This Best list of Unique Accommodation – Bay of Plenty takes you from a kiwifruit orchard to the beach to the lake. With an eclectic range of styles from a retro family caravan, a high-end designer barn, a quirky beach bach, and eco-friendly treehouses and chalets.
The Bay of Plenty’s motto is ‘sure to make you smile’ and the region is one of New Zealand’s top holiday destinations any time of the year. With natural beauty, great summers, white sand beaches, hot pools, and outdoor adventures. See more…
Location: Bay of Plenty | North Island | New Zealand
Type of Accommodation: Quirky | Bach | Eco-friendly and Organic
Price Range: $ – Cabin/Hostel | $$ – Budget | $$$ – Mid-range | $$$$ – Luxury | $$$$$ – Super Luxe
Links are to: Booking.com and VRBO/Bookabach
1. Blue Caravan – Lake Rotoiti
Best for: Affordable Caravan, Swimming, Fishing, Playground, Children Welcome, 4 Guests, $$
Enjoy million-dollar views from this quirky caravan stay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. The caravan has been renovated into a comfy ‘cheap as chips’ holiday retreat, with bedding and linen for four guests.
The kitchenette includes a microwave, tea/coffee making, cutlery, utensils, a two-burner stove top, and a fridge. Eat outdoors in the garden looking over the playground to the lake.
Things to Do: Swimming, Fishing, Walk Hinehopu Hongi’s track (2.2kms), Manupiria Hot Springs (boat access).
Good to Know
- Internet available
- Queen-size bed, heater
- The bathroom and laundry are separate from the caravan in the host’s house
Unleash your inner adventurer! Escape to Lake Rotoiti for a fun caravan stay. Book at VRBO/Bookabach
2. Tui Ridge Retreat – Katikati
Best for: Eco-friendly Chalets, Treehouse, Romantic, Pet-friendly, Gardens, Chooks, Walks, Hot Tub, 2 Guests, $
Cute little chalets, rustic cabins, and a treehouse sit in a garden at this Katikati kiwifruit orchard. Each accommodation at Tui Ridge is rustic and eco-friendly with solar power, and is part of the Travel Sustainable Programme. Pet buddies are welcome at the Ark and Morepork Cabins.
The owners grow their own veges which they share with guests in season. You’ll find a shared kitchen if you feel like cooking, a Summerhouse with a BBQ, and a shared lounge (with WIFI) for relaxing and meeting your fellow travellers.
Good to Know at this Unique Accommodation – Bay of Plenty:
- Linen and towels provided
- Waterfalls, swimming, and walks in the Kaimai Ranges are nearby
- Parking on site
- Outdoor Furniture
Unwind in paradise at Tui Ridge Retreat! Book at Booking.com
3. Little Blue Bach – Mount Maunganui
Best for: Affordable Bach, Nostalgic Beach Holiday, Family-friendly, 4 Guests, $$
This quaint one-bedroom bach is an affordable and comfortable stay in the heart of Mount Maunganui, near the beach, shops, eateries, supermarket, Bayfair Mall, and Baywave Swimming Pool.
It’s ‘old-school’ on the outside but contemporary and stylish inside!
The Little Blue Bach is a real New Zealand-style holiday home spotlessly cared for, with a double bed in the bedroom, a sofa bed, and a single bed in the lounge. A dining table and chairs are also in the open-plan lounge.
The bathroom includes a shower, toilet, and basin. The simple kitchen has a microwave, fridge, and washing machine.
With lovely balmy weather at the Mount in summer or winter, the outdoor dining setting allows you to enjoy al-fresco dining daily.
Good to Know
- Free WIFI
- Outdoor lawn and garden area
- Off-street parking for two cars
- Plenty of linen and towels supplied
- Glasses, cutlery, utensils, crockery
Soak up panoramic ocean views and golden sands at the Blue Bach, your charming Mount Maunganui escape. Book at VRBO/Bookabach
4. Moanarua Cottage – Ohope Beach
Best for: Māori Bed and Breakfast, Beach Location, Free WIFI, Hot Tub, 2 Guests, $$
Experience amazing Māori hospitality at this Bed and Breakfast only a couple of minutes walk to Ohope Beach.
Choose from a garden cottage with a kitchen and bathroom, or the Pohutukawa Room with a shared bathroom in the owner’s home.
Every day you’re served a delicious breakfast, which you can enjoy on the upstairs deck with panoramic views of the beach.
After a long day of beach adventures, a soak in the hot tub is pure relaxation.
Things to Do at Ohope Beach: the beach is 14kms long and patrolled by surf lifesavers during the summer months so perfect for swimming, beachcombing, picnics, snorkelling and kayaking.
Guest Review
This place was paradise, the Māori culture the beautiful warm hearts of these two was amazing.
Good to Know
- Free Welcome Drinks and Snacks
- Flat screen TV
- Outdoor furniture and BBQ
Breakfast & Beach Bliss at Moanarua Beach Cottage. Book at Booking.com or try your dates below…
5. The Barn – Designers Beach Hideaway – Waihi Beach
Best for: Luxe Apartment, Near Waihi Beach and Anzac Bay Beach, Outdoor Copper Shower, BBQ, Courtyard, 2 Guests $$$
Every centimetre of this gorgeous hideaway is thoughtfully designed with creativity and high-end designer interiors.
From top-notch Turkish linen to the stunning art and furniture to the gourmet kitchen appliances.
The bedroom is on a mezzanine level with a king-size slat bed and snuggly Ecosa matress with organic cotton linen.
The elegant en-suite includes a sunken bath, a walk-in shower, and special lights. The contemporary kitchen includes a dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer.
You’re near beaches, park reserves, and Waihi Village (for eateries and boutiques), and you can even use the basketball courts and coin-operated tennis courts at Pio Shores nearby.
Good to Know
- Smart TV with Netflix, Unlimited WIFI
- Outdoor Dining and Loungers
- Delicious coffee and food at Surf Shack Café
- Anzac Bay has a Coffee Cart through the summer months also offering real fruit ice cream, and smoothies
Live the Designer Dream! Escape to The Barn, a beachfront haven in Waihi Beach for a luxurious getaway. Book at Booking.com.
More Bay of Plenty Stays
- Spiritual and Eco Bay of Plenty Retreats
- Tiny House Bay of Plenty Stays – Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Ohope Beach
- Luxury Glamping Bay of Plenty
- Best List of Unique Accommodation Bay of Plenty
- Unique and Boutique Rotorua Accommodation – Luxurious Stays
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