With seal colonies, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins, Kaikoura is one of the best places in New Zealand to view marine life and experience ocean adventures. Kaikoura also has an amazing range of unique places to stay!
So, if you’d like to escape to something different check out this list of Quirky and Eco Kaikoura Accommodation which includes a glass pod, tree house, train carriage, covered wagon, yurt, and much more!…
- 1. Wacky Stays – Yurt, Tipi, Housetruck, Covered Wagon and more!
- 2. Kanuka Terrace – Eco Strawbale House
- 3. The Factory Luxury Accommodation – 100-year-Old Converted Dairy
- 4. Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses – Luxury in the Treetops
- 5. Hapuku Carriages – Magical Stay at the Beach
- 6. Kahutara PurePod – Glass Hideaway Immersed in Nature
- 7. Manakau PurePod – Adult-Only
- 8. Pohutukawa Cottage: Tranquil and Unique Kaikoura Accommodation
Location: New Zealand | South Island | Kaikoura
Type of Accommodation : Quirky | Country and Bush | Treehouses | Conversions
1. Wacky Stays – Yurt, Tipi, Housetruck, Covered Wagon and more!
Best for: Farm Stay, Unique Accommodation, Handfeed Alpacas, BBQ, Couples, Families, Groups
What’s Special? The folks at Wacky Stays embrace the holiday ethos of fun and fantasy at this Kaikoura accommodation 4km away in the countryside.
They know you don’t want the humdrum when you’re on an adventure so they offer out-of-the-ordinary accommodation on their Kaikoura farm.
The accommodation may be quirky but the interiors are well designed and comfortable with something for everyone. Plus you get to hang out and feed the farm animals – alpacas, sheep, and lots more.
So what’s on offer?…
A. Mongolian Yurt
The popular Mongolian Yurt has beautiful designs and is insulated in real camel hair, There’s room for the whole family (four guests).
You have your own private bathroom and can use the shared outdoor covered country kitchen and BBQ facilities.
B. Housetruck
The Housetruck sleeps two and is a Kiwi classic with wooden interiors, stained glass windows, and self-contained facilities – kitchen, bathroom, and a double bed.
You can also use the shared country kitchen and BBQ.
C. Tipi
The native American-style Tipi is a summer fave with bedding for four guests. One double bed and two singles.
D. Colonial Covered Wagon
Everyone loves the Colonial Covered Wagon for two. The comfy interior also includes an en-suite bathroom. There’s a sleep-out attached for enough room for two more.
E. Train Carriage
The cool Train Carriage has been converted into a comfortable retreat for four guests – one double bed and two bunk beds. Includes a bathroom.
F. Farmers Cottage
The two-bedroom Farmers Cottage can accommodate up to 8 guests so great for the whole crew!
Good to Know at Wacky Stays
- Price includes breakfast
- Free parking on-site
- Free WIFI included
- Enjoy a stay at this imaginative Retreat! See more at Booking.com
2. Kanuka Terrace – Eco Strawbale House
Best for: Elegant Strawbale Home, Trampoline, Mountain Bikes, Chef, 6 Guests
This luxury strawbale holiday home is a stunning escape in the countryside with indoor and outdoor living and impressive views from every window.
At Kanuka Terrace your comfort is assured with quality linens, a top-of-the-line kitchen, elegant furnishings, and complimentary toiletries in the smart bathrooms.
On the eco front, the strawbale creates an insulated even temperature in the home in any season, the paint is low VOC, wool carpets throughout, handcrafted wooden features and beams, and double glazing.
With the cosy fireplace and outdoor decks, this country home is perfect for any time of the year.
Don’t feel like cooking? The qualified chef can cater delicious meals, including special dietary requirements, vegan, vegetarian, celiac, gluten-free, options, etc.
Guest Review
This gorgeous home felt more like a five-star resort than a rental property – impeccable details throughout, comfortable, high-quality linens, tasteful and chic decor, all in a spacious and welcoming environment.
Recommended Activities
- Walk 20 minutes to the Upper Hapuku River bed to an amazing deep swimming hole.
- A mountain bike track starts from here to Hapuku Beach – you can borrow the owners’ mountain bikes.
