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  4. I'm a travel reporter who has slept in dozens of places. Take a look inside the most magical tiny house I've ever stayed in.

I'm a travel reporter who has slept in dozens of places. Take a look inside the most magical tiny house I've ever stayed in.

Monica Humphries   

I'm a travel reporter who has slept in dozens of places. Take a look inside the most magical tiny house I've ever stayed in.
Insider's author spent a night in a tiny house on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand.Monica Humphries/Insider
  • On the edge of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand is the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.
  • The retreat has two rentable tiny homes with stunning views of New Zealand's whimsical scenery.

New Zealand is the land of hobbits and wizards, folklore and fairies, and unspoiled nature. In June, I experienced the country's whimsical land firsthand.

New Zealand is the land of hobbits and wizards, folklore and fairies, and unspoiled nature. In June, I experienced the country
Hobbiton on the North Island of New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

During my 11-day trip across the country, I spent nights in five-star hotels and in tiny homes with porta-potties. But the most magical place I stayed was a tiny house outside of Queenstown, New Zealand.

During my 11-day trip across the country, I spent nights in five-star hotels and in tiny homes with porta-potties. But the most magical place I stayed was a tiny house outside of Queenstown, New Zealand.
A tiny house tucked into the cliffside of Waiheke Island, New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

The tiny house is part of the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. The property, which is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, has a café, restaurant, two tiny homes, a lodge, a lake house, and basic rooms for travelers.

The tiny house is part of the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. The property, which is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, has a café, restaurant, two tiny homes, a lodge, a lake house, and basic rooms for travelers.
The two tiny houses at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat in New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

With accommodations ranging in size and price, I booked one of the tiny houses during a winter special. One night, which included breakfast, cost $195 USD. They typically start at $250 USD a night.

With accommodations ranging in size and price, I booked one of the tiny houses during a winter special. One night, which included breakfast, cost $195 USD. They typically start at $250 USD a night.
The tiny house has two entrances.      Monica Humphries/Insider

To get to the retreat, most travelers come from Queenstown, where it's about an hour drive along the scenic Glenorchy-Queenstown road.

To get to the retreat, most travelers come from Queenstown, where it
A sign that marks the start of the drive to Glenorchy, New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

I took the same route and as I moved through the twisting road — sandwiched between Lake Wakatipu and towering mountains — I saw spectacular views. I daydreamed about the vistas I hoped to see from my tiny house.

I took the same route and as I moved through the twisting road — sandwiched between Lake Wakatipu and towering mountains — I saw spectacular views. I daydreamed about the vistas I hoped to see from my tiny house.
A view of the road leading to the Glenorchy tiny home.      Monica Humphries/Insider

I navigated through Glenorchy to the tiny hamlet of Kinloch. Soon, the paved road turned into gravel, and a herd of sheep came into view.

I navigated through Glenorchy to the tiny hamlet of Kinloch. Soon, the paved road turned into gravel, and a herd of sheep came into view.
Sheep dotted the farmlands sandwiching the road.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Finally, I approached a scattering of buildings. It was my home for the night, the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.

Finally, I approached a scattering of buildings. It was my home for the night, the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.
The main building of the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.      Monica Humphries/Insider

But before anyone could greet me, I was welcomed by the owners' two dogs.

But before anyone could greet me, I was welcomed by the owners
The two dogs that live on the property.      Monica Humphries/Insider

I followed the dogs into the property's restaurant, where I found Toni Glover, one of the property's two owners. She welcomed me to the retreat, checked me in, and ushered me to my tiny home.

I followed the dogs into the property
The entrance to the retreat's restaurant.      Monica Humphries/Insider

We walked from the restaurant to the tiny homes and passed a small garden, where ingredients for my upcoming dinner and breakfast would be sourced.

We walked from the restaurant to the tiny homes and passed a small garden, where ingredients for my upcoming dinner and breakfast would be sourced.
The property's garden.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Then we arrived at two tiny homes. Toni pointed to the first one, which was mine for the night.

Then we arrived at two tiny homes. Toni pointed to the first one, which was mine for the night.
The entrance to the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was how warm the tiny home felt, looked, and smelled. An air-control system kept it heated, and with nearly every surface covered in stained wood, the room glowed with an earthy smell.

