Aotearoa is definitely one of my top 3 favorite places in the world. I have gone there three times already and I am getting ready to go for a fourth time this year!
I can't wait because this time, I will be exploring the south island and going there will be my first time!
So, while researching where I still would like to stay in New Zealand, here is my Top 10 list of unique places to stay while exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud and Kiwi birds:
1. Eichardt's Private Hotel, Queenstown.
The history of Eichardt’s was born as a result of the rich vein of gold, which drew many prospectors, opportunists and downright optimists from around the globe to the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Each Suite is finished to the highest caliber offering unprecedented location, style and design that weaves the hotel's unique history into the very fabric of your stay. The lakefront apartments are light, airy and spacious, perfect for that extra space and privacy. The Residence offers premium self-contained luxury with all the benefits of a true hotel experience, giving you the best of both worlds. And finally, the Penthouse is the epitome of contemporary quality, commanding the most outstanding views from Central Queenstown.
2. The Lighthouse & The Keep, Wellington.
The Lighthouse is in Island Bay just 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from Wellington City centre. Local shops and cafes are a short walk away. The Lighthouse has the kitchen area and bathroom on the first floor, the bedroom on the middle floor and the sitting room with a view on the top floor. Unique and romantic.
3. PurePods Greystone, Waipara.
The Greystone PurePod is set high above the award-winning Greystone vineyard, less than an hour north of Christchurch, right in the heart of the Waipara Valley wine producing region.
With the Teviotdale Hills behind and views up the Waipara Valley across to the Southern Alps, the Greystone PurePod provides a beautiful setting for you to immerse yourself in your own private slice of the New Zealand landscape.
4. Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses, Kaikoura.
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel located on a deer breeding farm in the South Island of New Zealand, 12 kilometres North of the renowned eco-marine town of Kaikoura. It sits snugly at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, with the Kaikoura coast and famed Mangamaunu Bay only a kilometre to the east. The Lodge provides luxurious accommodation on Kaikoura’s rugged coastline, a place for guests to relax in its intimate indoor/outdoor setting and a place from which they can explore the larger maritime landscape of Kaikoura.
5. The Jailhouse, Christchurch.
Voted Top Backpacker Hostel in Oceania by Hostelworld, as well as being consistently highly recommended in Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.
This renovated heritage accommodation has had a very fascinating history as the Addington Prison from 1874 to 1999, and since opening as a backpackers hostel in 2006 the amazing accommodation has become renowned as a must-stay on the backpacker circuit.
Its suburb of Addington has become an entertainment hub with awesome new cafés and bars having recently opened, as well as being very close to the Railway Station, AMI Stadium, Horncastle Arena, Addington Raceway and Hagley Park.
The Jailhouse has rooms available to suit everyone and they welcome children, youth and adults of all ages to experience a special budget accommodation.
6. SiloStay, Little River.
SiloStay’s team view Little River’s isolation and peacefulness as a definitive bonus, placing us at the forefront of civilisations quest for inner peace and tranquility.
Your time at SiloStay gives you an unsullied opportunity to seek and discover personal introspection – to come to understand what renowned Guru Karisma Barack said to be “the vision of one’s inner self, declothed of societies convoluted outer sheath.”
7. Valley Vista Eco Retreat, Kaiwaka
Multiple accommodation options, from camping to glamping in an eco-friendly manner, where you can relax and unwind. You can stay in the Shepherd' Hut, the Container Cottage, the Forget-me-not Caravan, the Hibiscus Cube, the Tiny House B&B, or in a tent, you pick your fancy, and they take excellent care of you.
8. The Glass House, Kauri Mountain Point.
This spacious architecturally designed one bedroom retreat has everything you need to spend time exactly how you choose, whether it’s getting cozy by the outside fire, enjoying a long shower with ocean views or napping in a hammock. It's not on the side of budget travel but once in while, it's worth the splurging.
9. The Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island.
Delamore Lodge is inspired by the Mediterranean with a unique New Zealand flavour. This elegant and exclusive luxury lodge is designed in the shape of a traditional Maori fish hook (Matau) and is literally moulded into the hillside at Owhanake Bay. With breathtaking sea and island views of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and rooms filled with international and indigenous New Zealand craft and artworks, there’s an outlook to please everyone.
10. Papamoa Beach Resort, Papamoa.
Reasons to stay there:
- Absolute beachfront location
- We get to know you personally and care about making your holiday the best it can be!
- An ideal holiday destination – right in the heart of Papamoa
- Great for large groups and conferences
- Kids have a blast
- Close to restaurants, cafés, and shopping
- Just 45-minutes’ drive to Rotorua
- They care about the environment and have an Enviro-Gold rating for commitment to sustainability
- Because you’ll undoubtedly love it!