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.

• 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.