The best Airbnbs in New Zealand range from modern beach houses and cabins to romantic huts and vacation rentals on the ocean. If you’re looking for a unique stay that embodies the best of New Zealand, this article has got you covered with lots of amazing New Zealand vacation rentals that you won’t find anywhere else.
New Zealand is known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty, home to pristine fjords, glaciers, and a picture-perfect coastline. One of the best ways to explore New Zealand is by staying in a local Airbnb, where hosts can offer insider knowledge on the best sites, road trips, and attractions nearby. From secluded farm stays to beautiful beach retreats, these unique Airbnbs in New Zealand get you up-close with some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. They also offer enticing on-site amenities, such as outdoor soaking tubs, large terraces, and water or mountain views.
Here, we’ve ranked the best Airbnbs in New Zealand, including vacation rentals in Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, Queenstown, Wellington, the North Island, South Island, and more. Now, let’s find you a beautiful cottage or luxury vacation rental on Airbnb in New Zealand!
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Guest Post by Charity De Souza from charitydesouza.com
The Coolest Airbnbs in New Zealand: Top Vacation Rentals in 2021
Here are the best Airbnbs in New Zealand by category, taking into account different amenities, trip types, and budgets. The subsequent sections will cover each listing in more detail.
Top Airbnb in New Zealand: Modern House with All the Comforts of Home
Best Luxury Vacation Rental New Zealand: Vineyard Glamping Rental
Top Romantic Airbnb in New Zealand: Hinterland Retreat
Coolest Cheap Airbnb in NZ: Quaint Cabin Rental in the Countryside
Best Beach House Airbnb in New Zealand: Woodpecker Bay Home to Rent
Top Airbnb New Zealand with a View: Luxury Beach Hut with Hot Tub
Coolest Cabin Rental in NZ: Charming Chalet in West Coast
Most Unique Airbnb in New Zealand: House Truck Tiny House Rental
12 Best Airbnbs in New Zealand
If romantic cottages, cabins, houses for rent, and luxury vacation rentals in New Zealand all sound good to you, get excited! Below are some of the most unique stays in New Zealand:
1. Hinterland Retreat – A Top Budget-Friendly Airbnb in New Zealand
Location: Gisborne, New Zealand
Rates from: $165 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Be one of the first people in the world to watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean from this stylish glamping-style cabin on New Zealand’s East Coast. Featuring majestic farmland and ocean views, this one-bedroom space is ideal for couples who are craving adventure.
At this incredible Airbnb in New Zealand, you’ll have everything you need for a coastal getaway, including an outdoor kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, and unlimited hot water. Its sun-drenched courtyard is a huge highlight, boasting a BBQ, fire pit, picnic table, and herb garden, and is the perfect spot to catch a spectacular sunset every morning. What more could you want in a top NZ vacation rental?
2. Amazing House Truck Airbnb in New Zealand
Location: Wainui Bay, Golden Bay, New Zealand
Rates from: $109 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
If you love quirky stays, get off-the-beaten-path and book a night at this amazing house truck Airbnb in New Zealand. Designed to ignite your pioneer spirit, the unique space has been lovingly restored and features gorgeous sea views from its private bush location.
Pack your Wainui Bay itinerary with swimming, paddleboarding, or visiting nearby Wainui Falls, then wrap up your day with a soak in the wagon’s luxurious outdoor bath under the stars. Accommodating up to four guests, the cozy sanctuary also features two queen-size beds, a wood stove, an electric heater, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Is this one of the best New Zealand Airbnbs? It sure is!
3. Blackpool House – Stunning Modern Vacation Rental in New Zealand
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Rates from: $224 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Located in the capital city of Auckland, this modern one-bedroom house for rent in New Zealand looks as if it was plucked from an architectural magazine. Its contemporary meets retro interior features a split-level living space, which stretches out onto a lush landscaped garden with two large decks for basking in the sunshine.
Inside this New Zealand vacation rental, there are surprises around every corner, from a mezzanine library to the treetop bedroom overlooking Te Haruhi Bay. When you need a change of scenery, Little Oneroa Beach is five minutes from the house, while trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes are less than a 15-minute walk away. With so much charm and personality, it’s no wonder this is among the top Airbnbs in New Zealand!
4. Woodpecker Bay Bach – A Beautiful Beach House Rental in New Zealand
Location: Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand
Rates from: $137 per night
Accommodates: 3 guests
Live life on the edge at this coastal gem in Punakaiki, which can accommodate up to three guests in its studio space. This New Zealand beach house rental is so close to the ocean that you can practically touch the crashing waves. Its interior is adorned with quirky treasures from a bygone era, while a luxurious clawfoot bathtub offers peaceful ocean views from the large window.
In addition, Netflix, Bluetooth speakers, and Wi-Fi add a dose of modernity to this ‘bach’ (pronounced ‘batch’), which are modest beach homes that are an iconic piece of New Zealand’s history.
5. Spectacular Views from a Top Queenstown NZ Airbnb
Location: Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
Rates from: $136 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
This two-bedroom Airbnb in NZ offers some of the most spectacular views of Queenstown, which says a lot considering this small town is famous for its picture-perfect vistas. The spacious home has a large furnished deck for taking in the million-dollar views, which overlook the Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu and are particularly photogenic at sunset.
Best of all, the New Zealand Airbnb is located less than a half-mile from the town center where you’ll find fabulous restaurants, shops, and bucket-list activities such as bungee jumping. I can’t imagine a better New Zealand vacation rental than this one in Queenstown!
