Whistling Frog - Cafe, Bar, Dining, Camping, Lodging - Catlins, NZ

Overall this was a great place to stay. The room was comfortable and clean, the location was excellent and the restaurant was really good. My only negative was that the restaurant closes so early, when we arrived at 7.30 we expected to find it open and enjoy some dinner with a beer but it was all closed up. The next morning we got up expecting it to be open for coffee, closed again until 9.30am so we drove to Curio Bay for coffee instead. The next day we slept in and went to the cafe at 9.30am when they state they open, closed again. So I just wish they could have had better hours that fitted in with the guests. Otherwise it was great.

Great location in the Catlins.Quiet and nestled in nature.Lovely welcome by the host and lots of great information re local activities.Loved the bar happy hour and very yummy locally cooked food.It was a little cool so instead of relaxing in our tent we took advantage of the cozy lounge.Will defo be back.

My partner and I stayed in one of the chalets here, while the room and location were great (the only reason they get 2 stars), the service was very lacking. We arrived before 5pm, (all the emails they had sent said that the cafe bar and reception were open until at least 6pm) to find everything closed, they hadn't left our key in the afterhours check in booths, leaving us to have to try to contact the operator ourselves, in an area with notoriously bad cell signal. When we made contact, the only person available to check us in spoke little English and had no idea what she was doing (she was on the phone getting talked through it), she couldn't even give us the correct key. Additionally, we had planned our entire day to ensure we arrived there in time to have dinner at their cafe which we were told would be open only to find it was closed and we had to drive 40 minutes each way to the nearest place to get any food in Owaka. Additionally after this poor service they have the nerve to email us asking us to only post good reviews publicly, a practice I find abhorrent

We booked a hut. It was insulated with a Hester, electric blanket and TV making evenings after walking warm and snug. The camp us well designed so you aren't packed in like sardines and is peaceful. The service is warm, welcome and helpful. The Cafe is a great place to hang out in the sun and food is good although quite over-priced. Great place to base yourself for exploring the area with waterfalls and cathedral cave close by.

Oh my goodness, where to start? Overpriced, falsely advertised, disgusting lack of cleanliness...Location five stars! Rooms zero. Service zero, as there was none.We paid to stay two nights as the website has it as the Place To Stay... so much to do!! As a result we planned to be here to hang out for a couple of days, like a little stop and rest. However, there was no-one here. The cafe was shut (even though the website ensured us they were open though winter from 8am, and the signs on the road said OPEN OPEN OPEN), there was no pizza starting from 3pm, again, website totally misleading, and the young Indian lady we managed to find after an hour of waiting told us to go back in because he will be back in a few minutes so you can order pizza"

It's totally overpriced. I guess there's not much competition around. The cabins are OK, but the kitchen and the bathroom facilities are super small.The location is good, in the middle of the way to explore the catlins and really close to McLean Falls, which were awesome.Housekeeping is poor, and the service of the cafe is not what you expect after you get charged 20 dollars for a small piece of cake and a coffee. Not a smile or a friendly face.The lady who booked us for the cabin and gave us the key was great!

Was great for a one night stay. Coffee facilities in the room was a bonus. Wasn't sure how to wash up however.Only downside: The female toilet lights only stayed on for a minute so always ended up in the dark while on the toilet (females need a little more time sometimes!).

Loved location, gave us a good base for days out exploring Catlins. Staff gave us some good tips at check in as better areas to explore when raining which was good. Liked the option of being able to eat at the Cafe or cook ourselves. Didn't options for accommodation depending on your budget available.