Auckland House Boat

 Afloat in Beach Haven

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html

The sprawling city of Auckland provides so many types of accommodation; so many places to stay...but not so much in the way of unusual accommodation. However it is there, if you look for it. On the North Shore there is a unique option tucked away - visible never from the street, only from the water. This special offering is The Houseboat at Beach Haven.

The Houseboat is tied up to its new jetty close to the shore, afloat on about four hours of the tide each day, otherwise resting comfortably on the water's edge. It becomes a fascinating moment as the hull kicks into life and floats up on the incoming tide.

The cabin and sleeping facilities are pleasantly comfortable on the boat. However it is up on the top deck relaxing and watching the sun set, the moon rise, or day break that is the most rewarding place to be. The steps down to the jetty are secure enough, but they are a work in progress.

 One suspects there is more to come for the Houseboat yet.

Upper Hutt Accommodation - The Akatarawa Tree Hut

The Tree Hut

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html

The fabulous thing about Air BnB is that you never know what you are going to get.
The Tree Hut in the Akatarawas  is exactly as it's photos suggest - a wonderful little tree hut, perched happily halfway up a tall tree. As solid as a rock it could not feel safer. The leaves rustle outside in a typical Wellington breeze, but your perch will not cause you even a moment's concern. Like an old sailing ship an occasional gentle creak reminds you that this is not quite on land - in fact it is probably better.

The Tree Hut is lofty enough to provide an expansive view out over the homestead rooftop to the Akatarawas beyond. A short walk down a track and across some farmland leads to the river and a truly inviting looking swimming hole. If only the sun was shining just a little warmer ....

Inside the hut is a cosy space large enough for a double bed, and room to move around. The deck outside is the ideal place to roost and a veranda provides shelter should the weather gods frown. Other facilities are in the nearby farmhouse. An outdoor firebath looked tempting - but not tempitng enough to compensate for being in full view of the house.

This is Airbnb so as is often the case, the family was there to interact with , and what a bonus -  there was a sitting-room concert taking place with an international musician as a guest of honour. Mark White is one of only a few players of the Chapman Stick in the world. This was one of the great Stumble-Upon moments.

Kaikoura Accommodation - Wacky Stays Covered Wagon

Westward Ho!

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html


Choose the slow wagon for your accommodation when you travel near Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand and you will not be disappointed.

The covered wagon at Wacky Stays Farm Park is an amazing, custom built wagon - a tribute to craft, intricacy and skill. It is in every way an early settlers wagon. However the elongated wheel base and the touches of luxury are indications that your stay will be a good deal  more comfortable than the travels of the early American settlers who originally used wagons such as these.

The wagon is double skinned canvas. The bed linen is luxurious and comfortable. The facilities are within the wagon. There is wool insulation. There is double glazing. There is  a pot belly stove. There is underfloor heating. There are fabulous views of the Southern Alps.



Included with your overnight stay is entry to the farm park linked to your accommodation. You will see llamas, wallabies,  peacocks, donkeys ...   Sometimes the llamas hang out outside your wagon.

At the farm park there are other places to stay - a yurt. a train carriage, a tepee.  Wacky Stays have worked hard to create a unique and fascinating environment for your stay.
To one side of the wagon there is a camp kitchen to cook in. Almost complete is an outdoor bath to relax in. Wacky Stays is essentially a step back into the simple life but with no element of luxury missing. It is a fabulous place to stay. You should go there!

Guy's Boat House, Wanganui

Guy's Boat House

Pippy McCurdy: 

 http://www.unusualstays.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Stay-Somewhere-Strange-273777766054597/



If you are not into roughing it, unexpected transport to your overnight accommodation on the back of a quad bike can come as something of a surprise. For the uninitiated, the back of a quad bike over rough and steep ( and slippery and scary) terrain can be quite challenging. So there I was, unprepared, balancing a bag, food, alcohol, and myself while we bumped and skidded our way over a dirt track to Guy's Boat House.

But it was fun. There were only really a handful of times I thought we would not make it.

It was a great moment to bounce over the crest of a small hill and see before us the Valley of Tranquility in all its glory with its peaceful little lake as a centrepiece, and there in the distance the colourful little boat house.

All by itself it sat on the edge of the lake. A cook house was a short distance away on the top of a hill. The toilet was a semi-outdoor shelter on the opposite side of this hill, and there on the edge of the surrounding pine forest was the solar shower - nicely heated by the afternoon sun.