The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was how warm the tiny home felt, looked, and smelled. An air-control system kept it heated, and with nearly every surface covered in stained wood, the room glowed with an earthy smell.
The bed in the tiny home at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.      Monica Humphries/Insider

A shelving unit and wooden division created a partition between the entryway and the sleeping area.

A shelving unit and wooden division created a partition between the entryway and the sleeping area.
The interior of the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

In the shelving unit, everything from bug spray to remotes and a spare umbrella were stored.

In the shelving unit, everything from bug spray to remotes and a spare umbrella were stored.
A shelving unit with controls to the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

On the other side of the divider was an enormous, cozy bed with nearly floor-to-ceiling views out onto Lake Wakatipu.

On the other side of the divider was an enormous, cozy bed with nearly floor-to-ceiling views out onto Lake Wakatipu.
The bed looks out onto the lake.      Monica Humphries/Insider

At the front of the window was a cushioned bench — another option for viewing the expansive lake and mountain range.

At the front of the window was a cushioned bench — another option for viewing the expansive lake and mountain range.
The view from the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Hidden storage was tucked underneath the bench.

Hidden storage was tucked underneath the bench.
Storage was placed underneath the tiny house's bench.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Near the bed was another door to the tiny house. This one led directly onto a deck.

Near the bed was another door to the tiny house. This one led directly onto a deck.
The tiny house has two entrances.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Next to the bed was a living area with enough room for a small L-shaped couch and nesting coffee tables.

Next to the bed was a living area with enough room for a small L-shaped couch and nesting coffee tables.
The living area in the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

In the back of the tiny house was a coffee station with mugs, glasses, teas, coffee beans, and a kettle. There was also a clothing rack with robes and extra pillows.

In the back of the tiny house was a coffee station with mugs, glasses, teas, coffee beans, and a kettle. There was also a clothing rack with robes and extra pillows.
A tea and coffee station had everything guests needed.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Toward the back entrance of the tiny home was the bathroom. While small, it had luxe amenities.

Toward the back entrance of the tiny home was the bathroom. While small, it had luxe amenities.
The interior of the tiny home's bathroom.      Monica Humphries/Insider

There was a heated towel rack and rainfall showerhead.

There was a heated towel rack and rainfall showerhead.
The tiny home had a rainfall shower.      Monica Humphries/Insider

After walking through the space together, Toni showed me how to control the temperature and entertainment system. The system was set up so I could access streaming services and project them on a nearby screen.

After walking through the space together, Toni showed me how to control the temperature and entertainment system. The system was set up so I could access streaming services and project them on a nearby screen.
A control panel for the TV and projector.      Monica Humphries/Insider

A curtain for the front window doubled as my TV screen, and with the push of a button, Toni explained that I could drop it down or raise it up. Another button turned on a nearby projector.

A curtain for the front window doubled as my TV screen, and with the push of a button, Toni explained that I could drop it down or raise it up. Another button turned on a nearby projector.
The curtain doubled as a screen for a projector.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Before leaving, Toni confirmed my dinner order. The restaurant is closed two days a week during winter, but guests can still request room service. Unsure if nearby restaurants were open, I paid $33 USD for a two-course dinner.

Before leaving, Toni confirmed my dinner order. The restaurant is closed two days a week during winter, but guests can still request room service. Unsure if nearby restaurants were open, I paid $33 USD for a two-course dinner.
The restaurant is closed, so Toni Glover cooked and delivered dinner to the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Once alone inside the tiny house, I explored the room for a few more minutes before heading outside to take in the setting sun.

Once alone inside the tiny house, I explored the room for a few more minutes before heading outside to take in the setting sun.
The entrance of the tiny home in Kinloch, New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought the pastel pinks and blues were stunning, and the landscape around me was one of the most spectacular things I've seen.

I thought the pastel pinks and blues were stunning, and the landscape around me was one of the most spectacular things I
A view of the sunset from the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

I also spotted a hot tub that's shared with the other tiny home.

I also spotted a hot tub that
Guests had access to a hot tub.      Monica Humphries/Insider

As I explored, I saw the original lodge that was built in 1868 for nearby timber workers and tourists, a handbook in my tiny home detailed. Toni and John Glover purchased the property in 2000. In 2016, they commissioned the tiny homes.

As I explored, I saw the original lodge that was built in 1868 for nearby timber workers and tourists, a handbook in my tiny home detailed. Toni and John Glover purchased the property in 2000. In 2016, they commissioned the tiny homes.
The restaurant and lodge at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.      Monica Humphries/Insider

The tiny homes were built by Climate House, and the inspiration behind the entire project was creating a space that maximized the surrounding views, the handbook stated.

