Wacky is the right word to describe the collection of unusual accommodation and the farm park that make up Wacky Stays in Kaikoura. We spent the night in the 1951 Bedford house truck, there’s also a yurt, colonial wagon, teepee and farm cottage. I’ve always wanted to stay in a house truck (and truth be told drive off into the sunset in one) so it was a bucket list ticking night for me.

1951 Bedford House Truck at Wacky Stays

The house truck was built in Nelson by a couple who eventually lived in it full time before it was bought by the owners of Wacky Stays in 2012. One of things I’ve always loved about house trucks is that they are all individually designed and generally have a lot of exposed wood work, this truck was no exception.

Time for tea in the house truck

We stayed on a warm November night so there was no need to fire up the little pot belly stove. Infact we were grateful for the windows at the head of the bed which we left open all night to let in some cool air. Sleep was easily found in the comfortable bed and quiet sounds of the farm at night, but it’s unlikely to be a traditional alarm clock that wakes you up early the next morning.

Sweet dreams of a life on the road

A shower and toilet were added to the truck for guests, as well as a small deck. The shower was surprisingly good, the truck is connected to the town water supply and there was plenty of gas hot water. We sat on the deck in the morning and had breakfast with the donkeys. My goodness, if you’ve never heard a donkey at full noise you’re in for a surprise.

There’s a small dining area in the truck

Guests at Wacky Stays are able to access the onsite Kaikoura Farm Park (the farm park is now closed). It’s a take it as you find it kind of place, not a farm park that’s been set up and maintained with paying guests in mind. It wasn’t what we were expecting but there are some seriously cute and friendly critters to see and interact with.

Adorable ducklings

Goats on their jungle gym

Kaikoura Llama Trekking is another of their ventures

As well as visiting the farm animals, I couldn’t resist poking my head in the open door of the yurt that sat vacant and across the artificial! flower garden from the house truck. The yurt is really spacious and looks a very comfortable place to spend the night. It doesn’t look that inviting from the outside but it’s definitely a case of not judging a yurt by its cover.

Interior of the yurt

The yurt and house truck share an outdoor kitchen that has a pizza oven and a BBQ.

Outdoor kitchen at Wacky Stays

The cost – The house truck can be booked direct on the Wacky Stays website for $160 per night including a basic continental breakfast. I really like the house truck but we do think the rates at Wacky Stays are too expensive. What that means for us is that it’s somewhere we stay once for the experience rather than be return guests. Wacky Stays has excellent reviews though so we may be in the minority in regard to our opinion on the prices. You’ll find Wacky Stays at 12 Kowhai Ford Road, RD1, Kaikoura.

Found my bed time reading in the truck