15 Most UNIQUE Accommodations on the North Island, New Zealand

Last Updated: 19 September, 2025

Weird, Wonderful and Whimsical Places to Stay on the North Island of New Zealand

Make your trip to New Zealand extra special by staying in the most unique accommodations on the North Island!

Hotels, motels and holiday homes come in all shapes and sizes in New Zealand, whether it’s quirky luxury yurts or a romantic church. Then, there’s the downright insane, such as a converted aeroplane, VW Kombi cabins and a houseboat!

So, treat yourself to a stay in the weird and wonderful accommodations below. Or, just get pleasure out of the knowledge that these accommodations exist…

Oh, and don’t miss our 10 Most Unique Accommodations in the South Island!

1. Heartwood Hollow (Tauranga)

Nestled in the lush hillsides of Tauranga, Heartwood Hollow is a magical earth house that brings fairy tales to life. This enchanting retreat, reminiscent of a Hobbit hole, offers a unique escape into nature’s embrace!

Your adventure begins as you follow a winding cobblestone path to a curved timber entrance with a circular doorway. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious king-size bed, a handcrafted kitchen made from recycled tōtara, and an ensuite bathroom adorned with artisan details. As night falls, soak in one of the twin outdoor bathtubs under a velvet sky filled with stars.

Needless to say, this is one of many one-of-kind properties we’ve found on the place where unique accommodations are, well, found at Canopy Camping Escapes.

Check Heartwood Hollow out:

Heartwood Hollow on Canopy Camping Escapes

10 Most UNIQUE Accommodations on the North Island, New Zealand [2025]

2. The Love Boat (Wairarapa)

Set sail on a unique adventure without ever leaving dry land on The Love Boat, a whimsically renovated boat-turned-accommodation, which is anchored in its own private nook with stunning views of the Tararua Ranges.

Step aboard and be charmed by the nautical-themed interiors that offer all the comforts of home. As night falls, drift off to sleep under the skylight, enjoying a magical stargazing experience beneath Wairarapa’s Dark Sky Reserve.

Outside, a spacious deck awaits where you can soak in the outdoor bath, fire up the Weber BBQ, or simply lounge on the expansive lawn, serenaded by native birdsong. Just a two-minute stroll away, you’ll find the Waingawa River and a lovely public swimming hole.

For those itching to explore, the Wairarapa region boasts scenic nature walks and charming restaurants.

Check The Love Boat out:

The Love Boat on Canopy Camping Escapes

3. Woodlyn Park Motel (Waitomo)

What would you like to sleep in: a plane, a boat, a train or a Hobbit Hole? Woodlyn Park can make your wackiest fantasies come true while providing convenient self-contained accommodation in Waitomo.

For instance, the “Waitanic” has several units inside with a queen bed, kitchenette, lounge and bathroom. The “Waitomo Express” features two separate motel units, while the “Hobbit Motel” has room for six guests.

Combine your time here with the 15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo and you’re in for a memorable trip.

Check Woodlyn Park Motel out:

4. The Convent Hotel (Auckland)

If these walls could tell stories! The Convent Hotel is one of your more unique hotel experiences on the North Island and it’s in Auckland!

We love how this hotel has stayed true to the original architecture of an old convent built in 1922, with features like exposed walls, but added complementary modern furnishings and fixtures.

With very reasonable prices, there’s no excuse not to try out one of the latest additions to the Auckland hotel scene.

And while you’re there, treat yourself to some of the 15 Best Things to Do in Auckland.

Check The Convent Hotel out:

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

5. Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park (Tūrangi)

Stay in a unique cabin on the shores of Lake Taupo at the Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park. Located just outside of Tūrangi, approximately a 40-minute drive from Taupō and en route to the Tongariro Crossing, this very affordable holiday park provides a silly spot to relax before and after the day’s adventure.

Part of the cabin selection includes unique boathouses and retro VW Kombis!

While you’re in the area, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Tūrangi.