The tiny homes were built by Climate House, and the inspiration behind the entire project was creating a space that maximized the surrounding views, the handbook stated.
The exterior of the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Toni also told me that the pair has plans to continue expanding their retreat with more types of accommodations in the upcoming years.

Toni also told me that the pair has plans to continue expanding their retreat with more types of accommodations in the upcoming years.
The view from the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

With the sky getting darker and a chill setting in, I headed back to my tiny home for warmth. There, I sat on my bench looking onto the lake and soaked in the final colors of the sky.

With the sky getting darker and a chill setting in, I headed back to my tiny home for warmth. There, I sat on my bench looking onto the lake and soaked in the final colors of the sky.
The author sits on the bench and look out onto the lake.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Shortly after, Toni arrived with dinner. It was a mammoth salad with greens from her garden, crispy chickpeas, cauliflower, shallots, and dressing. For dessert, I had rich sticky date pudding.

Shortly after, Toni arrived with dinner. It was a mammoth salad with greens from her garden, crispy chickpeas, cauliflower, shallots, and dressing. For dessert, I had rich sticky date pudding.
The author's dinner included a salad and sticky date pudding.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Full from the meal, I took a dip in the hot tub. Robes were placed on a clothing rack for guests, and before I left, I made sure I had a towel waiting for me on the bathroom's towel warmer.

Full from the meal, I took a dip in the hot tub. Robes were placed on a clothing rack for guests, and before I left, I made sure I had a towel waiting for me on the bathroom
Robs and extra pillows were available for guests.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Initially disappointed it was too dark to see the lake, I soon realized that there was more to discover after sunset. As glittering stars began to appear, I watched the sky and hunted for shooting stars alone in the 40-degree Celsius hot tub.

Initially disappointed it was too dark to see the lake, I soon realized that there was more to discover after sunset. As glittering stars began to appear, I watched the sky and hunted for shooting stars alone in the 40-degree Celsius hot tub.
A view of stars in New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider

After my soak, I went back indoors, turned on the projector, and put on a movie.

After my soak, I went back indoors, turned on the projector, and put on a movie.
The author used the project to watch a movie.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Between the cozy comforter and insulated tiny house, I fell asleep immediately. Before I knew it, my alarm was ringing and the two pups were waiting for me at my front door.

Between the cozy comforter and insulated tiny house, I fell asleep immediately. Before I knew it, my alarm was ringing and the two pups were waiting for me at my front door.
The two dogs greeted the author in the morning.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Toni stopped by shortly after the dogs did and delivered an eggs Benedict breakfast.

Toni stopped by shortly after the dogs did and delivered an eggs Benedict breakfast.
Breakfast is included in the stay.      Monica Humphries/Insider

As I packed my bag, I dreaded saying goodbye to this magical place, and tried to pinpoint why the tiny home felt so remarkable.

As I packed my bag, I dreaded saying goodbye to this magical place, and tried to pinpoint why the tiny home felt so remarkable.
The exterior of the tiny house.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Maybe it was the fluffy pillows, crisp linens, and pillowy comforter.

Maybe it was the fluffy pillows, crisp linens, and pillowy comforter.
The bed in the tiny home at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.      Monica Humphries/Insider

Or the friendly dogs, who made the property feel more like a home than a hotel.

Or the friendly dogs, who made the property feel more like a home than a hotel.
One of the dogs at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.      Monica Humphries/Insider

The breathtaking views definitely played into the whimsical nature of the escape.

The breathtaking views definitely played into the whimsical nature of the escape.
A sunset view from the garden.      Monica Humphries/Insider

But it was also the thought that went into the entire experience. From eating garden-sourced greens to having a warm towel after soaking in the hot tub, every detail of my stay was meticulously considered.

But it was also the thought that went into the entire experience. From eating garden-sourced greens to having a warm towel after soaking in the hot tub, every detail of my stay was meticulously considered.
The author in front of her tiny house for the night.      Monica Humphries/Insider

As I hopped back on the Glenorchy-Queenstown road, I said goodbye to a place I'll never forget.

As I hopped back on the Glenorchy-Queenstown road, I said goodbye to a place I
The road heading to Glenorchy, New Zealand.      Monica Humphries/Insider
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