10 Most UNIQUE Accommodations on the South Island, New Zealand [2023]

1. Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay (Dunedin)

Feel like a prince or princess by staying in New Zealand’s one and only castle. Perched on a hilltop location on the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay at Larnach Castle makes it easier to look down your nose at the peasants of the nearby Dunedin. There are two styles of accommodations at Larnach Castle; the lodge rooms on the seaward side of the castle or budget accommodation in the historic stables. Either way, you’re in a great base to explore the 15 Best Things to Do in Dunedin.

Check Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay out:

• Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay on Booking.com
• Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay on Trip.com
• Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay on Expedia

© Larnach Castle

2. SiloStay (Christchurch)

One of the most unique accommodations on the Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch, SiloStay offers self-contained units in your own individual silo! The silos sleep up to two guests and boast an innovative eco-friendly design in the heart of Little River – a small village on the way to Akaroa. Make use of your silo’s kitchenette facilities and enjoy drinks on your private balcony. The accommodation has a Tesla charging station and bike hire too! On your way out, be sure to check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch.

Check SiloStay out:

• SiloStay on Trip.com
• SiloStay on Expedia

© SiloStay

3. Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses (Kaikoura)

Isn’t it everyone’s childhood dream to sleep in a treehouse? Hapuku Lodge combines this dream with adult comforts. This contemporary luxury hotel on a deer breeding farm outside of Kaikoura not only boasts stunning countryside surroundings but is a work of art of its own. Plus, it’s not the only weird accommodation in Kaikoura, as you’re about to discover…

Check Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses out:

• Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses on Booking.com
• Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses on Trip.com
• Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses on Expedia

© Hapuku Lodge

4. Hapuku Carriages (Kaikoura)

For something else a little quirky and undoubtedly memorable in Kaikoura, check out Hapuku Carriages. That’s right, as the name suggests, this accommodation is a B&B in a restored railway carriage. Experience this unique accommodation where you can enjoy your full-cooked breakfast in front of a warm log fire along with real cafe-style coffee. The main event, however, is the outdoor bath in your own private courtyard! We know what you’re thinking: “Where do I sign?!” Start planning your stay along with the 15 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura.

Check Hapuku Carriages out:

• Hapuku Carriages on Booking.com
• Hapuku Carriages on Trip.com

© Hapuku Carriages

5. The Marlborough (Blenheim)

Make like a Victorian nun and stay in what was formerly the “Old Saint Mary’s Convent”. Despite its intriguing history, the luxury accommodation of The Marlborough has been elegantly modernised boasting five-star rooms that you’ll want to book for a special occasion. On-site is also a swimming pool, spa, bar and restaurant. Find this unique accommodation in Blenheim along with the 15 Best Things to Do in Blenheim.

Check The Marlborough out:

• The Marlborough on Booking.com
• The Marlborough on Trip.com
• The Marlborough on Expedia

© The Marlborough Lodge

6. Jailhouse Accommodation (Christchurch)

Ever wanted to spend the night behind bars like some hardened criminal? Well, you can in Addington Prison which is now renovated into a backpacker hostel! Jailhouse Accommodation in the South Island city of Christchurch offers dorms and private rooms in its unique building. There’s even a historical display room with photo booth props so you can get some funky photos. Discover experiences nearby in the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch. Plus, check out more wacky hostels in the 15 Most UNIQUE Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand.

Check Jailhouse Accommodation out:

• Jailhouse Accommodation on Booking.com
• Jailhouse Accommodation on HostelWorld
• Jailhouse Accommodation on Trip.com
• Jailhouse Accommodation on Expedia

© Jailhouse Accommodation

7. SkyScape (Twizel)

Innovatively designed to capture all the beauty of Twizel and the Mackenzie Country, as well as the night sky of an International Dark Sky Reserve, SkyScape certainly offers something unique. Perched on the foothills of the Southern Alps, this holiday home is almost entirely made of glass, but that’s not all. The stay-for-two also boasts a luxury cedar hot tub outside giving you more ways to bask in the scenery. When you’re not basking in the views at your accommodation, make the most of the surrounding area with the 10 Best Things to Do in Twizel and 20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook.

Check SkyScape out:

• SkyScape on Booking.com
• SkyScape on Trip.com
• SkyScape on Expedia

© SkyScape

8. Little Paradise Lodge (Queenstown)

Between Queenstown and Glenorchy is Little Paradise Lodge nestled perfectly within gardens and bush on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The wooden shingles and stone cladding that the lodge is made from are not the weirdest thing about this accommodation. It is, in fact, the four different themed rooms, from the rainforest theme in the “Singing Frogs” room to romance in the “Whispering Swans” suite. It’s certainly a unique place to retreat to after doing some of the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.

Check Little Paradise Lodge out:

• Little Paradise Lodge on Booking.com
• Little Paradise Lodge on Trip.com

© Little Paradise Lodge

9. The Boot B&B (Nelson)

Do you love boots so much you want to sleep in one? Then you are in luck! The Boot B&B is a cosy cottage for two in the sunny Nelson Tasman region. Despite its small size, there’s plenty of room to snuggle by the fireplace both inside and out! Up the spiral staircase of your queen room with a Juliet balcony to complete the stay full of surprises. Nearby, the Jester House Cafe is also where you can hand-feed tame eels in the Aporo Stream. If you can pull yourself away from this accommodation, try the 17 Best Things to Do in Nelson.

© The Jester House

10. Theatre Royal Hotel (Kumara)

Every room has its story in this restored miners’ hotel and theatre in the tiny village of Kumara on the West Coast. Theatre Royal Hotel has had many interesting characters pass through its doors, so it’s only natural to dedicate rooms to the likes of one-legged “Scottish Sandy” or Kumara’s first mayor, “King Dick”. What’s more, the vibrant old-worldly decor across its halls, guest lounge and some of the guest rooms (others are not quite as garish) add to the unique ambience. While you’re in the area, be sure to tick off the 10 West Coast Must-Dos!

Check the Theatre Royal Hotel out:

• Theatre Royal Hotel on Booking.com
• Theatre Royal Hotel on Trip.com
• Theatre Royal Hotel on Expedia

© Theatre Royal Hotel

[CLOSED] Minaret Lodge

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fans rejoice: Minaret Lodge has special accommodation called the Barlimans which is a hobbit hole! Being close to a few LOTRs and The Hobbit filming locations, this would be the perfect hub for a LOTRs-themed trip. Find out more about Middle-earth in New Zealand at 23 Lord of the Rings Locations You Can’t Miss in New Zealand.

[CLOSED] St Bathans Jail and Constables Cottage

Yet another accommodation to spend the night behind bars (check out 11 Unique Accommodations in the North Island and 13 Unique Hostels in New Zealand). Two of St Bathans original buildings from 1884, The Jail and Constables Cottage are part of the small town’s heritage.