Good to Know at this Kaikoura Accommodation
- Sleeps six guests
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 2-night minimum stay
- You’ll be greeted with a bottle of wine, local cheese and crackers
Book your stay at Kanuka Terrace Luxury Strawbale House and wrap yourself in eco-luxury where sustainability meets comfort. See more at Expedia
3. The Factory Luxury Accommodation – 100-year-Old Converted Dairy
Best for: Luxury Villa by the Beach, Hot Tub, Mountain Bikes, 6 Guests
What’s Special? This historic dairy factory, north of Kaikoura, has been beautifully converted into a 5-star 3-bedroom villa on the Hapuku seashore.
The Factory Luxury Accommodation is a great base for exploring the area but also a peaceful retreat with views of snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
You might be lucky to see dolphins swimming near the villa!
Hospitality is high on the list at The Factory where you’re greeted on your arrival with a bottle of bubbles, a fruit and cheese platter, and a welcome from your friendly hosts who are happy to recommend activities and adventures in the area.
A 3-course breakfast can be ordered. Your hosts can also cook other meals for you if you feel like taking a break from the kitchen!
Activity Tips
- Don’t miss the helicopter ride
- Free use of mountain bikes so you can enjoy the Kaikoura Bike Trail
- Beach walks – FYI: the beach by the villa is not suitable for swimming
The Interior and Exterior
They’ve created a five-star hideaway at this Kaikoura accommodation.
Three bedrooms each with an extra-long king-sized bed for up to six guests.
The villa’s interiors are elegantly designed with upmarket furnishings and an open-plan kitchen, dining, lounge, and a fireplace for cooler days and nights.
The fully equipped kitchen also includes a fridge chock full of local wine and beer.
Outdoors you’ll discover a covered deck for lounging, a landscaped garden with a dining setting, BBQ, and a hot tub for soothing relaxation in any weather.
Good to Know at The Factory Luxury Accommodation
- Free WIFI
- Clawfoot bath in the bathroom, all linens and toiletries are included
- Flat-screen TV, DVD player, iPhone dock, books, games
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Laundry – washing machine and dryer
- See more at Booking.com
- 6 Reasons to Indulge at Huka Lodge Taupo New Zealand
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- Best Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in New Zealand
4. Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses – Luxury in the Treetops
Best for: Luxury Treehouses, Views, Breakfast, Dinner, Couples, Special Occasion
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a unique country stay with boutique treehouses perched 10 metres in the treetop canopy.
Relax in your very own tree house and bask in the chic comfort of designer interiors. Cosy up by the log fire, or soak away your stresses in a soothing Japanese bath, all while drinking in the spectacular sights that stretch from a serene deer farm and lush olive grove to the majestic mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Take a dip in the pool, unwind in the sauna, and when hunger strikes, indulge in world-class cuisine that celebrates the best local flavours and organic produce at the on-site restaurant.
5. Hapuku Carriages – Magical Stay at the Beach
Best for: B&B, Lovingly Restored Guard Carriage, Adults Only, Outdoor Tub, Beach, Breakfast, Starry Nights, Up to 2 Guests
Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean in your cool train carriage in Hapuku, 9 km north of Kaikoura.
Hapuku Carriages is a quirky and charming bed and breakfast only a few minutes’ walk to the beach and overlooked by the majestic Kaikoura Range. You’re sure to see Hector Dolphins swimming nearby!
Guest Review
From the moment you arrive you feel right at home. The attention to detail in the carriage décor, the outdoor bath area and wee treats on arrival all make for a magical stay.
The Accommodation
The carriage is beautifully refurbished with a super comfy queen-size bed, retro train furnishings, and vintage homewares.
The carriage includes an en-suite with a toilet, basin and, great shower. Don’t miss a hot soak outdoors in the private heated clawfoot bath at night, you’ll be mesmerised by the starry sky.
Good to Know at this Kaikoura Accommodation
- Adults only property
- Includes a big breakfast
- Lounge with sofa in the carriage
- TV, DVD, free WIFI
- Free Parking on site
- Kitchen and laundry available
- Choose a quirky stay in Kaikoura at Hapuka Carriages! Unlock your deal at Agoda
6. Kahutara PurePod – Glass Hideaway Immersed in Nature
Best for: Glass Holiday Home, Tranquility, Reconnect with Nature, Adult-Only, Couples,
What’s Special? The amazing PurePods, found at various locations in the South Island, are described as “luxurious glass eco-cabins in a stunning and remote New Zealand country location”.
Sustainability
This is sustainable eco-tourism at its best – the livelihood from the pods helps farmers to regenerate native bush on their land.
Rainwater is collected at the pods, waste water is conserved and used on the land, power is renewable, and biofuel heating systems are available for winter weather.
