Invercargill's Hidden Gem: Birchwood Manor Motel (You Won't Believe This!)
Invercargill's Birchwood Manor Motel: You Won't Believe This! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash the truth about Birchwood Manor Motel in Invercargill. I'm talking real truth, not that sanitized, overly polished motel review garbage you usually find. This is me, raw and unfiltered, after my recent stay. And let me tell you, it was a… experience.
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First things first: Accessibility. Right off the bat, HUGE points for Wheelchair Accessible - something I've learned to appreciate more and more as I get older (and creakier). I didn't personally need it, but saw ramps and properly equipped rooms, and you know that's a win when dealing with older buildings, often built with zero accessibility in mind. Access seemed pretty good throughout. There’s even an Elevator! And the Facilities for disabled guests seem genuinely thought out, not just a token effort. That's a major, major win in my book.
Now, the building itself… let's just say it has character. Like, loads of character. Think slightly faded grandeur meets Kiwi practicality. The Exterior corridor does its job, and I love that, even if it means a bit of rain gets in on a particularly windy night.
Internet Access: Okay, let's be brutally honest: internet is vital in this modern world. Especially with the kids and work. Birchwood Manor has Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yes! They also have a gasp Internet [LAN] option if you're stuck in the early 2000s!). And they have Wi-Fi in public areas too. That's pretty standard, I guess, but it's good. No one wants to be stuck in the stone age.
(Side note: I actually spent one afternoon trying to get the LAN cable to work for fun. Nostalgia hit hard. LOL. Didn't work, but the effort was appreciated. My personal test!
Cleanliness and Safety: This is a big one, especially since you know what. And Birchwood Manor actually impressed. The focus on Cleanliness and safety was clear. Lots of hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, and even Anti-viral cleaning products. The rooms felt genuinely clean, which is a comforting feeling after a long day on the road. Rooms sanitized between stays - that's the minimum these days, and Birchwood Manor delivers. And even if you're paranoid (like me!), there's a Room sanitization opt-out available. They even have Individually-wrapped food options - it's all the little things, right? They were serious about Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and plenty of Staff wore masks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now, this is where things get interesting. Breakfast in room? Absolutely. That's a HUGE yes from me. I savored every bite right in my pjs. They had some Breakfast takeaway service options as well. Didn't need it but I saw the option. It was great.
They even offer an Asian breakfast option. If you are an early bird like me. I had to make an early morning quick trip to the store but I'm sure I'll be back for a full Asian feast next time. Didn't hit up the Coffee shop, sadly.
Restaurants on-site? Yes! And what I liked the most was the Room service [24-hour]. Total life saver when you get in late starving. They also had a Bar. And not just any bar, a bar with character. I'm talking a proper place to unwind after a long day, with a decent selection of local brews. The food? Solid. Nothing Michelin-star, but honest and satisfying. I'm not gonna lie, I may have ordered Room service a few times.
**(Another side note - I ended up really liking the *Salad in restaurant*. I ordered it almost every night. I didn't try soup, but I'm sure it'll hit the spot. They have an *International cuisine in restaurant* option, and the Desserts in restaurant were fantastic, especially after a long day. I was even able to have some Happy hour drinks. Fantastic!** Things to do, ways to relax: This is where Birchwood Manor really surprised me. I wasn't expecting a full-blown resort in Invercargill, but they've got some seriously cool stuff to help Relax and unwind. They boast a Pool with view! And it's an Swimming pool [outdoor] and a Swimming pool. I didn't go in, because, well, Invercargill weather, but I'm sure they kept it nice and clean. They also had a Spa/sauna with Spa facilities, a Fitness center; and Massage, and a Sauna, and a Steamroom … seriously, I felt like I was living in a wellness retreat. I booked a massage, and, let's just say, it was divine. I could've melted into the massage table and stayed there all day!
**(Side rant: I did attempt the gym, and almost regretted it. All that equipment was slightly intimidating. And I am not, repeat *not* a gym person. However, I was able to use a light treadmill or two with no one looking at me. A win! I got to relax in a *Foot bath* too. Absolute heaven. Pure bliss!)**
Services and Conveniences All the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, blah blah blah.
