Yellow Submarines and UFOs: Growing Demand for Original Airbnbs

Request unusual accommodation on Airbnb grows like more people are turning to the vacation rental platform to earn extra income.

In the United States, where more than 58,000 new Airbnb rentals were listed in January, the flooded market rattled hosts who reported a sharp drop in bookings.

But an Airbnb spokesperson said the company’s second-quarter results showed global customer demand was higher than ever.

“Amid new economic pressures, more and more people are looking to take advantage of the space they have to earn extra income, and fast,” he said.

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Most new listings were booked faster than a year ago, with the average time to get a first booking being around a week.

The data also showed quirky spaces were growing in popularity and injecting some individuality into a property could pay off for owners.

Between 2019 and 2021, bookings of unique properties increased by nearly 50% globally, earning their owners nearly $1 billion. Over $8 million was pocketed by the New Zealand hosts.

While treehouses, tiny houses and barns were common on the platform – and among the top 10 most-booked unique listing types globally – farm stays were the most popular unique accommodations in New Zealand, followed by huts.

Demand for properties with a point of difference was so high that Airbnb recently issued a call for original design ideas, ultimately choosing 100 to share in its $10 million OMG! Funds.

The recipients, including a New Zealander, would each receive up to US$100,000 to bring their projects to fruition, with the spaces expected to be ready for guests in mid-2023.

If that sounds like a long shot, here are four unique (and local) Airbnb properties available to book right now:

Space shuttle nose cone

Pukaki, South Canterbury, $197 per night

This one-bed-and-one-bath space shuttle nose cone might not get you closer to the stars, but, on a clear night, it will give you an incredible view of them from Earth.

Located between Lake Ruataniwha and Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island, the “Apollo 11 Space Shuttle” is about as close to the center of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve as you can get.

The fully self-contained nose cone seats two under a clear plexiglass roof with views of the Milky Way.

yellow submarine

Marton, Manawatu-Whanganui, $252 per night

We can’t all live in a yellow submarine, but we can all stay in one.

There “yellow submarinefloats in a sea of ​​green, suspended between redwoods near Marton, northwest of Palmerston North.

Entry is via a ramp/jetty to the front bulkhead door leading to a Victorian steampunk lounge and open plan kitchen.

The sub sleeps four people in two double beds, with a Beatles-themed bathroom.

Hobbit Hole

Hurworth, Taranaki, $209 per night

Want to get in touch with your inner halfling? Taranaki”End of the Lake Retreatwill appeal to fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom hobbit hole overlooks a lake, farmland and native bush, home to over 30 species of birds.

The eco-friendly accommodation also has composting toilets and a locally designed gray water disposal system.

UFO

Ohoka, Canterbury, $582 per night

One of only 50 examples of this type in the world, the “Area 51 Futuro Housein Ohoka, 25 minutes from Christchurch, has been restored to its original 1970s glory.

In addition to the deceptively large spaceship that can accommodate seven people, the property has a pool, spa, sauna, outdoor shower, game room and, perhaps best of all, all for 80s kids, playground equipment salvaged from an 80s McDonald’s.

Prices correct as of October 27, 2022.