From the sub-tropical north to the wild south take your pick from Tree Houses, Tiny Homes, Eco-retreats, Glamping, Tipis, Yurts, a Converted Church, and many more. You’ll be amazed by the dizzying collection! Read on for Unique places to stay in New Zealand…
- 1. Magic Cottages at Takou River – Bay of Islands
- 2. The Yurt Wai Rua – Luxury Glamping – Whangarei
- 3. The Convent, Grey Lynn, Auckland
- 4. Hush Boutique Accommodation – Wooden Cabins – Coromandel Town
- 5. Woodlyn Park – Hobbit Hotel Plus – Waitomo
- 6. Cozy Tiny House Hideaway – Mount Maunganui
- 7. Tui Glen Lakefront Bach – Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
- 8. Matawhero Wines – Gisborne
- 9. Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park – Turangi
- 10. The White Swan Hotel – Greytown, Wairarapa
- 11. Split Apple Retreat – Eco Stay – Kaiteriteri
- 12. Kimi Ora Eco Resort – Kaiteriteri Beach
- 13. The Woolshed Caravans – Takaka
- 14. Ngahere Hou Glamping – Keneperu Head, Queen Charlotte Track
- 15. Wacky Stays – Kaikoura
- 16. Jailhouse Accommodation – Christchurch
- 17. The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels – Queenstown
- 18. Lanarch Lodge, Stables and Camp Estate – Dunedin
- 19. Rainforest Retreat Treehouse – Franz Josef
- 20. Oasis Yurt Lodge – Wanaka
- 21. Mahu Whenua – Wanaka
Types of Accommodation: Quirky
Destination: North Island | South Island | New Zealand
Price Range: Cabin/Hostel $ | Budget $$ | Mid-range $$$ | Luxury $$$$ | Super Luxe $$$$+
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Unique Places to Stay in New Zealand – North Island
1. Magic Cottages at Takou River – Bay of Islands
Ditch the ordinary hotel room for a touch of fairytale living at Magic Cottages on the Takou River!
Wake up in a luxurious safari tent with a king-size bed fit for royalty (well, glamping royalty anyway). Step outside onto your private deck and breathe in the fresh Bay of Islands air, listening to the gentle murmur of the river.
After an adventurous day kayaking or exploring the organic farm, soak under the stars in your very own outdoor bathtub – it’s the perfect ending to a day enchanted by nature’s magic!
Magic Cottages at Takou River is your escape to a world of comfort, adventure, and a sprinkle of whimsy. With earth-friendly accommodation and sub-tropical gardens.
See more at Magic Cottages at Takou River in the Beautiful Bay of Islands, Kerikeri
2. The Yurt Wai Rua – Luxury Glamping – Whangarei
Gorgeous Yurt Wai Rua is set on a beautiful and unique farm property overlooking a small lake. The luxury yurt offers stylish bedding and furnishings. The property also includes a swimming pool and a wood-fired hot tub.
Guest Review
This is the perfect getaway destination. We loved the hot tub and being away in the countryside of Whangarei (yet not far from town). The yurt is super comfortable and offers everything you need for a wonderful stay.
Meet the friendly pigs and hens and enjoy biking and walking along the farm trails and through native bush.
For a one-of-a-kind holiday book at booking.com
3. The Convent, Grey Lynn, Auckland
The Convent is a Spanish mission-style building dating back to 1922 when it was St Joseph’s Convent aka a nunnery until 1993.
Now a gorgeous (and affordable) boutique hotel with 22 modern, rustic rooms with wooden floors, tiled bathrooms, natural woven linen, and industrial/antique furniture – all-in-all elegantly designed in a natural and earthy way with a nod to the past and the present.
Read more at Boutique Places to Stay in Auckland
4. Hush Boutique Accommodation – Wooden Cabins – Coromandel Town
Hush Boutique is a peaceful retreat in the Coromandel township across the road from the Driving Creek Railway. You’ll find lovely little handcrafted wooden cabins nestled in native bush with en-suites and little decks.
