9 Unique Accommodation Options In New Zealand

Canterbury Coromandel Cromwell Kaiteriteri Queenstown Ruapehu

Our Top 9 Unique Accommodation Options In NZ

With over 2,000 holiday homes in our books, we’ve collected a wide range of unique places to stay in New Zealand – all with their own architectural charm. From a delightful tiny house in Kaiteriteri Beach, to a homely tree house in the Coromandel, a rustic converted wool shed in Queenstown and a spacious wooden yurt in Mt Ruapehu – these quirky finds are great if you are looking for a bit more character in your home away from home!

View the list below to find your perfect quirky accommodation choice.

1. The Stone Temple, Cromwell

How often do you get the chance to stay in a Gothic church over 140 years old? Our guess? Not that often! Especially one that has been transformed from its once humble stone structure into what can only be described as pure luxury accommodation. This beautifully renovated church combines the latest in modern creature comforts with its rich history. Here you can watch your favourite film on the sleek flat screen TV while basking in the colourful glow of the stained glass windows ahead. You’ll sleep on the Gothic chapel’s mezzanine and dine in the state of the art kitchen, which once served as the local Sunday School. There is no doubt, this quirky holiday house is truly one of a kind.

View the full listing for The Stone Temple

2. Shotover Woolshed, Queenstown

This unique holiday house is ideally located between the famous Shotover River and Lake Hayes and as the name suggests, this charming pastoral abode once functioned as a wool shed. Although now converted to serve as a superbly comfortable bach, its history is not lost but rather celebrated. Its open plan living space, wooden ceiling and modern bedroom inside the old sheep pen, all combine to create a beautifully rustic atmosphere.

View the full listing for Shotover Woolshed

3. Tiny House Retreat , Kaiteriteri Beach

This miniature house offers a charming beach escape for those wishing to shake away the city stresses and get back to nature. Its clever use of space ensures the modern interior doesn’t ever comprise on comfort. While modern in design, this quirky holiday home strips back beach living to the essentials making the Tiny House Retreat the ideal digital detox home. With 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom this quaint little house is perfect for two couples or a group of four. And with the gorgeous Abel Tasman as your backyard for daily adventures, you’ll all be feeling at one with nature in no time!

View the full listing for Tiny House Retreat

4. Tairua Treehouse, Coromandel

This unique Coromandel holiday home is elevated among peaceful bush surrounds, and offers amazing views of the Tairua estuary. Here, open plan living makes countless spots for a morning coffee or an evening wine accompanied by the green scenery outside. With two comfy hammocks on the wooden balcony, you’ll be feeling like king of the swingers – the jungle V.I.P – in no time, as you bask in the glorious summer sun. Whats not to love?

View the full listing for Tairua Treehouse

5. Turoa Yurt, Mt Ruapehu

Are you a ski enthusiast looking for cosy – yet unique – accommodation to retire to after a long, adrenaline filled day? Well look no further. Found in Ohakune, Turoa Yurt is a mere minutes drive from Ohakune-Mountain Road which leads directly towards the incredible Turoa ski field. Its wooden walls, furnishings and spiral thatched roof are certainly a welcome sight to return to, while the log burner will have you feeling toasty in minutes! There are also plenty of board games on offer for fun with the whole family in the evenings, while all the best restaurants can be found a mere 10 minutes away.

View the full listing for Turoa Yurt

6. The Point , Banks Peninsula

unique accommodation options in New Zealand

Completely off-grid, The Point was designed with the environment in mind, using solar panels to capture light and thermal energy. Yet while it is eco-conscious it is still nothing short of pure luxury. If it is stunning views you are after, this home will not disappoint. The beauty of the sleek modern interior is topped only by the amazing sea views, which can be found from multiple points within the property. A safe private cove for swimming nearby and a wondrous display of stars at night makes it easy for you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding nature for some unbeatable relaxation.

View the full listing for The Point

7. Waimarino Lodge, Mt Ruapehu

Do you love an open fire as much as we do? At this bach you can cosy up on the couch by the fireplace, as well as outside on the wooden benches in the private, enclosed garden. This vastly spacious holiday cottage is spread out across two levels and boasts not one but two lounges to unwind in. What makes this property unique is the large arched windows and the awesome curved, double height curved ceiling which give the impression of a converted airplane hangar or half round barn. This area is set for family living, with the kitchen, dining area, lounge and fireplace all found here, in an open-plan harmony.

View the full listing for Waimarino Lodge

8. Bellbird Bach, Banks Peninsula

It’s no secret that at times modern life can get very busy and our homes – as well as our heads – can become rather cluttered as a result. So if you are seeking somewhere to declutter and destress, Bellbird Bach is your kind of place. Its seamless wooden ceiling, floor and walls hold a rather minimalist interior, but one that never feels anything less than homely. The floor to ceiling windows and spacious outdoor decking ensure that your focus is always on the blissful natural surrounds. With with skylights upstairs, natural light floods the place, giving you a great kick start to your day of exploring the Banks Peninsula. While in the evenings, you can soak away the day in the outdoor spa!

View the full listing for Bellbird Bach

9. St Marys Vicarage Retreat, Mt Ruapehu

This 5 bed home is a slightly unusual accommodation , for the fact that it sits on historic church site. Specifically the picturesque site St Mary’s Anglican church in Raetihi. This home and its neighbouring church are cradled in the stunning foothills of Mt Ruapehu found on the edge of the Tongariro National Park. The site is particularly beautiful during snowfall, with the sun room offering views of the snow covered steeple.