NEW Zealand boasts some of the most singular scenery in the world and plenty of original accommodation options.
New Zealanders pride themselves on their ingenuity, and this round-up of some of the more curious places to stay is a good example.
Why stay in standard accommodation when you can choose from silos, gypsy caravans and tree houses?
Over the Water – The Lighthouse, Wellington
WHY a lighthouse? When Bruce Stokell decided to build a painting studio for his wife, he soon realised that if it was high enough, you would be able to see the South Island from the site in the seaside Wellington neighbourhood of Island Bay.
And so, in 1994, The Lighthouse, “the only kind of structure with any integrity next to the sea”, came into existence. “Because it’s a lighthouse, and it’s tall and it’s in the view – there’s no grass or bush around it ... [it’s like>[/embedli>
Against the grain – SiloStay, Little River
THIS is a striking addition to the landscape: metal silos, traditionally used to store grain, have been repurposed as accommodation, and now loom above the hamlet of Little River on Banks Peninsula, just south of Christchurch.
Operations manager Lisa Ashfield says guests are routinely blown away by SiloStay. And why not? The silos blend cutting-edge design and a commitment to the environment with the high-end accommodation you might not expect from the agricultural look of the complex. Some people, Ashfield says, think it’s a shop that sells silos!
The space inside surprises guests, too. “Some people think it’s going to be claustrophobic and pokey, but it's not,” she says. “And people are quite surprised when they see that it is luxurious inside.”
- Christchurch Akaroa Rd, Little River (+64 3 325-1977). Halfway between Christchurch and Akaroa, Little River is a lovely spot full of French influence. It’s a great base for exploring the Banks Peninsula. Many operators have cruises to meet and swim with Hector’s dolphins, the world’s rarest marine dolphin.
Up in the air – Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, Kaikoura
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses was established in 2003 by the five siblings of the Wilson family just north of Kaikoura on the South Island’s east coast.
Originally offering just six beds in the lodge, the family soon realised an opportunity for something far grander... something that would take in the multi-faceted beauty of Kaikoura – soaring snowcapped mountains and whitecapped waves. So the Tree Houses were built, putting guests closer “to the birds, to the mountains, to the ocean and the sky”.
The five tree houses are perched 10 metres above the ground in a grove of native kanuka trees, with views over verdant farmland and dark green hills. The owners have a distinct green focus, with a keen interest in maintaining this spot of special beauty.
- State Highway 1 at Station Road RD1, Kaikoura (+64 3 319-6559).
Kaikoura, three hours north of Christchurch, is the best spot in the country for whale-watching, both from the air and on the water. There are excellent spots for surfing, hiking and skiing, which makes it a great year-round destination.
Charming incarceration – The Jailhouse, Christchurch
BUILT in 1874, The Jailhouse has served a variety of functions: a men’s prison, women’s prison and military camp. Decommissioned in 1999, it lay unused until 2006, when it found its second life as a hostel.
Manager Nikki Hayhurst says guests love the uniqueness of staying in a prison. Many of the original features remain, and most of the rooms started life as cells. The 80-bed hostel has accommodation options from dorms to a family room.
- 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch (+64 3 982-7777).
Addington is a fairly central Christchurch suburb, so The Jailhouse is a good option for those who want to check out the city’s revival – the Cardboard Cathedral, the redevelopment of the CBD or the riverside precinct. Further afield, the beach town of Sumner is charming, and the bars and cafes of the historic port town of Lyttelton are well worth a trip.
Sleep with the stars – PurePods Greystone, Waipara
THE new Greystone PurePod sits on a spur in a paddock, high above the Greystone Winery. Tucked away in a private oasis, guests are treated to views down across vineyards and up the Waipara Valley.
The only intruders will be birds in the trees and stars in the sky. PurePod accommodation is a first-of-its-kind glass structure designed for two.
The modular build, with surround glass floor, sliding walls and roof, is styled for luxurious off-the-grid comfort. PurePods can be found in four locations in the Canterbury region, each with spectacular views.
- 376 Omihi Road, Waipara 7483, (+64 3 314 6100).
Greystone PurePod is an hour by road north of Christchurch, and five minutes from the country town of Waipara. When you book you will receive instructions on how to find your secret slice of paradise.
For couples only, a one-night stay includes a picnic platter, plus you can pre-order a dinner and breakfast food package (for one or two days) made from local ingredients.