Don’t miss ziplining at Driving Creek and take a pottery class!
Read more at Bush and Eco Accommodation in Coromandel.
5. Woodlyn Park – Hobbit Hotel Plus – Waitomo
Calling all Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans! Woodlyn Park’s motto is ‘sleep in the shire’ and this quirky Hobbit Hotel also offers a converted plane, train, and a ship.
Fun stays near the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
Read more at Sleep in a Hobbit Hotel in New Zealand! Woodlyn Park Waitomo.
6. Cozy Tiny House Hideaway – Mount Maunganui
Close to the beach, eateries, and bars this modernist tiny house is a sweet spot for your next Mount Maunganui holiday.
With 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a deck, outdoor furniture, and BBQ this tiny house fits up to 4 guests and has everything you need for a sunny holiday at The Mount.
Read More at Tiny House Bay of Plenty Stays – Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Ohope Beach
7. Tui Glen Lakefront Bach – Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
At this waterfront holiday home, you can enjoy breakfast on the jetty gazing out across Lake Tarawera or jump into one of the kayaks for boating fun. Tui Glen Bach is a real gem! Comfy, spacious, and affordable, with accommodation for up to 4 guests.
Guest Review
Very clean and comfortable. Had everything we needed and loved having the private jetty for our boat and the kayaks to use.
Surrounded by nature with oodles of amazing views across the lake. Walk the Tarawera Trail and take a soothing thermal soak at Te Rata Bay’s hot water beach. Enjoy bush walks around the property and at night search for glow worms.
Don’t miss this fun bach stay. Book at VRBO/Bookabach
8. Matawhero Wines – Gisborne
Matawhero offers a range of luxury cabins to suit all tastes at the Riverpoint Road vineyard. The first vineyards in the world to greet the new day. Each villa includes a range of facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Guest Review
Beautiful backdrop, modern facilities, quiet and out of the way, perfect for a relaxing weekend, and immediately next to the winery if you are that way inclined, loved our stay.
Enjoy the convenience of free high-speed WiFi, Sky TV, a kitchenette, and a contemporary tiled ensuite bathroom. Enjoy the view from your deck with a glass of wine or head to the Cellar Door next door for platters and wine tasting. Sounds great!
Book your Gisborne Vineyard Stay at Agoda
9. Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park – Turangi
This lakeside camping ground offers retro kombi cabins, or boat house-themed bungalows. The accommodation uses the shared camp kitchen and bathrooms. Also includes a mini market and children’s playground.
Guest Review
We stayed in one of the VW camper vans. That was fun. Comfortable bed in a small space, though hotpot is provided. Camping-style shared bathrooms, but as clean as any camping bathrooms I’ve seen. Deck with table outside the van.
You’re near Tokaanu Thermal Pools for a relaxing soak in these iconic pools. Do the 10-minute bush walk next to the pools and see mud pools and hot bubbling mineral water in action.
Go Retro! Book your Kombi at Booking.com
10. The White Swan Hotel – Greytown, Wairarapa
A mainstay in the heart of historic Greytown, the White Swan Hotel, is a popular spot for accommodation, eats, and drinks in this heritage shopping area of Greytown.
Guest Review
I loved the extras, especially the extra blanket, extra big bath, beautiful balcony, and wine selection in the bar… So many things really!
With a range of suites, king-size beds, beauty around every corner (who doesn’t love a chandelier!), and stunning decor.
Holiday in style at The White Swan Hotel – Book at Agoda
Unique Places to Stay in New Zealand – South Island
11. Split Apple Retreat – Eco Stay – Kaiteriteri
Split Apple Retreat is perched on an isolated wilderness hilltop with glorious sea and mountain views.
Relax at this eco-friendly retreat near Abel Tasman Park and Track. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price.
From the retreat, a private path takes you to Split Apple Beach. Each luxury suite has a deck and a birds-eye view of the park.
