Set in a large park-like native garden, Hideaway Beach Cottage in Tumu Toka, Curio Bay, is just over an hour's drive from Invercargill.

The cottage sits in splendid isolation just a few hundred meters down the main road from the main settlement. Besides the multitude of water sports to try out along the fine sandy beach that is great for beginners to try out something new at the surf school - often in the company of Hectors dolphins.

There are also native bush walks, wildlife spotting and even an ancient petrified forest to explore. Further afield there are countless opportunities for coastal walks and waterfalls are abundant. At night the dark skies and clear view to the south makes an excellent spot for star gazing and the aurora can clearly be seen if conditions are right!

During the warmer months takeaways are available nearby and there is also a cafe operating at the campground up by the headlands, but make sure to stock up on supplies as the nearest supermarket is 30km away.

Please note no wifi is available but there is excellent 4G mobile coverage.