They even have Cash withdrawal, a Convenience store, Currency exchange, and a Gift/souvenir shop. I'll admit, I was tempted by the convenience store. They had all the essential condiments!
For the Kids Family/child friendly. They have Babysitting service (score!), and the kids menu looked promising, I didn't have any kids though, but I did notice some Kids facilities around.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms!
The rooms? Honestly, they were great. The Air conditioning was a godsend (especially during that weird heatwave they had while I was there. I found an Extra long bed, and I slept like a log. I also found out that they have Interconnecting room(s) available
They're not the flashiest rooms on the planet, but they're well-equipped ( Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes - nice touch!), comfortable, and clean. And hey, they had Free bottled water! The Soundproofing worked a charm.
**(Rambling time: I loved the *Blackout curtains* - vital for a good night's sleep, especially when you're trying to recover from jet lag or a long drive. And the Mirror! Always check the mirror! Also, the Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver. You can even have a bit of Morning tea! I actually found there were some Reading lights - perfect for the late-night novel binges. The bathroom was also amazing! The Separate shower/bathtub, all the clean Towels, and, most importantly, the Toiletries – no cheap, nasty stuff!).**
Getting Around: The Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus, and Car park [on-site] as well. Very convenient. And they have Airport transfer too.
Final Verdict:
Birchwood Manor Motel? Seriously, go. It's more than just a place to sleep. It's a place to relax, recharge, and maybe even discover a bit of Invercargill charm. It's not perfect (no place is!) but it's got soul, it's got heart, and it's genuinely trying to make your stay a good one. Just go in with the right expectations – you're not at the Ritz-Carlton. You're in Invercargill, and you're getting a surprisingly awesome experience. Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Would be 5 if the WiFi was a smidge faster - just kidding, it was fast enough!)
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Birchwood Blues & Kiwi Dreams: An Invercargill Ramble (aka My Brain on Southland)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished, Instagram-filtered travel guide. This is my… thing… my slightly chaotic, definitely caffeinated, and utterly me experience planned at Birchwood Manor Motel in Invercargill. Wish me luck, I’m going to need it.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- 14:00 - Check-in at Birchwood Manor. (Hopefully, the car keys are in the right pocket!) The website promised “charming New Zealand hospitality”. I'm envisioning a slightly grizzled, but kind, innkeeper with a twinkle in his eye. Reality? The check-in was efficient (maybe a bit too efficient) and the woman behind the desk definitely seemed like she had seen some things. Anyways, I've got the keys to Room 12, a "Family Room" (which is a concerning sign, given I’m travelling solo).
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance & Initial Shock (aka Carpet Envy). Okay, the room… it's clean (phew!). But that carpet… it screams "1980s time capsule". It's a bold, floral concoction of browns and oranges that actually intrigues me. I think I'm in love with the carpet, it's what the room is about, what it's all about! It's the kind of pattern that could induce either a headache or a sudden urge to start crocheting something bizarre, I'm going the latter. And there's no escaping it. It's like a permanent vacation.
- 15:00 - The Quest for Coffee & a Sense of Belonging. Invercargill is… quiet. Like, really quiet. I'm starting to sweat. Where are the trendy cafes? The bustling street life? Google maps leads me to a place called "Zookeepers Cafe & Bar”. The name alone makes me question my judgement. I’m already craving a flat white and the feeling of not being utterly alone.
- 16:00 - Zookeepers Cafe - The Salvation? (Maybe… Probably Not). The flat white is actually decent. A welcome miracle. But the café itself… it’s a mix of family, tourists, and the kind of folks who seem to have lived in Invercargill since the dawn of time. And there's a large taxidermy lion. So, it's a win, then a loss, then a win, then a loss. I overheard a guy muttering something about "the weather" and "the rugby" – clearly I've entered a different dimension. I order a scone and awkwardly stare at the lion for far too long. I think I almost saw it blink.
