From luxury lodges(opens in new window) to quintessential Kiwi camping(opens in new window) sites and the ever popular glamping(opens in new window), accommodation in Aotearoa New Zealand is varied and plentiful. New Zealand also has a number of scenic touring routes(opens in new window) which are perfect for exploring via campervan or motorhome. But if your clients are after something a little different from your regular hotel room or B&B, here are a few quirky stays you may like to recommend.  

PurePods(opens in new window) – Nationwide 

Experience pure unfiltered nature with this world-class sustainable yet luxurious glasshouse accommodation. There are 12 PurePods scattered in remote and beautiful places around the country, from Rotorua in the North Island all the way down to Stewart Island, the southernmost town in Aotearoa New Zealand. PurePods are designed from the foundations up for environmental sustainability and minimalist luxury while ensuring manuhiri (visitors) are warm and comfortable while they experience untouched nature. Lie in bed, through your glass roof watch the sun set and the milky way appear.  

LyLo(opens in new window) – Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown 

Capsule style accommodation has reached New Zealand’s shores! If your clients aren’t keen on hostels but are looking for an inexpensive yet comfortable stay with an opportunity to be social, then LyLo is a good recommendation. While the Auckland and Queenstown branches are both in the thick of the action in the CBD, Christchurch is conveniently located at the international airport. Owned by hospitality group EVT (QT, Rydges etc.) you can be assured the hotel is run to an international standard. 

Naumi(opens in new window) – Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown 

Quirky in nature and quirky in name! Pronounced ‘Know Me’, we are sure your clients will love getting to know these one-of-a-kind boutique hotels. They certainly pack a design punch and offer a sensory wonderland to explore. With art-filled rooms, whimsical furniture, an electric colour palette and all showcasing local New Zealand artists and designers, they sure are a feast for the eyes! Wellington and Queenstown each have two hotels located in the heart of their CBDs whilst Auckland is conveniently located at the airport. 

Castaways Resort(opens in new window) - Waiuku, Auckland

Castaways offer ocean-front apartment style accommodation, located at the stunning Karioitahi Beach in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. But for something unique, book one of their glamping tents up in the hills, complete with outdoor bath and your very own golf cart for transportation. Food is provided for guests to prepare themselves. Otherwise, enjoy a wide range of resort facilities during your stay including cliff top dining at Castaways Restaurant, activities such as 4WD and archery or enjoy some pampering at Bersantai Day Spa.

Matawhero(opens in new window) – Tairāwhiti Gisborne 

Your clients will love to stay amongst the vines at Matawhero Wines in their beautiful vineyard accommodation located on-site in Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Each of the four studio cabins is self-contained and breakfast is provided daily and is best enjoyed with the very first sunrise to greet New Zealand and the epic vineyard views! The cabin’s ideal location next to the cellar door, allows guests to enjoy a platter and wine tasting on-site or on their own private deck. 

Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses(opens in new window) – Kaikōura   

This quirky luxury lodge is set on a deer stud and olive grove with views out to the snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Lodge has five Tree Houses that sit 10 metres above the ground in the canopy of native Kanuka trees, complimenting their natural surroundings. Just up the road your clients can try a cooking class at Hapuku Kitchen(opens in new window) farm-based cooking school and learn all about Kaikōura’s abundance of wild foods. Or jump on whale watching cruise or helicopter flight. 

SiloStay(opens in new window) – Little River, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury 

Popular with cyclists doing the Christchurch to Little River rail trail en route to Akaroa, SiloStay ticks all the boxes for bizarre accommodation. The quirky appeal (despite it being a silo!) lies in the ceiling hatch which lifts off to make way for a view to the sky - lie in bed gazing at the stars or watching raindrops or snowflakes settle on the glass above. Some experience add-ons include sunrise breakfasts, guided nature walks and private wildlife sketching classes with a local artist.  

Larnach Castle(opens in new window) - Dunedin 

It doesn't get much quirkier than staying in the grounds of New Zealand's only castle. Built in 1871, by William Larnach, a Merchant Banker and Politician, the castle has been beautifully restored by the Barker family, the owners since 1967. Guests staying in the luxury accommodation can gain an insight into wealthy Victorian lifestyle, learn about Larnach's stories of scandal and enjoy the award-winning gardens and unique dining experiences in the castle, all whilst being nearby to explore the city and Otago Peninsula.