Queer kiwi crash pads.

In a culture as open and welcoming as New Zealand, finding a gay scene can be a challenge. "It's a small population, and we seem to have integrated into the mainstream community," explains Bruce Morrison, owner of Christchurch Gaystay, a town house located 15 minutes from the city center. Prompted by a blossoming tourism industry and the dearth of a community network, Morrison created GayStay.co.nz, a resource of gay-owned lodgings that range from luxe to lesbian to just plain loony.

LUXURY Visitors view acres of orchards over gourmet meals at Te Horo Lodge on the Kapiti Coast (109 Arcus Rd., 011-64-6-364-3393). In artsy Nelson, Te Puna Wai was recently named one of New Zealand's top 100 homes because of its crystalline seaside views and lush gardens (24 Richardson St., 011-64-3-548-762l). LESBIAN Waihoihoi Lodge is a lesbian-owned, women-only organic retreat in Waipu (239 Massey P,d., 011-64-09-432-1234); at the Mermaid in Wellington, partners Francesca and Kate welcome female visitors in their funky-themed rooms (1 Epuni St., 011-64 04-384-4511). LOONY Autumn Farm on the Golden Bay (RDI Takaka, 011-64-3-525-9013) hosts all annual Summer Camp and Naked Week. In Hokitika, Jacquie Grant's Place (known as the "Tranny Granny," Jacquie Grant was the nation's second transsexual elected to public office) is a three-unit motel and motor camp (8 Greyhound Rd., 011-64-3-755-6550). Poller View is a men-only cattle farm in rural South Otago (Coe Road, Hillend RD2, 011-64-03-4l8-1581).