Dive into the infinity pool, bask in the hot tub, and embrace the spa treatments on offer to ease your body and soul. Be awed at this slice of paradise.
Read more: Split Apple Retreat New Zealand for Eco-Friendly Luxury
Hopewell Lodge – Keneperu Sound
Wake up to the shimmering turquoise waters of Kenepuru Sound lapping right outside your window.
At Hopewell Lodge, you can ditch the alarm for the sound of native birds and swap your heels for hiking boots or a kayak paddle. Explore hidden coves teeming with sea life, catch your dinner fresh from the sound, and relax under a blanket of stars in the outdoor hot tub.
By day, adventure. By night, follow glowworms and unwind under the magical Southern Hemisphere sky. Hopewell Lodge is your base camp for an unforgettable escape in the heart of Marlborough Sounds.
See more at Eco-Friendly Places to Stay in the South Island of New Zealand
13. Aroha Tiny House – Takaka
Picture this: you ditch the crowded hotel for a cozy cocoon surrounded by native New Zealand bush.
Aroha Tiny House offers a taste of tiny living with big adventure on the side. Hike through native forests in the morning, then unwind in the evenings soaking up the “healing energy” of a quartz vein running right under the house!
Explore hidden waterfalls, chase sheep (friendly ones!), and gaze at the star-studded sky from the comfort of your pint-sized pied-à-terre. Aroha Tiny House in Takaka is your gateway to a unique and unforgettable Golden Bay experience!
14. Ngahere Hou Glamping – Keneperu Head, Queen Charlotte Track
Escape to this divine bush setting with a luxury 6-metre yurt or a beautiful summer cabin. This is sustainable and off-grid accommodation with amazing views down Keneperu Sound.
Sit back in the hot tub and contemplate life! Stroll through the bush at night for views of the local glow worms.
You’re at the midway point of the Queen Charlotte Walk so this is a beautiful stop-off stay as you walk this amazing track. Or water taxi in and base yourself here while you hike in either direction.
Guest Review
A little oasis! The little extra touches made our experience even more wonderful, the bottle of wine waiting, the hot tub ready, a walk to see the glow worms at night, fresh bread and croissants for breakfast the next morning.
For swimming and sunbathing you’re only a 5-minute stroll down the hill to Ngahere Hou’s private beach. You can access the site by water taxi or car.
See more at 6 Breathtaking Places to Stay in the Marlborough Sounds
15. Wacky Stays – Kaikoura
Take your pick from 6 quirky places to stay in this Kaikoura farm and landmark! Wacky Stays is an out-of-the-ordinary experience for travellers of all ages.
Choose from the cool House Truck, comfy Yurt, amazing Train Carriage, awesome Tipi Tent, incredible Colonial Wagon, and a two-bedroom Farmer’s Cottage.
Guest Review
Love the house truck we stayed in, it had everything we needed and was beautifully crafted and unique inside.
You get time to spend with the farm animals (Llamas, pigs, sheep, alpaca, etc) plus Free WIFI and breakfast too!
See more at Quirky and Eco Kaikoura Accommodation
16. Jailhouse Accommodation – Christchurch
Forget fancy hotels – at Jailhouse Accommodation in Christchurch, you’re swapping valet parking for a mugshot and comfy beds for historic cells (with modern perks, of course!).
This award-winning hostel lets you live out your jailbird fantasies (minus the whole, you know, jail part) in a fully refurbished gothic 1874 prison.
Imagine chilling with friendly “wardens” instead of strict guards, and fueling up for adventures with an espresso instead of prison porridge.
Jailhouse Accommodation is your chance to lock down a memorable stay in Christchurch – just don’t forget to behave (too much)!
Guest Review
Very funny experience to stay in an ex-jail. The room was small and narrow with a source of light coming from a high window, it really felt different than any other hostel or hotel.
The Jailhouse has single, shared, and dorm rooms for everyone on a budget.