Guy's Boat House is small, but it's colourful, clean, comfortable, sunny and pleasant  The deck reaches out over the waters of the lake. Board walks take you to and from the lake edge.
If it 's peace you want, it 's peace you will certainly get at the boathouse. There is no popping down to the cafe for a latte from here...  As the quad bike disappeared into the distance an absolute silence filled the air, broken only by the call of birds and the rustle of the bushes. As the day comes to an end the gathering dusk sheds a gently fading light over the trees and lake. It is a magic moment of peace and serenity

In the morning the birds wake first and exchange greetings.  The multiplicity and extensive variety of trees gradually ease back into definition as the sun rises again. At the arranged time the sound of the bike can be heard in the far off distance, gradually coming closer for the pick up and the hair raising ride back to the real world. Guy's Boat House is a beautiful spot and in many ways it was a disappointment to leave.


By the way not everyone will be transported by quad bike. Most times apparently the path in is quite suited to four wheel drive which is the more usual way in and out. But I'm kind of glad my trip was on the bike.




And one last note; - Leave yourself some time to see the glorious Paloma Gardens. What a beautiful spot; -  so many species, so well kept, so much variety, plush lawns, sculptures, ornamental bridges,  glass house plants, exotic plants, native plants. Just a tapestry of colour and delight. What a work of love.

Follow the White Wabbit - Blenheim

Down the Rabbit Hole

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html


With its Alice in Wonderland references the small hump shaped caravan is the first inhabitant in a world of magic its Blenheim owners are seeking to create. The caravan is sited in a secret garden - tucked into the midst of several back sections - an unsuspected oasis virtually in the centre of a busy town.

The secret garden is is essentially a large green lawn surrounded by tall trees. A second place to stay is almost complete - this being a tiny cottage perfectly dressed, romantic and charming.

The caravan - entitled Follow the White Wabbit, - is small, - yes. But it does manage to hold all the essentials. The double bed takes up the whole of the caravan  itself. But cunningly tucked into a fold-out portion at the back is a mini-kitchen with its utensils, pots, pans, cooking facilities, kettle, et cetera.

The caravan is colourful and charming. The bedding is polka-dotted and cheerful. There was a small tin of delicious bunny-shaped biscuits. There were all the teacups and saucers necessary for an Alice in Wonderland tea-party.

This is a nice place to stay. It cries out for some croquet hoops and mallets. I expect a flamingo or two is too much to hope for.

Wai Hou Oma Lodge - Kai Iwi Lakes Accommodation

The Water's Edge Chalet

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/

http://italtyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html

Imagine yourself in a luxury chalet, suspended delicately on low stilts over a lagoon, a haven for bird and wildlife, a mirror for the magic of sunrise and sunset, reeds gently swaying. From your private extensive deck you look out not only over the waters, but also towards the manicured gardens on the waters edge filled with the vibrant colour of subtropical flowers and the owner's collection of garden art. The chalet itself is beautifully appointed, comfortable, modern, sleek and sophisticated.

Wai Hou Oma Lodge is an exceptional place.  This is a place to enjoy peace and relaxation; to soak in the pleasures of nature. Walk around the water's edge a little further and find your way to the spa pool on the edge of the lagoon. Tire of relaxation and step into the gymnasium where floor to ceiling windows provide viewing out over the ever-changing scenery
.
A low boardwalk out over the lake takes you back to your chalet when you are ready. As night falls the pathway is lit by soft blue lights sparkling in the water below. Sunset reflections turn the lagoon a fiery red. Sunrise is a golden mirror.

Far from busy highways and other holiday makers, this is a place of escape and rejuvenation in the most alluring of settings. In the middle of the lake there is a helipad. What a way to arrive at a truly luxury getaway as you drop down from the skies to land at your own private waterlodge retreat.

Underhill Earth House - Waikato Accommodation

A Night in a Cave

Pippy McCurdy

http://www.unusualstays.com/

http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html


Nothing can ever quite compare to staying in a cave. To begin with , its something that you just don't get to do every day  - unless perhaps you live in Cappadoccia. This particular cave is memorable in so many ways. It is buried into the hillside and yet it is open to the landscape with its enormous hewn timber doors. It is megalithic, with stones set into the wide arched roof and furs on the bed, yet it is warm and enclosing, no sign of dampness, no hint of gloom. The cave is hand crafted with a great round table and curved timber bench seats. Everything in this dwelling feels hand made and much loved. There is time and craftsmanship invested in every aspect of Underhill.

 Outside there is a small lake with a wonderful arched bridge crossing it., - handmade of course. The small raft-like platform in the lake is set just at the edge of the shore with a table and chairs,  - and a vase of fresh flowers to add to that perfect setting.

There is no electricity at Underhill but there are candles and lanterns everywhere, waiting to spread that romantic glow over the scenery as dusk falls.

The outdoor bath at Underhill is a few steps up on a stone platform, making you feel just that touch special as you recline in the great outdoors and look out over this idyllic setting. There is hot water, a shower, and cooking facilities both indoors and out, at Underhill. It may be another world, but the essentials are not forgotten.  There are sheep and llama on the nearby hillside. There are weeping willows; water -lilies,frogs; birds flying in to roost in the surrounding trees. Underhill is an adventure not to  be missed.