Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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A well-deserved holiday might be on the cards as the year quickly propels forward. 

To help, accommodation site Airbnb has more than six million rooms, flats and houses in 81,000 cities around the world, soaring in popularity over its 11 years of operating. 

But there's more than just standard homes for rent - there are fun and unconventional stays that will make any trip extra special.

And now the online marketplace is launching a $1.5 million fund to build 10 of the world's wackiest home ideas.

The Unique Airbnb Fund will help finance the designs of the most unconventional yet liveable spaces on the planet.

The 10 lucky recipients of the fund will be selected by a panel of design and style innovators so they can make their extraordinary house idea a reality.

So to give yourself some inspiration to enter the fund, here are five quirky Airbnb homes in New Zealand you can rent to stimulate your ideas. 

Cosy yurt in Motueka Valley

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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The Chocolate Yurt is a private retreat hidden in the Motueka River Valley's native bush near Abel Tasman National Park.

This retreat is completely off the grid and electricity is sourced from an alternative power system, so you can stay here knowing you're leaving an eco-friendly footprint.

It's a steep 1.5km drive up to the property, but once you arrive you'll be greeted with stunning views of the valley, Tasman Bay and beyond. Even the outdoor bath and kitchen share impressive views.

While lying in bed on a clear night, you can gaze through the skylight to admire the stars.

And if that isn't enough to tempt you to stay here, one of the yurt's owners is a qualified holistic massage therapist. So you can relax and rejuvenate while never having to leave this hidden eco-retreat.

Glamping in Whareama

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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For an off the grid glamping experience set to take your breath away, look no further than this home in Whareama, 35 minutes east of Masterton.

Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ica Valley, the day will pass you by while you relax on the hammock, play board games, or take an outdoor bath while admiring the surroundings.

But there's also plenty to do if you want to explore the area.

Otahome Beach is a quiet and secluded location where it's unlikely you'll see anyone else. Or there's the Tinui Walkway where you can walk to the first Anzac memorial in the world, the Memorial Cross.

For any boat enthusiasts, just down the road from the glamping site is the Whareama River boat launch which leads out to sea.

The Lighthouse in Island Bay, Wellington

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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If you live near Wellington and don't fancy a long journey to reach your holiday destination, The Lighthouse in Island Bay may be the perfect getaway for you.

The unique home has an unobstructed view of the sea and is opposite the road from the rock pools and sandy beach.

There are several cafes and restaurants within a 10 minute walk of the lighthouse, or you can take a 15 minute drive if you'd prefer the sights and sounds of downtown Wellington.

With two wraparound balconies where you can sit and watch the ever-changing view for hours, this cosy home is sure to make any getaway extra special.

Geodesic dome in the Waitaki Valley

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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Nestled into the hillside of a working beef cattle farm are five geodesic dome tents with sweeping views of the Waitaki Valley and the mountains beyond.

Being able to book up to all five tents means the place is suitable for couples, families or larger groups of up to 16 people.

To unwind in the evening there are four outdoor baths in the nearby forest. Two have magnificent views down into the valley and the other two are strategically placed in a clearing to see the Milky Way on a clear night.

A purpose-built off the grid kitchen, dining area and bathroom are provided and are shared with other guests.

The dining lodge is furnished using natural timbers and recycled materials, rustic lighting and a roomy kitchen with everything you need for self-catering.

But for the ultimate glamping experience, the hosts will provide on request a cheeseboard starter, a main and dessert for $50 per person. Breakfast is also included in the per night charge.

Here, you can have the experience of camping without all the discomforts while you stay here.

Tiny house retreat in Gisborne

Five of New Zealand's quirkiest Airbnb getaways
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You can be among the first in the world to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean by staying in this glamping-style cabin near Gisborne.

The tiny home has a bedroom inside and there is an outdoor covered kitchen, dining area and bathroom.

The huge views of the ocean and farmland from the cabin will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, but it's really only a five minute drive to Gisborne.

On cold or wet days, the retreat would be the perfect spot to curl up with a hot chocolate and watch the dramatic weather pass by.

There are also two friendly collie dogs living nearby with the cabin's owners that are likely to say hello.