Top 10 Unique Places to Stay in New Zealand

Filled with greenery and stunning landscapes, New Zealand is guaranteed to offer an unforgettable experience to all. However, getting the best experience while visiting the country requires staying at the right place. So, all tourists must make sure they are staying at the right place during their trip. 

Once ranked as the second most scenic country in the world, New Zealand is a popular spot among tourists who love traveling through beautiful landscapes. Individuals from all ends of the globe, including the UK, travel to the country to experience its beauty firsthand, which led to around 1.6 million tourists arriving in the country in 2024.  

However, New Zealand isn’t just about stunning landscapes. Rather, it is also home to some of the most unusual and unforgettable accommodation options in the world. These places are different from traditional hotels but unique in their way, and staying in these places is a must to have the best experience of the country. 

Well, are you a British individual planning to visit New Zealand after getting a NZ visa from the UK? Do you wish to stay at the unusual yet stunning accommodations in the country? Then, it is a must for you to understand your top options before you start your trip. 

Hobbiton-Inspired Cottages – Matamata, North Island

If staying in real-life Hobbit-style is a lifelong dream of yours, then this one is a must-try. These are set near the iconic movie set of The Lord of the Rings, which makes it even more iconic. 

The place looks straight out of a picture, with round doors and ambient lighting. On top of that, located just 15 minutes away from the main town of Matamata, the place is quite accessible for all. You will just need a car, and then you are set for the adventure.

Best for: LOTR fans & fantasy lovers.

PurePod Glass Cabins – Canterbury & Kaikōura

These modern cabin-style homes offer a different experience to anyone who comes to stay here. These fully transparent cabins are designed to offer you uninterrupted views of nature. The one set near Kaikōura is just 20 minutes inland and sits around 2.5 hours north of Christchurch. 

On the other hand, the ones in Canterbury are just an hour from Christchurch by car. The place has a glass roof, which ensures you do not miss a chance to experience stunning views. 

Best for: People looking for off-grid luxury with eco-friendly features.

Helicopter-Access Alpine Chalets – Fiordland National Park

Wrapped around greenery, the alpine chalets of Fiordland National Park are famous for their stunning and soothing view. These are remote mountain retreats that are only accessible by helicopter. This means there is a sense of exclusivity. 

However, the location of the chalet doesn’t mean that you are set away from all the luxuries of the world. The chalets are equipped with the best amenities, which makes it easier for travelers to have a good experience while staying close to nature. 

However, remember to book these chalets in advance, as they are quite in demand among travelers who come to the country after getting a NZ visa from the UK. 

Best for: Those looking for extreme privacy and stunning alpine vistas.

Floating Villas – Marlborough Sounds

If the thought of staying over water excites you, then this place is a must-visit. The floating villas of Marlborough Sounds are a popular spot for many tourists. Staying in these villas guarantees that activities like kayaking and fishing are all at your doorstep.

Well, reaching this place is easy and involves multiple options. You will have to reach Wellington and then sit on the inter-islander ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, which takes around 3 hours. Otherwise, you can fly directly to Picton or Blenheim with Soundsair or Air New Zealand. 

Best for: Couples or small groups.

Treehouse Luxury Lodges – Rotorua

If you want to turn your childhood dream of living in a treehouse into reality, then this will be your best option. These luxury lodges are set in a wildlife sanctuary, which helps you to break all ties from the outside world. 

This place offers elevated stays with forest views and outdoor baths, making it an instant hit among nature lovers. On top of that, these have the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, which is another reason why people like staying here. 

Best for: Families and couples looking for a romantic getaway. 

Converted Train Carriages – Dunedin

The converted train carriages of Dunedin are an unusual accommodation option for most people. However, this doesn’t mean that the option isn’t capable of offering a great experience. 

These accommodation options are designed in such a way that you will forget that you are living inside a train carriage. The place comes with a vintage charm while offering the modern comfort that tourists look for. 

The unique design of the place ensures that tourists have all that they need for a comfortable experience. 

Best for: People who are looking for fun, history buffs, and families.

Lighthouse Stays – East Cape

If you are a history lover who is visiting the country after getting a NZ visa from the UK, then you should check this place out. This option gives you a chance to sleep inside a functioning or historic lighthouse. 

The location of this option is ideal and helps you get the best view. The best part? You get a chance to wake up to panoramic ocean views.

Best for: Ocean view lovers

Māori Marae Experience – Bay of Islands

Well, if you are looking to explore the Māori culture after reaching the country, then you should pick this option. These are fenced complexes which are used by people of Māori for meetings and celebrations, and now they are open for tourists from all around the world. 

Choosing this option gives tourists the perfect chance to immerse themselves in the culture of the Māori tribe. With this, you will get to enjoy traditional welcome, storytelling, and hangi feasts, memories of which will last a lifetime. 

Best for: Travelers seeking authentic local experiences.

Cliffside Glass Pods – Queenstown

Do you want to enjoy the beauty of Queenstown while enjoying a luxurious stay? Then this option will be the key to unlock all that. These are private pods that overlook dramatic lake and mountain landscapes. 

There are many options that you can choose and some have even won an award for their design. These pods have all the modern amenities, and their design makes it stargazing-friendly.

Best for: Stargazers and couples

Vintage Luxury Boats – Auckland Harbour

Well, if you want to live in style like a movie star, then this option is a must-try. The vintage luxury boats of Auckland Harbour include yachts or classic cruisers, and help you enjoy the beautiful waterways of New Zealand. 

With this option, you can choose to sail to experience the beauties that the New Zealand water offers. Otherwise, you can even choose to dock in the city marina.

Best for: City and ocean lovers. 

Unique Stays at a Glance

Here is a glance at all the unique stays of New Zealand. 

Table: Unique Stays in New Zealand

What Do You Need to Stay at The Top Unique Places of New Zealand? 

Well, staying in the popular unique places of New Zealand just requires you to book your accommodation in time. However, before that, you will be required to secure a visa or a tourist visa for the trip. Here, we will be focusing on the New Zealand eTA. 

The steps of applying this are: 

• Visit the online portal. 
• Fill out the application form for the New Zealand eTA. 
• Upload the scanned copies of documents like a valid passport (with 6 months’ validity and at least 2 blank pages), recent passport-sized photograph, flight tickets, bank statements, and other necessary documents. 
• Pay the fee for the application with a debit or credit card. 
• Wait for 24 to 72 hours for the approval. 
• Contact the Helpdesk if you face any trouble. 

Ready to stay at the top unique places in New Zealand? 

From fictional film sets to cliffside luxury, New Zealand has some of the best unique accommodations. The country offers unforgettable stays that go far beyond hotels, which makes your trip as memorable as the destinations.

So, get the NZ visa from the UK in time and book your accommodation early. Set out for a trip that you will remember forever.