[ad_1]
As a journey author for greater than a decade, I’ve stayed in a variety of lodging over time. From sleeping on a pile of mats in a yurt in Kyrgyzstan to flashy five-star resorts in Dubai, I’ve seen all of it. But one factor that hasn’t modified is that little hit of serotonin you get once you stroll right into a lodge for the primary time, and also you instantly find it irresistible.
If there’s one place that’s been persistently fabulous for lodging in New Zealand, it needs to be Canopy Camping. A set of distinctive glamping websites round New Zealand, they’ve among the coolest locations you’ll be able to keep. All off the crushed monitor, many are on personal farms or in wilderness areas that let you get pleasure from nature in consolation. Some are like cabins or huts, others are massive canvas tents, and most replicate the sensation and historical past of the place.
When I realized I might be going as much as Whanganui, there was one place I used to be dying to stick with them – the Iona Tiny House, a historic boat-turned-tiny home. Sign me up!
Just two hours north of Wellington on New Zealand’s North Island, Whanganui is a superb getaway, particularly for these seeking to get off the crushed monitor. Over the previous few years, the town remodeled right into a veritable hub of artwork and tradition. And with seashores, mountains, and exquisite nature proper in your doorstep, Whanganui ticks all of the packing containers.
You don’t have to spend a lot time in Whanganui to understand how necessary the Whanganui River is. It’s the primary on the earth to be thought-about a authorized particular person. The river itself can be one of many Great Walks in New Zealand, besides you paddle in a canoe as a substitute of strolling.
As lengthy as people have been in New Zealand, the Whanganui River has held nice significance to Māori and afterward to Europeans. Boating alongside its shores has lengthy been a vacationer exercise, and water is necessary to Māori, linked to id, transport, and meals gathering.
“Ko te wai te ora ngā mea katoa” – Water is the life giver of all issues
The Whanganui River cuts proper by city earlier than assembly the Tasman Sea. No matter the place I discovered myself, I used to be by no means removed from the river.
Reflecting the historical past and significance of the river itself is the Iona Tiny House. Perched above the river banks subsequent to city, it’s a haven and enjoyable place. It’s a kind of locations you get to and by no means need to go away. I may really feel a smile lighting up my face as I walked down the little path to the entrance of the home; I had by no means seen something fairly prefer it!
This cute tiny home is constructed into the hull of the Iona, an previous kauri and totara riverboat used for fishing a century in the past in Dunedin. Local architect Elinor McDouall noticed the previous boat on the market on Trademe in Northland in 2016 and determined to offer it a brand new lease on life.
As somebody who chronically takes on tasks that she grossly underestimates the work concerned, I can’t even start to think about how exhausting it might have been to show this into the fashionable house we get pleasure from right now.
Coming in at solely 35 sq. meters, the Iona Tiny House is small however packs an enormous punch. It’s additionally the primary city glamping place I’ve stayed. Across the river from the historic downtown, a street runs alongside it. You’re only some minutes stroll away from every thing you may want.
But when you pull in and park your automobile, you’ll rapidly notice it’s set as much as really feel such as you’re off the grid. You don’t hear or see any neighbors. Surrounded by native bush, there’s a bit of personal path to the river.
As you get out of the automobile, you see the hull of the Iona kinds the again of the home, nonetheless distinctly boat-shaped. Then you meander round a picket plank path to reach on the entrance, which overlooks the river. With a picket spa outdoors, it couldn’t be extra idyllic. It’s additionally absolutely enclosed and arrange like a house, so it’s much less glamping and extra tiny house-ing. It may be opened up or closed off.
You can inform the Iona Tiny House is a real labor of affection.
With a kitchen you’ll be able to simply keep in and never even go away, watching the river meander by from the mattress. Tucked right into a little bit of a nook, it’s the epitome of cozy. There’s even a bit of hidey gap the place children can sleep. Keep your eyes peeled for a pleasant cat that pops by some evenings for pats.
There’s a curved couch constructed into the hull of the ship the place you’ll be able to curl up with a e-book and simply be at peace. With a bit of logburner, it’s the epitome of cottage-core. Though I used to be right here in the course of the summer season, so it was undoubtedly not wanted.
I spent almost every week on the Iona Tiny House, which was such a deal with for me. Usually once I journey, I transfer round so much. To be capable of settle in, usher in groceries, and take my time made me really feel like I may actually recognize this place.
It rained so much whereas I used to be in Whanganui due to the weird cyclone up north on the time. I could be the one one who loves it when it rains. Down in Wanaka the place I reside on the South Island, it’s very dry. It doesn’t rain so much. This summer season was notably scorching and dry, we went weeks and weeks with out rain.
I really like falling asleep to the pitter patter sounds of rain on the roof. When the sky darkens, and you realize the rain is coming, effectively that’s the most effective. I really like staying in mattress late studying and consuming espresso simply having fun with being inside in a lovely place.
Growing up in rural Virginia on the east coast of the US, we had scorching, humid summers with thunderstorms almost each afternoon. I’ve a lot nostalgia for the nice and cozy scent of recent rain. The light buzz of cidadas. Sleeping by the river within the Iona Tiny House took me straight again down reminiscence lane.
My time right here was nothing wanting magical.
The an increasing number of I journey, the extra I really like slowing down and taking my time. Just being in a lovely place is particular for me. I’m not pushed by that have to scratch off as many issues as doable from an inventory like I did in my twenties.
Whanganui is a spot that beckons you to return and keep. Here you’ll be able to sit down and discuss to strangers with ease. And there’s no the place higher to base your self than on the distinctive former boat – the Iona Tiny House.
What’s essentially the most distinctive place you’ve ever stayed? Would you sleep on this boat too?
Many due to Whanganui and Partners for internet hosting me on this wonderful journey – like at all times, I’m retaining it actual. All opinions are my very own like you can count on much less from me.
[ad_2]