Check Motuoapa Bay Holiday Park out:

6. The Rock Adventure Cruise (Bay of Islands)

Who says accommodation has to be on dry land? With the polished wooden interior that covers the cabins and bar/lounge area, you could easily forget you are on a boat when you’re cruising the Bay of Islands on The Rock Adventure Cruise.

“The Rock” is New Zealand’s largest houseboat and is an all-inclusive experience of food, fishing, kayaking, island-hopping and good times. There are even shared bunk rooms, like a hostel, if you’re on a budget.

Speaking of which, you might also like to check out the 15 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand.

Check The Rock Adventure Cruise out:

The Rock Adventure Cruise on Viator

7. Turoa Yurt (Ohakune)

Yurts are based on the traditional structure originally used as a portable shelter for nomads in central Asia. The Turoa Yurt holiday home in the ski town of Ohakune has used this concept to create an awesome ski chalet!

Enjoy open-plan living with a spacious modern kitchen with a breakfast bar, while there are also three separate bedrooms squeezed into this unique accommodation – ideal for a family stay!

For more advice on what to do while you’re there, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Ohakune.

Check Turoa Yurt out:

10 Unique Accommodations in the North Island

8. Pūriri Yurt (Mangawhai)

Nestled in a tranquil corner of a beautiful 3-acre lifestyle block, Pūriri Yurt offers a serene escape that instantly induces a sense of well-being. This unique accommodation, named after the magnificent 100-year-old Pūriri tree it sits beside, is surrounded by mature native trees, a picturesque pond and lush gardens.

Step inside the yurt to find a peaceful haven with natural decor complementing the stunning timber latticework. A queen-sized bed takes centre stage, accompanied by two comfortable armchairs and a small table for intimate dining. Just outside, you’ll find a kitchenette housed in a small timber building, along with an outdoor shower and bath area for a truly immersive nature experience.

As night falls, gather around the outdoor fireplace in cosy Adirondack chairs for some spectacular stargazing.

Discover what to do while you’re visiting Mangawhai in the 15 Best Things to Do in Mangawhai.

Check Pūriri Yurt out:

Pūriri Yurt on Canopy Camping Escapes

9. Venus (Raglan)

Escape to a tranquil oasis at Venus, a stunning geodesic dome nestled in nature near Raglan. This unique accommodation promises an unforgettable stay, blending comfort with the great outdoors.

Inside, you’ll find a plush queen bed with luxurious linens, perfect for drifting off to sleep under the stars. Wake up to sunlight streaming through picture-frame windows, bringing nature right to your bedside. The dome’s interior boasts warm wooden floors, brass accents and a captivating botanical mural concealing the bathroom and kitchen.

Step onto your private deck and fire up the BBQ for magical dinner evenings. Indulge in the outdoor sauna, shower, or soak in the freestanding bathtub while taking in breathtaking valley views and melodious birdsong.

Venus shares the property with Luna, another beautiful dome, and Lovebird Cottage, offering options for group stays.

Check Venus out:

Venus on Canopy Camping Escapes

10. Fitzherbert Castle Motel (Palmerston North)

Get the imagination running with the intriguing architectural design of the Fitzherbert Castle Motel. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group, everyone loves a stay in “the castle” of Palmerston North!

There is a range of room layouts, even in one of the unique circular castle rooms. The few extra touches like Fairtrade coffee, chocolates and an in-room snack bar are also a welcome addition.

While you’re there, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Palmerston North.

Check Fitzherbert Castle Motel out:

11. Little Church Bay (New Plymouth)

For a unique stay in Taranaki, choose Little Church Bay. The renovated church-turned-holiday cottage offers a romantic stay for couples on the shores of New Plymouth.

There are gorgeous spaces to enjoy, from the open-plan lounge and kitchen spilling onto the deck and garden with ocean views. Upstairs is a small bedroom and an ensuite.

When you’re not kicking back in this unique accommodation, enjoy some of the 15 Best Things to Do in New Plymouth.

