I paid $250 to stay in a plastic tiny house in New Zealand in the middle of winter. I thought I’d freeze, but by morning, I didn’t want to leave.
October 24, 20240
Business Insider’s author in front of the geodesic dome she stayed in during a trip to New Zealand.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I visited New Zealand during winter and stayed in a geodesic dome on the country’s south island.
I feared I’d spend my night shivering in the 430-square-foot tiny home.
Its luxe amenities and gas fireplace convinced me I never wanted to leave.
New Zealand is home to the most breathtaking nature I’ve seen.
When I visited in June 2022, my focus was to soak in every moment. I wanted to explore the country’s striking mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters.
My only concern was that it was wintertime in New Zealand. As a Floridian, I’ve never adjusted to the cold, but I headed to New Zealand anyway and booked stays in lodges that seamlessly connected me to nature.
One of my favorites was a glamping dome at Cross Hill Lodge and Domes in New Zealand’s Otago region, an area in the southern region of the country’s South Island.
A view of the dome illuminated from the inside.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I found the property on Airbnb and booked a single-night stay in one of the 430-square-foot domes for $250. In October 2024, the property had increased prices to $363 a night.
A view of a lake near Cross Hill Lodge and Domes.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
As I reached Cross Hill, the top of a white dome could be seen through trees.
Between the gravel paths were gardens full of plants.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
But there were no refunds and no turning back. I headed to Cross Hill’s communal lodge, where the host, Stevie T, greeted me. He showed me the lodge, which had couches, a TV, and a few desserts that were free for guests.
The entrance to dome six at Cross Hill.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
As I entered the dome, all my worries vanished. Thanks to a heat pump and gas stove, the space was cozy and warm.
Plastic circles served as the dome’s windows.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
There were slippers and robes waiting for me at the entranceway to the dome.
A row of curtains blocked the window of the dome.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I pulled the cloth back, and views appeared. The dome overlooked the property’s manicured gardens and mountains in the distance. As I looked out the window, I felt crisp, cold air seeping in at the dome’s base.
A fireplace was in one area of the dome.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
As I moved past the bedroom, I passed a small table and a compact kitchen.
A view of the counter and sink in the kitchen.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I passed through the kitchen and walked toward the back of the dome. Here, I found the bathroom.
The dome’s bathroom had a towel warmer.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
The amenities, stunning views, and cushy bed convinced me I didn’t need to leave the dome — not even for dessert. I settled in and turned on the heated mattress.
The view through the dome’s window.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I knew that they could see and hear me, too. With the privacy curtain open and my lights on, anyone walking by had a clear view into my dome.
A view of the dome illuminated from the inside.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
After eating the dinner I packed, I crawled into bed. Once the sun set, my dome was illuminated by the gas fireplace. Then, I realized I was missing one of the dome’s main appeals — the stars.
A view of stars from the dome at Cross Hill.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
My gazing didn’t last long. As chilly air seeped into the tent, I turned the fireplace back on and fell asleep. With the mattress heater turned on high, the fireplace cranked to its max, and the dome’s thermostat set to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, I was warm all night.
A view of the sunrise from the bed in the dome.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I crawled out of my warm bed and explored the lodge’s gardens. I walked by an outdoor wood-fired hot tub and headed to the lodge, where I dined on a complimentary breakfast of eggs and toast.
The exterior of the dome.
Monica Humphries/Business Insider
I’m sure some nights were bound to be even chillier, but I learned that living in a place that seamlessly blended indoors with outdoors might be a better fit for me than my city life back in the US.
Business Insider’s author in front of the geodesic dome she stayed in during a trip to New Zealand.
