden and surrounds. It has character and close to Caitlin's and all the attractions of the region.
Mary T
Mary T, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 1, 2023
A quiet and enjoyable night, host very helpful
Leonie
Leonie, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Apr 10, 2024
Really nice old style feeling. Beautiful room, building and surrounding courtyard as well as history behind the building & area