Top 5 Unique Places to Stay in New Zealand

Many people head to New Zealand for the breathtaking natural beauty, the fabulous wine or the chance to learn more about Maori culture. Always creative, Kiwis are coming up with even more reasons to visit with new and interesting accommodation throughout the country. The top five unique places to stay in New Zealand are:

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Experience Nature in a New World Villa

Nature lovers hoping to surround themselves with the majesty of the landscape can immerse themselves in it at Eagles Nest Villas, one of the country’s most stunning luxury accommodations. Located on the North Island’s Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest Villas offer visitors the opportunity to stay in a new world villa, providing unparalleled five-star service that makes each guest feel like old world royalty. Large windows open up to the sea and subtropical landscape, making visitors wonder if they aren’t starring in their own nature channel TV show. Whatever your wish at Eagles Nest, it’s just a request away. No wonder Season 13 of The Bachelor filmed its finale here.

Sleep in the Trees

Those looking for an experience that really is above it all will find something special at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses in Kaikoura, on the country’s South Island. Built to complement the natural environment, the tree houses sit 30 feet above the ground in the middle of a native Manuka grove, offering spectacular views of Kaikoura’s majestic mountains and the dramatic surf of the Pacific coastline. These tree houses make visitors feel that they are on top of a very lush world.

Camp in Luxury

Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station offers an exceptional blend of rugged camping and lavish comfort. New Zealand’s first luxury tented camp is located in a spectacular glacial valley in the heart of the Southern Alps. Here, surrounded by dramatic landscape, guests can experience the view from the luxury of wall-to-wall sheepskin carpet, king beds, private decks and their own hot tub. The “Mountain Kitchen” provides a first-class chef, a dining room, living area and private guides are onsite to help make each stay memorable.

Getting Your Feet Wet

For those who want to spend time on the water, it doesn’t get any better than taking an overnight cruise to Doubtful Sound on the South Island. On the Fiordland Navigator, passengers cruise in and out of hidden coves and waterways, and are lulled to sleep after a delicious three-course meal – prepared by the onboard chef. Guests can explore the shoreline by kayak or take a swim. On this relaxing journey, bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and, sometimes, even rare penguins are spotted. The Fiordland Navigator is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing vessel and offers a range of modern comforts including spacious viewing decks, a dining lounge and a fully stocked bar.

Live Like Frodo

Last, but certainly not least, Woodlyn Park, near the Waitomo Caves on the North Island, offers The Lord of the Rings fans the opportunity to sleep the night away in a hobbit hole. While not a “real” hobbit hole, these self-contained units were inspired by the movies. They are size appropriate for people, not hobbits – who are much, much shorter than we are. (If chasing Bilbo Baggins in your dreams isn’t your style, you can also “choo choo” off to “slumberland” in a refurbished 1950s train rail car or count flying sheep while drifting off in either the cockpit or tail of an airplane – a 1950s Bristol Freighter.) Air New Zealand has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. Qantas also offers flights from many Canadian and U.S. gateways. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: NewZealand.com.