See more at 8 Eye-catching and Unique Places to Stay in Christchurch
17. The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels – Queenstown
Naumi Hotels are quirky, cool, and affordable and this dairy-turned-boutique hotel doesn’t disappoint! With riotous floral wallpaper, stylish furnishings, dizzying art, an outdoor jacuzzi, free drinks in the library between 5 and 6 pm, and views of the Remarkables, what’s not to love?
See 5 Best Boutique and Unique Queenstown Hotels
18. Lanarch Lodge, Stables and Camp Estate – Dunedin
a. Lanarch Lodge and Stables
Lords and Ladies! Your rooms are ready at the Lanarch Lodge and Stables on the grounds of the iconic Lanarch Castle.
Step back in time and leave the ‘hoi pilloi’ behind as you enjoy the glamorous life you so rightly deserve! Choose from a suite in the lodge or the converted stables (fortunately it’s deliciously affordable too).
Stroll through the beautiful castle gardens before breakfast is served in the stables. At dinner dress up to the nines for the meal served with your fellow royals in the castle. Not to be missed!
Guest Review
Our stay was magic. Our room was the “Sea” room, which had wrap-around views from sunrise to sunset. The bed was super comfy.
b. The Camp Estate by Lanarch Castle
The Camp Estate by Lanarch Castle is a glamorous mansion with rooms and ensuites at the gates of the castle. They had me at “grand marble staircase and crystal chandeliers!”
You also join your fellow royals at the castle for dinner. But as a bonus you’re served canapes and champers before heading out. I’m in!
See more at Unique and Luxe Places to Stay in Dunedin
19. Rainforest Retreat Treehouse – Franz Josef
For adventurers, Rainforest Retreat has a unique range of four-star accommodation in lush rainforest.
In the heart of the West Coast’s adventure activities, you’ll find tree houses and deluxe tree lodges for up to 3 guests.
While the deluxe spa tree houses can accommodate up to 6 guests, there are also rooms, holiday homes, and backpacker accommodation. Something for everyone!
The on-site Monsoon Bar and Restaurant is popular with guests. You’ll find the friendly staff can organise tours and offer local recommendations.
With ravishing mountains and forests as your neighbours, this location is unbeatable.
Ever wanted to stay in a Treehouse? See more at Unique Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Accommodation
20. Oasis Yurt Lodge – Wanaka
Cool luxury yurts with garden and mountain views in a peaceful spot on the outskirts of Wanaka. This is an eco-friendly place for awesome sky gazing and an opportunity to make new friends.
Here’s what guests say: “The yurt itself was very unique, yet fitted with all the mod cons and luxuries that we needed to make our stay comfortable; they had thought of everything. “
Enjoy a zen experience and join in the morning yoga sessions in the teepee. Super clean communal kitchens, bathrooms, and facilities. Great for groups and families but fun for couples too. The yurts are warm in winter with fireplaces and delightful in any season. Make the most of the free bikes and see the countryside. Discover this hidden retreat for yourself – book at Agoda
21. Mahu Whenua – Wanaka
Forget your average hotel room – Mahu Whenua at Wanaka isn’t just a stay, it’s an exclusive escape to your own slice of New Zealand paradise! This is a fully hosted lodge on conservation land with a chef and upmarket offerings where your every whim is catered for.
Wake up to jaw-dropping mountain views. By day, explore hidden trails teeming with native wildlife, challenge yourself to a mountain bike adventure, or unwind with a horseback ride through rolling hills. In the evenings, soak in your private hot tub and sip on local wines as you gaze at a sky bursting with stars.
Guest Review
The rugged mountains, peaceful river and Wanaka Lake with spectacular views are awesome. The architecturally designed interiors with river stone are amazing. This is an unforgettable retreat for us .
Mahu Whenua is luxury meets adventure, all wrapped up in an unforgettable South Island experience!
This is a bucket list destination not to be missed. Book your dream holiday with Booking.com
Happy Travelling! I hope you’ve enjoyed this eclectic mix of unique places to stay in New Zealand. If you need any more information or want to join the conversation please share in the comments section below. Alisa
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