Some things are done a little differently down in New Zealand (Downunder = Downunder Australia). SiloStay has certainly gone for the unconventional with their reimagining of what accommodation can look like.

Situated just out of New Zealand's South Island largest city, Christchurch, SiloStay is on the start of the picturesque Bank's Peninsular. It is located in the tiny sleepy settlement of Little River it is idyllically situated to get a taste of the Kiwi rural way of life away from all the tourists. When planning one's South Island tour, be sure to include staying the night here in one's epic road trip!

The Quiet Rural Setting Of SiloStay

The backdrop of this unusual farm accommodation is green rolling hills with sheep and other livestock wandering around in their tree-lined paddocks.

In a country best known for sheep, beef, dairy, wine, and even deer farming - this might seem a bit of a strange place to find a grain silo eco-hotel. But the plains here once farmed a lot of grain, but now that has all changed to dairy farms resulting in a lot of unused Silos.

Staying at Silo Stay beckoning and enticing taste of Little River's isolation and peacefulness. One can enjoy the unsullied opportunity to relax and unwind. From here it is an easy drive to Akaroa. At the resort town of Akaroa, one can go on a stunning boat cruise and spot dolphins and penguins in the natural volcanic harbor.

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  • Christchurch: 50 Minute Drive Away

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What To Expect At SiloStay

SiloStay is a cluster of eight-grain silos and each is skirted with a spiral staircase. Each has exterior balconies and windows. Inside is everything needed for comfortable self-catering accommodation. Everything has been custom designed for this one-of-a-kind project and the novel curved walls of the silos.

SiloStay Apartments are set up for self-catering (eating out isn't such a big thing in New Zealand). Each apartment comes with a kitchenette and a small fridge for the beer and whatnot. Then there's a microwave and 2-element cooktop so everyone can cook their own meals.

  • Accommodation: Self-Catering
  • Includes: WiFi, Flat-Screen TV

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The silos are three stories tall (with two stories inside) and include queen-sized beds, fully fitted-out bathrooms, and macrocarpa floors. Another spiral staircase leads from the first floor and living area to the bedroom. Here guests and stargaze through the hand-operated skylight.

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Each Silo has a flat-screen TV, satellite channels, bed head mounted MP3 stereo/CD/iPod/USB, complimentary WiFi. Anyone coming with their own bike or kayak will see a specially designed hanging rack.

  • Tip: In New Zealand Things Close Early (It's Time To go Home For The BBQ!)

While there is no restaurant on-site, but there are breakfast and meals available at the Little River Cafe & Store. Caution though, in New Zealand everything closes early as Kiwis want to live the good life and not work during social hours. If one is planning to get dinner at Little River Cafe & Store, remember they close at 4.30 - 5.00 pm (depending on the day of the week). So don't wait too late for dinner! Alternatively, in-room catering can be organized upon request.

  • Maximum Occupancy: 2 Persons
  • Bed: Queen Sized Bed
  • Price: $NZD 200 Per Night (For Two People) - $145 USD

Little River Rail Trail

While here be sure to cycle or walk the picturesque Little River Rail Trail. It is a cycleway and walkway running between Christchurch and Little River and follows the old railway line that operated from 1875 to 1967.

The trail skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes that formed the Banks Peninsula and then it hugs the shoreline of a vast lagoon called Lake Ellesmere and a smaller lagoon called Lake Forsyth. These areas are great for seeing some of New Zealand's wetlands rich in wildlife. Bikes can be rented at SiloStay.

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Suggestions For Excursions

The base price for staying at SiloStay is $200 NZD - but there are many options to upgrade one's stay with a local excursion. One can enjoy these with a locally guided tour, or one can easily do them by oneself. Just up the road in Akaroa are penguins - penguins are one of New Zealand's big overlooked attractions.

  • Visit Hinewai Reserve: Go At Sunrise and Hear the Dawn Chorus of The Local New Zealand Birds
  • Farm Tour At Shamarra Alpacas: See Alpacas And A Local New Zealand Farm
  • Duvauchelle Hotel: Go For Dinner And Drinks At This Local Hotel

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Staying at SiloStay is bound to be one of one's most memorable experiences in New Zealand. It is certainly a new twist on what eco-friendly can mean!

Next: Hobbiton Is On New Zealand's North Island, And This Is Everything You Need To Know Before You Go