A Quirky Quest: Unique Airbnb Stays Across New Zealand's South Island
Why settle for a standard motel room when you can immerse yourself in a converted chapel, a cozy shepherd's hut, a tiny mountain cabin, or even a yurt? This was the philosophy behind a recent three-week road trip across New Zealand's South Island, covering over 3500 kilometres from Christchurch and back.
Starting the Adventure in Fairlie
The journey began in Fairlie, a perfect base for exploring the stunning Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. Here, the accommodation was Starlight Oasis, a shepherd's hut nestled at the end of host Christine's beautiful garden. Despite its compact size, the hut was mighty, featuring a fabulous shower and thoughtful interior decor in pastel blues and pinks, reminiscent of Cath Kidston style. Guests are treated to breakfast and homemade treats, including Christine's lolly cake. This charming spot is highly popular, with availability limited to just a handful of nights from early November through March.
From Sublime to Ridiculous: The Converted Chapel
Next, the adventure took a dramatic turn in Oamaru with a stay in a cavernous converted chapel. This stunning space retained its original features, including an altar, stained glass windows, 7-metre-high ornate ceilings, and extensive marble work. A California King four-poster bed, adorned with lavish drapes and luxurious linen, sat elevated on an Oamaru stone platform, offering garden views through the stained-glass window. The voluminous room combined the altar, a sitting area, kitchen, dining space, and a separate bathroom, all fitted with top-end fixtures. While the experience was unique, it sparked a bit of creepiness for some, with creaking floorboards at 4am adding to the eerie ambiance.
Tiny Abodes and Mountain Escapes
The trip continued with a series of cute and tiny abodes, including a cabin in Te Anau with just enough room to swing a cat and a Fox Glacier mountain cabin that was even more compact. The latter featured a separate panoramic barrel sauna, making it a cozy retreat. Despite their small sizes, these spaces were impeccably clean and well-designed for short stays. The Te Anau cabin, part of a backpackers' accommodation, alleviated initial concerns about shared bathrooms with spotlessly clean facilities. A bonus was the night-sky views while brushing teeth, capturing stunning holiday snaps of Te Anau Lake under colourful skies.
Yurt Living in Wanaka
In Wanaka, the quest embraced the great outdoors with a stay in a yurt at Oasis Yurt Lodge. This spacious and comfortable yurt featured a queen bed and a wood-burning fire, though it wasn't needed. Excellent cooking facilities in a central lodge and spotless bathrooms complemented the experience. Set on expansive lawns with seating and games, and an optional wood-fired hot tub, it provided the best night's sleep of the trip, thanks to the comfortable bed and complete darkness.
The Prize-Winning Converted Bus
Nothing could beat the chapel until the final quirky pad: a beautifully converted 1963 Bedford SB3 bus in a peaceful rural location near Greymouth. This bus had everything needed, including a bedroom with a queen bed, a kitchenette, and a bathroom with a full-size shower. Sitting outside on the deck, enjoying the serene setting and watching cheeky wekas, was blissful. Owners Natasha and Phil renovated the bus from a bare shell in 11 months, listing it on Airbnb with unexpected popularity. With a 4.98 Airbnb rating and strong bookings through April, the bus boasts an 80-90% occupancy rate in summer, sharing their wee treasure with delighted travellers.
Reflecting on the Journey
Throughout the trip, standard motels in Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, and Akaroa were used when quirky options were unavailable or unreasonably priced. While these were well-equipped, clean, and functional, they paled in comparison to the unique charm of the Bedford bus or converted chapel, leaving a yearning for more nights in these extraordinary accommodations.
