The Whistling Frog Cafe and Bar

What we are all about?  Why come and stay with us? Where are we? What is there to do? What we will do for you?

Hi, I’m Paul Bridson – Owner/Operator, of the Whistling Frog Café and Accommodation/RV Resort, we are located in the heart of the Catlins Coastal Conservation Park.
We suggest that you make the  Catlins, your wilderness mid-point overnight stopover, when you are travelling the great Southern Scenic Route, from Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill  or Dunedin.

Located an easy day’s drive from these main cities, you will experience the amazing scenic diversity of the Catlins podocarp coastal rainforest with exquisite beaches and waterfalls. Plan your overnight stay where you will be pampered with excellent food, modern eco-friendly camping and accommodation facilities.

Ideally located in the geographical heart of the Catlins Coastal Conservation Park, the Whistling Frog Café and McLean Falls Accommodation & RV resort, provides a unique Kiwi experience and will allow you a safe, clean and relaxing overnight stopover. There is no traffic noise or street lights, just the moreporks, whistling frogs and amazing dawn bellbird chorus to wake you gently the next morning.  View the Milky Way, free from ambient light, a star-filled night you will never forget.
Once you arrive at our base camp, you will find many iconic attractions within minutes of our resort,  including,  the magnificent McLean Falls, colossal Cathedral Caves and serene Lake Wilkie.

We suggest you plan to get an early start so that you don’t miss a thing. The Catlins have a remarkable array of ‘must-do’s’.

Download our acclaimed FREE Catlins Self-Guide Map, so that you won’t miss a thing!

Often two nights are needed to see this portion of the Catlins properly. The Cathedral Caves are tidal dependant – you can only visit them at low tide, so if you can, plan an additional night. You must also check out our unique bush glow worms.

Relax, catch up on sleep and refuel with our great all day dining experience and coffee service. Sample our giant Catlins date scones at morning and afternoon tea.
Plan to have a special evening with us, no cooking required!  Just be in by 7 pm!

Walk back to your accommodation or campervan, no driving required. People tell us this is the best sleep they have had on their entire trip. Our air is hepa-filter pure!

The Whistling Frog Café features a choice of local dishes with excellent desserts.  Our chefs tempt all tastes with homemade baking, soups, chowders, breads, snacks and entrees including farm-raised lamb and beef, local seafood and excellent vegetarian  and gluten – free dishes. Sample our organic local cheese board!
If you are in a hurry we won’t hold you up, our service is fast, friendly and professional. Evening meals are relaxing and sunsets spectacular from the sundeck.
Enjoy beers with a difference. Our Invercargill Brewed beers, including one custom made with Kamahi bush honey from our own property, called “Wasp,” a honey pilsner, will start the evening off just right.
An excellent selection of  New Zealand wines that won’t break the budget,  are also well represented by the bottle or glass.
We look forward to welcoming you and making your Catlins stay the best it can possibly be.

Plan your Catlins Overnight Experience online, here, now: Reserve the accommodation choice that best suits your budget and your taste:

Can’t wait to see you,

Warmest regards,
Lynn & Paul Bridson
Guest Services.

Just one of our many satisfied guests writes:

My wife and I just got off a three week vacation on the South Island and this gem of a Holiday Park was definitely on the highlights. Initially we pulled in simply to have some food, but after a couple of excellent local beers (Wasp is just one of the best beers of all time) and what was at that point the absolute best meal we'd had anywhere, we decided, "What the heck, we'll stay!"

The Holiday Park accommodations were top notch and the staff were a hoot--friendly, helpful, and great to chat with. Nothing but A+ all around.

Mike H Seattle

“Wow! you just can't go wrong by staying here! Even the most discerning traveller will adore this place!”

We stayed in a modern 1 bedroom chalet and it catered perfectly for our needs. Nicely presented, comfortable furniture and most of all, lovely comfortable beds providing us with great sleep in the serenity and tranquility that is the Catlins. In a perfect location, with amenities such as numerous walking tracks (long and short) within a few minutes driving distance, as well as this accommodation complex being the closest to the amazing Cathedral Caves and the namesake McLean Falls (they are beautiful!). And I shouldn't forget to mention that the meal at Whistling Frog Cafe & Bar, their on-site restaurant, was undoubtedly THE BEST meal any of us has ever, ever had. Even the chef came out and talked to us, making our experience all the merrier."

 

The movie Two Little boys was filmed around the Catlins and is now available on DVD. The cast and crew dined at The Whistling Frog Cafe and stayed at The McLean Falls Holiday Park during filming.