I paid $250 to stay in a plastic tiny house dome in New Zealand in the middle of winter. I thought I'd freeze but by morning, I didn't want to leave.

• During my time in New Zealand, I stayed in a dome on the south island.

• I was worried I would spend my night in the tiny house.

• I didn't want to leave because of its amenities and gas fireplace.

The nature of New Zealand is amazing. I wanted to see every part of the country when I visited in June.

Even though it was winter in New Zealand, I wanted to leave my home city of Denver, Colorado, and explore the country's landscape by booking lodging that connected to the outdoors.

Cross Hill Lodge and Domes is located in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island and is a place I wanted to visit.

The lodges are Cross Hill Lodge and Domes.

There are six domes and a lodge at the edge of Lake Hawea.

I booked a single-night stay in one of the 430- square-foot domes on the platform for $250USD.

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The mountains were covered in snow and freezing lakes to get there.

The adventure capital of the world is New Zealand. There is more to the city than the thrills that I experienced.

The top of the white dome was visible through the trees.

I was scared when I stepped out of my car. I wanted the heating in the domes to suffice because the plastic exterior looked thin. I did not want to spend the night in the cold.

There were no refunds or turn backs. Stevie T welcomed me to the lodge. The lodge had couches, a TV, and a few desserts that were free for guests.

I lived in dome six for the night.

My fears vanished when I entered the building. The tiny house was warm thanks to a heat pump, and it was much larger than I had thought.

It felt like stepping inside a large container of food. I thought the metal structure of the dome created a puffed look on the inside.

There were robes and slipper waiting for me at the entrance way.

There was a bed to the right of the entrance. The bed was partially covered by a row of curtains.

I pulled the cloth back and saw the view. The domes overlook the gardens and mountains in the distance. I could feel the cold air at the base of the dome.

I was reassured that the dome would be warm. There was a gas fireplace, a heated mattress, and heated bathroom floors. I only felt the air when I stood by the window.

I passed a table and a kitchen as I moved past the bedroom.

I had everything I needed in the kitchen for a short stay.

I walked towards the back of the dome. There is an entrance to the bathroom.

The bathroom was in my dome. I was happy to know that I wouldn't have to step back into the cold when I arrived at my house.

I spent $475 on two nights in a tiny house. The porta-potty was better than most hotels I've been to.

I saw more of the dome's design. There were motion-sensor lights on. There was a towel warmer in the bathroom and a milk frother in the kitchen.

I didn't need to leave the dome because the amenities, views, and bed made me think so. The heated mattress was like lying on a giant heating pad.

Other people arrived around me. The domes were not very soundproof. Couples were talking about their plans for the next day while I was listening.

They could hear and see me as well. There was a clear view into my dome with the privacy curtain open and my lights on.

Even with limited privacy, I was still connected to nature. The birds chirped and the rain fell. I smelled wood being burned from the lodge.

I crawled into the bed after eating. My dome was lit by the gas fireplace. The dome's main appeal is the stars.

I turned off the fireplace so I could see better. I used the clear plastic to look for stars.

I didn't look long. I turned the fireplace back on as the cold air entered the tent. I was warm all night because of the fireplace cranking to its max and the dome's thermostat setting to 72 degrees.

I woke up to a bright sunrise.

I crawled out of my bed to look at the gardens.

The outdoor wood-fired hot tub is free to use, but you have to book in advance. I would have reserved a spot if I'd stayed longer.

The lodge serves free breakfast each morning. I joined other families and couples for a meal of food.

I took my feet back to the dome. I did not want to leave my suitcase behind. I had a dream that I would make Cross Hill my home.

I learned that living in a place that blends indoors and outdoors might be a better fit for me than living in a city.

I've slept in many places as a travel reporter. I've stayed in many tiny houses, but this one is the best.

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