- 17:00 - Exploratory Drive: The Bluff Highway & The Southernmost Point (Almost). Armed with my map (and a vague sense of unease), I venture toward the Bluff Highway. The landscape is… dramatic. Rolling hills, moody skies, and the ominous whisper of the wind. The sea! I see the sea! I pull over to breathe.
- 18:00 - Dinner at the motel! (The most perfect of them all!!!) I have a microwave meal in the room, the best of all meals. I watch "Lord of the Rings" on TV. I feel so comfortable. I might never leave.
Day 2: Embracing the Unpredictable
- 08:00 - The Wakeup Call (aka "What am I doing with my life?"). The sun (if you can call it that) is creeping through the curtains. I'm wrestling with the duvet, the carpet is smiling at me, and there's a faint smell of… something. I have no idea what it could be, but its definitely not a floral one.
- 09:00 - Breakfast at the motel - the start of the day. The motel offers a slightly depressing continental breakfast, or so it seems.
- 10:00 - The Invercargill Museum: A Deep Dive (or, Surviving Tuataras). Okay, the museum is actually pretty good. I'm not a museum person, I'm a person who likes an experience. But the tuataras, those ancient reptiles, are utterly mesmerizing. They're like tiny, scaly dinosaurs. I spent a good hour just staring at them, wondering what they were thinking. (Probably, "Get me out of here!").
- 11:00 - Digging deep around the motel. Making the most of it. I wander around the motel, looking for treasures. I'm going to make Invercargill my friend, even if it doesn't want me. The carpet is still my friend, though, a familiar face.
- 12:30 - Lunch at somewhere recommended. The locals have told me to try The Rocks Restaurant & Bar. It's supposed to be the place to be.
- 14:00 - A walk through the Japanese gardens. A moment. I sit. I feel. I experience. Everything is more than you think.
- 18:00 - Dinner… and the TV. Same as yesterday.
Day 3: Farewell, Invercargill (But will the Memories Last?)
- 08:00 - Final Breakfast & Carpet Farewell. I'm already missing the carpet. That's depressing.
- 09:00 - Last-minute souvenir hunt. I need something to remind me of this… experience. A key ring? A postcard of a tuatara? A small piece of carpet?
- 10:00 - Check-out and the Unspoken Goodbye. The woman at reception gave me a curt nod. No lingering looks. No heartfelt goodbyes. Just efficiency. I think she has met her match.
- 10:30 - The Long Drive Home (or, the Ongoing Analysis). I'm leaving Invercargill. But I think a part of me will stay. The quiet streets. The moody skies. The carpet. I have no plans. I'm just going, and hoping that I'll get to a coffee break soon.
Final Thoughts:
Invercargill… you confused me. You challenged me. You made me question everything. But somehow, amidst the slightly-off vibes and the questionable weather, you also offered something… real. And who knows? I might even be back someday. But first, I need a long, hot shower, and a very, very strong coffee. And maybe… just maybe… a rug with a really interesting pattern.
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Birchwood Manor Motel: Seriously, You Won't Believe This Place (or Maybe You Will, Depends on Your Luck!)
Let's get real about Invercargill's... well, let's just say *unique* accommodation.
Okay, spill. Why is Birchwood Manor a "hidden gem"? Is it actually *good*?
Look, "gem" is a strong word, alright? It's more like a... a perfectly imperfect diamond in the rough. Or maybe a slightly tarnished silver spoon that still tastes of delicious Invercargill air? Honestly, it's the *experience*. It's not the Ritz, by any stretch of the imagination. The carpet might have seen better days (and possibly a few spilled beverages), and the wallpaper... well, let's just say I think it's older than my grandma. BUT! There's a certain charm. It's got a vintage vibe, a cozy, "I've seen some stuff" kind of aura. It's *clean*, which is the most important thing, and the staff? Absolute legends. But good? Depends. Are you after spotless luxury? Run. Are you after something quirky, comfortable, and with a touch of Invercargill magic? Yeah, maybe give it a go.
The location - is it actually *walkable* to anything?
