Fancy staying somewhere a bit different? From lighthouses to Hobbit houses, New Zealand’s North Island has plenty of quirky and unusual places to stay. Here’s five of the best.
Woodlyn Park
Located near the Waitomo Caves, this working farm offers visitors an eclectic selection of accommodation.
Middle Earth fans can channel their inner Hobbit and stay in their very own hobbit-hole complete with grassy roof and round windows.
For those wanting somewhere a little higher off the ground to lay their head, there’s also a 1950’s rail car, a refurbished Bristol freighter plane, and a former WWII patrol boat to choose from.
Mellonsfolly Ranch
Go back in time and experience the charm of the Old West on this remote ranch in the Central Plateau. Surrounded by acres of unspoiled native bush, the purpose built Old West Town offers traditional Victorian-style architecture, cowboy cuisine, trail rides, gunslinging, and saloon drinking.
The Lighthouse
Anyone who has ever dreamed of being a lighthouse keeper will love this genuine old lighthouse. Perched on the south coast of the North Island just 15 minutes from Wellington’s city center, it offers panaromic views of the small islands and fishing boats on the bay. And on a clear day, you can see as far as the South Island.
The Flying Fox Retreat
If you are keen to unplug and get away from it all, then one of these three eoc-friendly cottages at this retreat on Maori ancestral lands along the Whananui River would be the perfect place to stay. Totally remote, the only way to get there is by river taxi, hiking through the national park, or flying over the river on the rickety-looking flying fox.
The Treehouse
For a memorable island holiday, hop on the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island and stay at the Treehouse. Surrounded by native bush and totally private, it might be the most perfect place to retreat to after spending the day checking out the island’s wineries.
(image by Keith Davenport via Flickr )
Related post: Seven Quirky Places to Stay in New Zealand’s South Island
