The Marton Yellow Submarine is a distinctive countryside stay that combines playful design with everyday comfort, offering a calm, private base for travellers who enjoy unusual accommodation without excess or novelty-driven fuss.
New Zealand: Canterbury – SiloStay, Little River
About an hour after leaving the main road behind and trundling through increasingly rural scenery, we reached our accommodation for the night: Silostay.
Now, when someone tells you that you’ll be sleeping in a silo, your mind does not immediately leap to comfort. It imagines draughts, the faint smell of cattle feed, and perhaps the odd pigeon. In this case, however, that assumption would have been entirely wrong.
Silostay consists of eight former grain silos that once served the local farming community. The area around Little River has long been agricultural country, with sheep, cattle and crop farms scattered across the Canterbury plains. Grain storage was essential in these parts. These tall cylindrical silos would once have held many tonnes of harvested wheat and barley, keeping it dry against the coastal weather rolling in from the Pacific. Practical, functional, and not built with romance in mind.
From the outside, they still look exactly as they did in their working lives. Tall, corrugated metal towers standing upright in a neat row. No attempt has been made to disguise their origins, which I rather appreciated. If you are going to sleep in a silo, you may as well admit it.
Inside, however, it was a different story entirely.
Each silo had been transformed into a vertical one-bedroom apartment spread over several levels. You entered at ground level where there was a proper kitchen and a smart little bathroom. Climb a set of stairs and you reached the lounge area, cleverly arranged with seating, heating and a generous window cut into the metal wall. Climb again and at the very top, beneath the curved roof, sat the bedroom.
It was surprisingly comfortable. No hay bales. No sacks of barley. Just a proper bed under a curved metal ceiling that reminded you, in a quiet way, that you were sleeping inside what used to store livestock feed. There is something deeply satisfying about that. It felt practical and faintly eccentric without being gimmicky. A good British word for it would be “sensible”. With personality.
Large windows had been cut into the structure to bring in light, and because the silos stand in open countryside, you could look out across fields and sky with no one peering back at you. It was wonderfully quiet. The sort of quiet that makes your ears ring slightly because they are not used to it.
I could quite happily have stayed there longer. It felt like the sort of place where you could read a book, cook something uncomplicated, and avoid the modern world for a bit. At our age, that is not so much a holiday preference as a survival strategy.
Planning Your Visit to SiloStay
📍 Location and Overview
SiloStay is a one-of-a-kind accommodation set in converted grain silos on 4243 Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River, New Zealand. It lies in the heart of Little River on Banks Peninsula, about 50–60 minutes’ drive from Christchurch and Christchurch International Airport. The property sits adjacent to the Christchurch–Little River Rail Trail and offers views over the rural Canterbury landscape.
🚗 Getting There
From Christchurch Airport (CHC):
Drive east on State Highway 75 then follow local roads to Little River (approx 50–60 minutes).
A rental car is the most practical option as public transport is very limited in this rural area.
From Christchurch City Centre:
Take SH75 towards Akaroa, then turn towards Little River. There is ample free parking at SiloStay itself.
🚴 Getting Around
Car: Best for exploring the wider Banks Peninsula, nearby lakes, beaches and seaside villages.
Bicycle: SiloStay is next to the Christchurch–Little River Rail Trail, ideal for cycling and walking.
Walking: Little River is small and walkable, with cafes and galleries a short stroll away.
No on-site shuttle: Organised tours or taxis are available but must be booked locally.
📆 Operating Hours
As accommodation, SiloStay operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with guest access at all times during a confirmed booking. The reception/front desk operates limited hours, but check-in is possible between 14:00 and midnight on your arrival date, and check-out is before 10:00 the day you depart. Late check-out may be available by arrangement.
💰 Costs
SiloStay is paid per night per silo, and nightly rates vary by season and length of stay:
Average standard nightly rates are typically in the range of £100–£140 per room but will vary with date, room type and market conditions.
Front desk charges are handled in New Zealand dollars, and accommodation must be booked in advance.
The best time to visit the Banks Peninsula
🌸 Spring (September – November)
Spring on Banks Peninsula feels fresh and slightly unpredictable. The hills around Akaroa and the outer bays turn a lively green after winter rains, and wildflowers begin to appear along walking tracks. It is a lovely time for coastal walks, as the temperatures are mild and visitor numbers are still relatively low.
However, spring weather can change quickly. You might start the day in sunshine and finish with a brisk southerly wind rolling in from the Pacific. It is an excellent season for photographers, with clear light and fewer crowds, but flexibility is essential.
What to pack:
Waterproof jacket
Warm layers (fleece or light jumper)
Sturdy walking shoes
Hat and sunglasses
Light gloves for breezy days
☀️ Summer (December – February)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Banks Peninsula. Long daylight hours and generally settled weather make it ideal for kayaking in Akaroa Harbour, boat trips to see Hector’s dolphins, and exploring coastal walking tracks. The sea is calmer more often, and cafés and small shops operate at full pace.
Temperatures are warm rather than extreme, though strong sun and occasional dry winds can make it feel hotter. Accommodation fills quickly, especially around Christmas and New Year, so booking ahead is wise.
What to pack:
Light clothing
Sun cream and wide-brimmed hat
Swimwear
Comfortable sandals and walking shoes
Light jumper for cooler evenings
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
Autumn brings quieter roads and a more relaxed atmosphere. The weather often remains settled through March and April, with warm days and cooler evenings. The light softens, and the harbour can look particularly calm and reflective.
This is a good season for walking and scenic drives, as the summer crowds have eased but the chill of winter has not fully arrived. By late May, temperatures drop noticeably and daylight hours shorten.
What to pack:
Layered clothing
Medium-weight jacket
Closed walking shoes
Scarf for cooler evenings
Waterproof outer layer
❄️ Winter (June – August)
Winter on Banks Peninsula is peaceful and distinctly slower. Crisp mornings, occasional frosts, and clear blue skies can make for striking coastal views. Snow rarely settles at sea level but may dust the higher hills.
Some tourism activities operate on reduced schedules, and swimming is generally off the agenda unless you are particularly hardy. That said, it is a pleasant time for quiet walks, wildlife spotting, and enjoying a fireside café in Akaroa.
What to pack:
Warm coat
Thermal layers
Waterproof jacket
Hat and gloves
Sturdy footwear
📊 Seasonal Summary Chart
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, changeable | Low–Moderate | Wildflowers, walking, photography | Variable weather |
| Summer | Warm, settled | High | Water activities, boat trips | Book ahead, strong sun |
| Autumn | Mild, cooling | Moderate | Scenic drives, peaceful walks | Shorter days later in season |
| Winter | Cool, crisp | Low | Quiet escapes, coastal views | Limited activity schedules |
🌿 Overall Best Time to Visit
For most travellers, late summer to early autumn (February to April) offers the most balanced experience. The weather is often settled, the sea is still relatively warm, and the peak holiday crowds have eased. That said, Banks Peninsula has a quiet charm in every season. The key is to come prepared for changeable coastal weather and to allow time to enjoy the landscape at an unhurried pace.
More to Explore