Kahatura
Kahatura PurePod is nestled in beautiful New Zealand bush, 21 km west of Kaikoura, with stunning views of the snowcapped Kaikoura Ranges.
The forest walk from the car park takes around 20 minutes to your private glass hideaway where the walls, ceiling, and even the floor are made of glass.
In chilly winter weather, you’ll appreciate the underfloor heating! Three sides of the cabin feature glass sliding doors for sunny days. FYI: The hot shower has gorgeous views.
This 20 square meter glass house is designed to embrace the natural surroundings, bush, birds, mountains, river, and deep silence.
You have the option of blinds but the location is so private you’ll want to watch the stars as you fall asleep.
Guest Review
Off the grid nestled in the hills of Kaikoura we enjoyed 360 degree views while listening to nature’s soundtrack without another soul in sight [except a few sheep of course].
Good to Know
- Queen-size bed with luxury linen
- Breakfast and Meals are available for an extra charge
- Kitchenette with fridge, stove, cutlery, dishware, and outdoor BBQ
- No TV, cellphone coverage, or internet – just peace!
- See more at Booking.com
7. Manakau PurePod – Adult-Only
Also on the same farm but secluded from Kahatura. This pod is a private adult-only retreat, and 20 square metres, with a large bed, deck, kitchenette, and a bathroom with a view!
Guest Review
Complete privacy and relaxation. The bed was comfy and the bathroom was clean and had everything we needed. Definitely follow advice of taking a small bag, we were glad we didn’t take all of our luggage. Just beautiful.
Pop your dates in to see prices (you’ll stay on this page):
8. Pohutukawa Cottage: Tranquil and Unique Kaikoura Accommodation
Best for: Retro Charm, Beach Location, Outdoor Clawfoot Bath, Quirky, Couples, Hapuku
Pohutukawa Cottage has been cleverly upcycled with materials from Kaikoura’s Art Decor Mayfair Theatre and the Adelphi Hotel built in 1918.
Even the kitchen is handcrafted from the cross-arms of power poles!
Filled with charming nostalgic touches you can see a lot of love and attention to detail has created this gorgeous little cottage for two, near the beach in Hapuku.
The outdoor clawfoot bath is a must-do! Scrupulously clean and homely you’re in a private setting but only 10 minutes drive to the centre of Kaikoura.
Guest Review
This little cottage is so unique and beautifully crafted. It’s comfortable, cozy, and creative. It was lovely to look out and see the snowy mountains, and to take a quick walk to the beach.
Good to Know at this Kaikoura Accommodation
- One bedroom sleeps two guests
- All linens provided
- TV, WIFI, books, and games
- Kitchen with stove, oven, microwave, fridge, kitchenware
- Book your Pohutukawa retro retreat in Kaikoura today at VRBO/Bookabach
I hope you’re inspired to choose from one of these Eco and Quirky Kaikoura Accommodation options for your next weekend break or holiday at the coast. You’ll be rewarded with an enchanting and idyllic breakaway!
Looking at all these options for our Holidays, my family and I have loved the idea of visiting Hapuku Tree Houses. The pictures we have seen after reading your post are so cool and it seems such a relaxing environment. And if we can be four guests in each tree house, it’s perfect for us.
Thanks Paolo – yes, the Hapuku Tree Houses are a truly unique option when plotting your next family trip. I hope you enjoy your stay there. Cheers, Alisa
Kaikoura seems to be a great destination for a getaway trip or holiday trip with a partner or family members. The part of seal colonies, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins makes things sound even more interesting. These quirky and eco Kaikoura accommodations are looking lovely and beautiful. With this information, I am sure taking a trip to New Zealand would be fun.
Hi Nelson, I hope you get a chance to visit Kaikoura one day. It’s one of New Zealand’s top spots for adventure and activities and close to other South Island adventures. The popular hot pools at Hamner Springs are only a couple of hours drive inland from Kaikoura with relaxing thermal pools, day spa and water slide. Cheers, Alisa
Magical choices indeed!. Going through this can make it hard for one to pick as they are all good and suits many purposes as well. I have my eyes on the Kanuka Terrace-Eco strawbale house, i don’t know why but i am attracted to that particular one and i think my family would love it there, thanks for this.
Great choice Harry! The Strawbale house is a great family-friendly option for the whole crew with plenty of room for everyone and close to lots of activities. Cheers, Alisa