Quirky and Eco Kaikoura Accommodation: Magical Choices!

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!…

Posted in: New Zealand | South Island | Kaikoura

Tags: Quirky | Country and Bush | Treehouses | Conversions

Wacky Stays – Yurt, Tipi, Housetruck, Covered Wagon and more!

4 kms from Kaikoura | 1 to 8 Guests

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• Best for: Farm Stay, Unique Cool Accommodation, Handfeed Alpacas, BBQ
• Good for: Couples, Families, Friends, Groups
• Price Range: $$
• Read Helpful Reviews at TripAdvisor
• Check Prices and Availability at Wacky Stays

Overview:

The folks at Wacky Stays totally embrace the holiday ethos of fun and fantasy at this Kaikoura accommodation. 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.

Tip: Price includes breakfast, free parking on site, free WIFI included.

So what’s on offer?…

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• 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.
• 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.

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• The native American-style Tipi is a summer fave with bedding for four guests. One double bed and two singles.
• Everyone loves the Colonial Covered Wagon for two. The comfy interior also includes an en-suite bathroom. There’s a sleep-out attached for room for two more.
• The cool Train Carriage has been converted into a comfortable retreat for four guests – one double bed and two bunk beds. Includes a bathroom.
• The two-bedroom Farmers Cottage can accommodate up to 8 guests so great for the whole crew!

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Kanuka Terrace – Eco Strawbale House

Hapuku – 10 kms north of Kaikoura | Up to 6 Guests

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• Best for: Elegant Country Home, Trampoline, Mountain Bikes, Chef
• Good for: Couple, Family, Friends
• Price Range: $$$
• Check Prices and Availability at Eco Strawbale House

Overview:

This luxury strawbale holiday home is a stunning escape in the countryside with indoor and outdoor living, and impressive views from every window. Your comfort is assured with quality linens, 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.

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.

Guest Comment

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

Don’t miss:

Walk 20 minutes to the Upper Hapuku River bed where there’s an amazing deep swimming hole. Also a mountain bike track starts from here to Hapuku Beach – you can borrow the owners mountain bikes.

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The Factory Villa – 100 year old Converted Dairy

Hapuku – 10 kms north of Kaikoura | Up to 6 Guests

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• Best for: Luxury Villa by the Beach, Amazing Hospitality, Outdoor Hot Tub
• Good for: Couples, Friends, Family
• Price Range: $$$

Overview:

Looking for a luxurious spacious villa? This historic dairy factory, north of Kaikoura, has been beautifully converted into a luxury 3-bedroom villa on the Hapuku seashore. The Factory Villa is a great base for exploring the area but also a peaceful retreat with views of snow-capped mountains and Pacific Ocean. You might be lucky to see dolphins swimming near the villa!

Hospitality is high on the list at The Factory where you’ll be 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. Top Tip: don’t miss the helicopter ride.

They’ve created a five star hideaway at this Kaikoura accommodation. The villa’s interiors are elegantly designed with upmarket furnishings and 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 dining setting, BBQ, and a hot tub for soothing relaxation in any weather.

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Good to Know:

• Three bedrooms each with an extra-long king-sized bed for up to six guest
• Free WIFI
• Free use of mountain bikes (don’t miss the Kaikoura Bike Trail)
• Clawfoot bath in the bathroom
• Flat-screen TV, DVD player, iPhone dock, books, games
• All linens and toiletries are included
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station
• Laundry – washing machine and dryer
• 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!
• FYI: the beach by the villa is not suitable for swimming

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Hapuku Tree Houses – Luxury in the Treetops

Hapuku – 13kms North of Kaikoura | Up to 4 Guests

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• Best for: First Class Country Hotel, Views, Luxury, Excellent Restaurant
• Good for: Couples, Family
• Price Range: $$$$
• Read helpful reviews at TripAdvisor
• Check Prices and Availability at Hapuku lodge + Treehouses

Overview:

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a unique country stay with beautiful boutique treehouses perched 10 metres in the treetop canopy. This Kaikoura accommodation offers space for up to four guests in each tree house, along with designer interiors, log fire, Japanese bath, and magnificent views across the deer farm and olive grove to mountains and ocean.

Outdoor dining, pool and sauna are also available and the restaurant is world-class highlighting local delicacies. The tree houses have recently been renovated. Read more here….

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Hapuku Carriages – Magical Stay at the Beach

Hapuku – 9kms North of Kaikoura | Up to 2 Guests

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• Best for: B&B, Lovingly Restored Guard Carriage, Private Outdoor Tub, Wild Beach Location, Starry Nights
• Good for: Couples
• Price Range: $$
• See what others say at TripAdvisor
• Check Availability and Prices at Hapuku Carriages

Overview:

Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean in your cool train carriage, beautifully refurbished with super comfy queen-size bed, retro train furnishings and vintage homewares. 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.

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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.

Guest Comment

The carriage includes an en-suite with 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
• See the Hector Dolphins swimming at the beach
• Kitchen and laundry available

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Kahutara PurePod – Glass Hideaway Immersed in Nature

Blunts Road – 21kms west of Kaikoura | Up to 2 Guests

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• Best for: Tranquility, Luxurious Experience in the Bush, Reconnect with Nature
• Good For: Couples
• Price Range: $$$$
• See what others say at Trip Advisor
• Check Prices and Availability at Kahutara PurePod

Overview:

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”. This is sustainable eco tourism at it’s best – the livelihood from the pods help farmers to regenerate native bush on their land. At the pods rainwater is collected, waste water is conserved and used on the land, power is renewable and biofuel heating systems are available for winter weather.

Kahatura PurePod is nestled in beautiful New Zealand bush, inland from 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.

This 20 square meter house of glass is designed to embrace the natural surrounds, 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.

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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].

Guest comment

Good to Know:

• Queen-size bed with luxury linen
• Breakfast and Meals are available for an extra charge
• Kitchenette with fridge, stove, cutlery and crockery and outdoor BBQ
• No TV, cellphone coverage or internet – just peace!
• The hot shower has amazing views

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Pohutukawa Cottage: Tranquil and Unique Kaikoura Accommodation

Hapuku – 9 kms from Kaikoura | Up to 2 Guests

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• Best for: Retro Charm, Beach Location, Outdoor Clawfoot Bath, Quirky
• Good for: Couples
• Price Range: $$
• Check Prices and Availability at Pohutukawa Cottage (VRBO – a member of Expedia and Bookabach)

Overview:

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.

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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.

Guest comment

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Good to Know at this Kaikoura Accommodation:

• 1 bedroom sleeps 2
• All linens are provided
• Kitchen with stove, oven, fridge, microwave, toaster, crockery, cutlery and glassware
• TV, WIFI, Books, Games
• Wheelchair accessible

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 break away.

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