6. Kahere Chalet for Rent in New Zealand
Location: Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand
Rates from: $112 per night
Accommodates: 4 guests
Franz Josef Glacier is one of New Zealand’s top natural attractions, luring in outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. This charming hand-crafted cabin for rent on Airbnb is the perfect retreat after a day of hiking, accommodating up to four guests in its two-bedroom layout.
Nestled near the bush next to a tranquil creek, the cozy A-frame chalet features Southern Alps views, covered deck seating, and an efficient kitchen area. It makes an excellent home base for day trips to other top-rated nature sites, including Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, and Hokitika Gorge. For nature lovers, it truly doesn’t get any better than this unique vacation rental in New Zealand!
7. Vineyard Glamping Russell – The Syrah Shack that’s Among the Coolest Airbnbs in New Zealand
Location: Okiato, Northland, New Zealand
Rates from: $246 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Nicknamed the “Syrah Shack”, this unique vineyard Airbnb in New Zealand is a dream for vino lovers. Just 10 minutes outside of Russel township in the photogenic Bay of Islands, this modern hut offers travelers the chance to get off-the-grid without sacrificing on modern amenities.
The eco-retreat boasts inviting amenities for a couples getaway, including a super king-size bed, outdoor camping-style kitchen, hot shower, and outdoor bath for two. Watch boats cruise by, kick back with a glass of wine in the cozy outdoor seating area, or visit the vineyard, cellar door, and eatery just one mile away. If you’re looking for the ultimate glamping getaway, this cozy New Zealand Airbnb has got you covered.
8. Stargazing Retreat – One of the Best Vacation Rentals in New Zealand for Stargazers
Location: Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand
Rates from: $169 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Both a small town and natural wonder, Lake Tekapo’s shimmering turquoise lake and snow-capped mountains have been featured on countless postcards. Couples will love this romantic Lake Tekapo Airbnb in New Zealand, which takes advantage of the area’s dark skies by featuring a spacious Alpine hot tub where you can marvel at the incredible Milky Way together in luxury.
Step outside the one-bedroom cottage for unobstructed views of the lake, then cuddle up in the cozy lounge area and keep warm with a heat pump and log burner. There’s no Wi-Fi here, but the views are worth disconnecting. Is this among the coolest New Zealand Airbnbs out there? Absolutely!
9. Cozy Cabin Rental in New Zealand with Stunning Views + Private Spa
Location: Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand
Rates from: $98 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Home to a famous willow tree, Wanaka is a hotspot for nature photographers on the South Island. This gorgeous one-bedroom cabin rental in New Zealand sits on a 25-acre property and gives travelers a taste of kiwi farm life. It’s a relaxing retreat for couples, offering a two-person hot tub for stargazing and an outdoor hot shower.
Sit on your cozy porch at sunrise and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and mountain views, then end your day with a glass of New Zealand wine while enjoying the starry night skies from the spa. Wildlife watching is common, with the farmland surrounding the property home to sheep and deer. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this is among the best houses for rent in New Zealand!
10. The Kite – Luxury House Rental in Tasman, NZ
Location: Marahau, Tasman, New Zealand
Rates from: $296 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Just a few minutes away from the iconic Abel Tasman National Park, this boutique-style Airbnb in New Zealand sits on a 25-acre farm. Some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes are on the doorstep of this luxury villa, which features an outdoor over-sized bathtub, modern interior, large backyard, and a welcome basket with local snacks and beverages.
From this exotic vacation home in New Zealand, options for outdoor adventures nearby are endless, from hiking and kayaking to horseback riding. Also, you can feel good knowing part of your nightly tariff is donated to a local charity.
11. Wildberry Cottage – Secluded Modern Farm Retreat
Location: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Rates from: $156 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Looking to stay at a cozy cottage Airbnb in New Zealand? Couples looking to get away from it all can escape to this modern Scandinavian-inspired cottage, which combines its cozy interior with a picturesque rural setting. Nestled on 8.5 acres of rolling farmland, its only neighbors are a few friendly farm animals.
Unwind while relaxing on the cottage’s spacious deck overlooking the surrounding farm and take advantage of the luxurious outdoor bath, plush king-size bed, wood fire, and modern kitchen. You’re free to roam around the beautiful farm and feed apples to sheep and cattle by hand or pick from the fruit trees when they’re in season.
12. Passage Hut – New Zealand Luxury Beach Hut on Airbnb
Location: Pepin Island, Nelson, New Zealand
Rates from: $137 per night
Accommodates: 2 guests
Surrounded by the pristine coastline of Pepin Island, this romantic hut rental in New Zealand is an ideal retreat for adventure-loving couples. It requires a 30-minute walk to reach the private getaway, where you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous ocean views and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the water.
Some of the biggest highlights of this oceanfront Airbnb in NZ are the outdoor deck and seating area, queen-size bed, and hot shower, while the private beach, fishing kayaks, and grocery service (for a fee) are added perks. It’s hard to imagine a more magical vacation home on VRBO and Airbnb than this one in New Zealand!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charity De Souza is a freelance travel writer from Orlando, Florida. Traveling full-time as a digital nomad for over a decade, her favorite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, eating sushi in Japan, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Indonesia. She currently resides in Porto, Portugal with her husband. You can follow her adventures at www.charitydesouza.com and on Instagram @marriednomads.
Coolest Airbnbs in New Zealand: Romantic Huts and Tiny Houses, Luxury Vacation Rentals + More
Have you ever stayed in a unique vacation rental in New Zealand? Please let me know, as I’m always looking to add to this list of the best Airbnbs in New Zealand!
Considering other unique destinations around the world? Here are some ideas:
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