Check Little Church Bay out:

Little Church Bay on Booking.com

12. Greytown Yurts (Wairarapa)

Cosy up in a luxury yurt in Greytown, in the Wairarapa region, just north of Wellington. Greytown Yurts features year-round comfort with a heat pump, a king-size bed and other gorgeous furnishings and fixings, including a private outdoor bath.

Although you’ll be away from the stresses of life in a 2-acre garden, you’ll still have access to modern comforts, such as Apple TV, USB charging points and more. Camping has never looked so good!

For things to do in the area, head to the 10 Best Things to Do in Wairarapa.

11 Unique Accommodations in the North Island

13. Katikati Naturist Park

The slogan sums up this accommodation: “for clothes-free recreation”. Go skinny-dipping, stargaze in the nude, play pool and table tennis in your birthday suit, play giant chess naked, and go for a walk in the Kaimai Ranges in your bare skin!

In short, Katikati Naturist Park is one of the limited accommodations on the North Island where you can truly be free!

When you’re ready to wear some clothes, try the 5 Best Things to Do Katikati.

14. The Flying Fox (Whanganui)

A retreat in Māori ancestral lands by the Whanganui River, The Flying Fox consists of rustic cottages, glamping and a tiny house.

Not only is the accommodation quirky, but the only way to get there is via a cable cart (or “flying fox”) across the river!

With a focus on cultural and sustainability principles, the accommodation has many interesting tidbits to discover between the small art gallery and conservation projects.

While you’re exploring the Whanganui River, check out the 10 Must-Do Stops on the Whanganui River Road.

15. Iona Tiny House (Whanganui)

Another option on the banks of the Whanganui River, Iona Tiny House offers a unique blend of tranquillity and urban convenience. That’s right, this charming retreat, just a short 5-10 minute stroll from the bustling restaurants and bars of Victoria Avenue in Whanganui, provides a refreshing ‘city escape’ that’s a delightful departure from typical remote locations.

Crafted with love by its owner, a local architect, Iona Tiny House is a masterpiece of design. Built from the timber hull of the historic vessel, Iona, it seamlessly combines luxury with modern amenities. Soak under the stars in the cedar hot tub, cosy up by the tiny wood burner on chilly nights, or simply relax in the queen-size bed perfectly positioned for river-gazing.

Whether you’re unwinding with a book, taking a leisurely walk, or sipping wine while admiring the twinkling city lights from the hot tub, Iona Tiny House offers a truly unique stay.

Check Iona Tiny House out:

Iona Tiny House on Canopy Camping Escapes

Explore More Unique Accommodations on the North Island with Canopy Camping Escapes

For those seeking the best of luxury, nature and uniqueness, Canopy Camping Escapes offers an unparalleled experience across New Zealand’s North Island and beyond. Imagine arriving at a secluded spot to find a fully-equipped luxury canvas tent or cabin waiting for you. That’s the magic of Canopy Camping.

Needless to say (after scrolling through our list of the most unique accommodations on the North Island), we’re big fans of their curated collection of glamping spots, which seamlessly combine comfort with nature. Even in the most remote locations, you’ll enjoy hot water, cosy beds, warmth and proper bathrooms.

Each Canopy Camping site has its own unique charm and an unrivalled connection to nature. Their offerings range from super luxurious to simple and rustic, but all share that special touch of magic that makes for an unforgettable stay.

With over 200 handpicked locations spanning from Wellington to the Far North, you’re sure to find your perfect escape on canopycamping.co.nz.

Want More New Zealand Quirkiness?

There are plenty more unique places to stay on the South Island too – just check out the 10 Most Unique Accommodations in the South Island, as well as some funky backpacker hostels, as listed in the 15 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand. If you want to visit some of New Zealand’s quirkiest towns, take a look at the 22 Big Things in New Zealand for insane sculptures in small towns.

Finally, if that’s not enough, fill up your adventures with weirdness using the 10 Unique & Unusual Things to Do on the North Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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