Walkable? Depends on your definition of "walkable." It's a pretty good spot, honestly. You're not exactly in the middle of nowhere. You can definitely stroll to a supermarket, a few eateries (the Indian place nearby is pretty decent, by the way), and depending on your pace, maybe even the city centre. Just pack sensible shoes. Remember, this is Invercargill, not Paris. And if you are walking, PLEASE check the weather forecast. You'll thank me for that later. Trust me, I learned that the hard way, getting soaked and shivering in a blizzard.
Tell me about the rooms – are they modern and stylish?
Modern? Stylish? Honey, no. Think "retro, but in a good way." Think "clean, comfortable, and with a distinct aroma of... well, room freshener and the faint memory of previous guests." Look, it's motel-style. You'll get the basics: a comfy enough bed (I slept like a log!), a functional bathroom, a TV that probably works (eventually), and that all-important heater. My room was a bit... well, I suspect the curtains were older than me. But they *worked*. And the shower pressure was surprisingly good! Seriously, that's a win in my book. The lack of a USB port? Totally a problem for me, but hey, you cant get everything.
Okay, deep dive on a single experience - what was the *most memorable* part of your stay?
Oh man, okay, you want the *real* story? Fine. Buckle up. It wasn't about the room. It wasn't about the slightly-stuck-on-channel TV (it eventually came good, don't worry). It was about the bloody *weather*. I went to Invercargill in *winter*. I had planned ahead, I had read about Invercargill wind. I had even packed extra socks. But I hadn't prepared for *the* storm. The one the locals whispered about in hushed tones. It started with a drizzle. Then a bit of a breeze. Then I got back to the motel, late from seeing the tuatara. The wind was howling. Absolutely howling. Suddenly, there was a *bang*. And another. And I realized quickly that the wind was *whipping* at the trees outside, knocking branches against my window. Then... the power went out. So, there I was, huddled in my room, in the dark, with the wind roaring. The heater, thankfully, still worked for a while, but then it started getting cold, and the lights never came back on. I thought, "Right, this is it. I'm gonna be an Invercargill wind-storm victim." I was genuinely terrified. But then, knock on my door! It was the motel manager, this lovely old woman named Margaret, a woman with eyes that had seen a thousand storms. She'd brought me a hot water bottle, a candle, and a biscuit. I tell you, I nearly weeped with relief. She even stayed and chatted for a while, telling stories about previous storms and the history of the motel. That was the moment. That was the hidden gem of Birchwood Manor. Not the fanciness, not the style or the perfect amenities. But the warmth, the kindness, and the fact that even when the world feels like it’s ending outside, you're not completely alone.. Seriously, that hot water bottle saved me. I'll never forget Margaret, or that biscuit. And the storm? Yeah, it was the most godawful, yet best part.
Is there on-site parking?
Yep, there's parking. It's mostly decent, right outside your room. It might get a little crowded, especially if the motel is busy, but you'll generally be alright. However! If you're driving a massive SUV, you might want to check beforehand. Space is at a premium, remember. Also, watch out for those low-hanging branches from the trees, they do like to attack your car.
What are the staff like? Helpful? Friendly or just?
Listen, the staff are absolute treasures. Honestly. They're not pretending. They're genuinely friendly, and if you need something, they'll do their best to help. They're the kind of people who'd genuinely ask how your day was. They made the experience. See my story above? That's the kind of level you can expect. They genuinely care, and in a world of generic hotels, that's gold. And you could tell they're proud of their little motel, even with its imperfections. Which, made it even better.
Are there any downsides to staying at Birchwood Manor?
Oh, absolutely. This isn't the Hilton, people. The décor is dated (that wallpaper!), the soundproofing may not be stellar (you *will* hear your neighbors), and some amenities might be a bit lacking by modern standards. Also, be prepared for the Invercargill weather, which can be... unpredictable. It is what it is. Plus, the internet, for some people like me, can be a little iffy, but hey, perfect excuse to unplug and just, be. The lack of a decent coffee machine in the room was very disheartening (I'm a caffeine addict, sue me!). And if you're expecting state-of-the-art facilities, you'll be disappointed. (But hey, there is a pool, I didn't try it). But those are minor things, the charm more than makes up for it. Just be prepared for a slightly less polished experience, and embrace it!
