New Zealand. We love it. It boasts seriously gorgeous sandy spots and some of the best beach house Airbnbs right by the water.
But finding the right accommodation for your needs can take its sweet time can't it? Which is why Urban List has come to the rescue with its top picks for the best beach house stay.
Prepare to feel the ocean breeze, walk along sandy shores, and take that dip you've been dreaming of. Here are the best beach house Airbnbs in NZ for 2025.
Jump to section
The Best Beach House Airbnbs In Northland
Kaeo, Northland | Sleeps 6 Mahinepua Magic
Experience the magic of a luxury NZ beachfront getaway at this gorgeous stay in Kaeo. Just tell us that epic coastline view isn't calling your name. Your beach house Airbnb has decks on all sides and it's only a 200m toddle to a safe swimming beach if a splashabout calls.
Head down to the bottom of the drive and you'll find a fantastic walking track to get the blood pumping. Back at base, this exquisite, spacious home is kitted out with only the best amenities, including luxuriously comfortable beds, and even the modern bathroom has ocean views. The best bath of your life, coming right up.
Far North District, Northland | Sleeps 2 Polynesian Beach Loft On The Bay
Embrace a touch of Bali Hai and a NZ beach house Airbnb with a difference at Polynesian Beach Loft On The Bay. You’re just 4km from the village of Russell here, and yet all it takes is a stroll through your own sub-tropical garden and you’ll be at a private cove and swimming beach. Bliss.
Your accommodation is cosy and romantic, offering front row seats to the Bay Of Islands. If you fancy being a bit more active, there’s a tandem kayak, stand up paddleboards and boogie boards for you to use. Plus, the stars that own this place offer self-directed photography tours and birding and bush hikes if you’re in the mood.
The Best Beach House Airbnbs In Waikato
Hot Water Beach, Waikato | Sleeps 2 Adventurer's Chest
Adventure lovers prepare to be in heaven. Adventurer’s Chest is not your average NZ beach house Airbnb and we are well and truly here for it. It’s a tiny home just footsteps from the water with a whole lotta extra stuff thrown in for free.
Get the code to the storage locker and you’ll feel like you’ve struck gold, with kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, e-bikes and fishing gear available for you to use. Plus you get a special hot pools pack which enables you to relax in your very own beach hot pool where thermal water bubbles through the sand. Throw in beach essentials, a hammock back at base to snooze in, and the best outdoor barbecue and dining zone and that’s your NZ trip sorted.
Matarangi, Waikato | Sleeps 7 Modern Retreat In Matarangi
Views of the big blue, a sunny open plan living space and Matarangi Golf Course on your doorstep. This architectually-designed NZ beach house Airbnb is the perfect place for a relaxed getaway to unwind and enjoy quality time with friends or family.
Head on up to the big upstairs balcony and fire up the barbecue for an outdoor feast. You could sit up there for hours just savouring the epic sea views but there's so much more to do. The champions that own this place have a double kayak and bikes that you can use on request. Plus, they've got tennis racquets if you fancy a game at the tennis courts a five-minute stroll away.
The Best Beach House Airbnbs In The Bay Of Plenty
Tirohanga, Bay Of Plenty | Sleeps 2 Picturesque Beach Getaway
Tucked behind sand dunes with direct access to Hukuwai Beach and Motu Dunes Trail, this NZ beach house Airbnb is a romantic spot for couples to unwind. Beach walks calling? Fancy some biking? You can do it all from this super cute cottage.
Don’t worry about getting sandy as there’s an outdoor shower to douse those toes before you whip up a cheese plate in the fully equipped kitchen. We recommend you take it outside (with a glass of something spesh) and enjoy it in your lovely fenced garden overlooking the dunes. Climb to the top of one come sunset and you’ll get the best view, and don’t forget there’s a fire pit to get blazing before bedtime.
Pukehina, Bay Of Plenty | Sleeps 4 Beauty On The Beachfront
You can roll on out of bed and right on to the sand at this NZ beach house Airbnb, which boasts a private deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Sit in the lounge, look out the window and you’ll literally feel like the waves might come and greet you.
Shell-gathering, sandcastle-making and leisurely strolls along the glittering white sandy beach are a must-do here, and families will enjoy the nearby tennis courts, skateboard ramp and bike trail. Back at your accommodation after a day spent exploring we reckon a fish and chip takeaway might be just the thing—or you can crack open a can and get that barbecue going.
The Best Beach House Airbnb In Taranaki
New Plymouth, Taranaki | Sleeps 4 Little Church Bay Cottage
Fancy yourself the best romantic NZ beach house stay from where you can watch the crashing waves? Little Church Bay Cottage is a seriously cute Airbnb that sits right on the beachfront at East End Beach.
You're just a gentle stroll along the walkway into town, where you'll find cafes, bars and more to explore—although frankly we reckon grabbing your swimming gear for a leisurely soak in your own private hot tub could be the order of the day instead. Not in the mood to cook? Your thoughtful hosts can provide brekkie on request for an additional fee. Bring on the homemade granola and waffles!
The Best Beach House Airbnb In Wellington
Porirua, Wellington | Sleeps 2 Bayside Gem
If you’re after a NZ beach house Airbnb that offers a heap of romantic extras then this self-contained apartment in a seaside village outside of Wellington could be just the thing. Nothing is too much trouble for the hosts of this stay, and they’ll help you with any travel planning you need. Fancy the best packed picnic you can take to a romantic spot with your other half and enjoy? They can do it. How about a day trip to the local wineries? Yep, they can help with that too. Plus, they’ve got kayaks, bikes, fishing gear and a paddle board available for you to use, so there’s a whole lotta stuff you can do.
Your cosy living space is just steps from the beach and has its own private access. You’ve also got your own deck with a lovely sea view that just calls out for an afternoon cocktail. Not keen on the hassle of sorting dinner? The hosts of this pad can provide meals as required too. Phew!
Wellington | Sleeps 2 Seaside Retreat
Bundle in the on-site cable car, enjoy the 44-second trundle up the hill and you’ll find yourself in a very special place. This NZ beach house Airbnb has panoramic views over Raukawa Moana (Cook Strait) to the majestic Kaikōura mountains of the South Island. It’s quite simply bliss—in the heart of a wildlife reserve and yet within 12 minutes of Wellington’s city centre.
Your accommodation is cosy, with wooden interiors and an upstairs loft, accessed via ladder, for sleeping in. Pour yourself a drop and take to the retro green outdoor bath for a leisurely soak. It’s an epic spot at sunset, and come nightfall you’ll get the best view of the southern sky.
The Best Beach House Airbnb In Golden Bay
Wainui Bay, Golden Bay | Sleeps 2 Little Greenie Ecohouse
Grab the bubbles and prepare for the longest soak in the best outdoor bath with a view. Little Greenie Ecohouse is a NZ beach house Airbnb like no other. It's a well-designed escape with sustainability in mind—yes it's solar-powered and off-the-grid—so there's never been a better time to get amongst this bliss.
Your home away from home is small but perfectly formed, catching all the afternoon sun and storing it too. Bring your hiking shoes because a walk through the lush forest and over the swing bridge to Wainui Falls is a must during your stay, plus you've got places to swim, paddleboard and kitesurf right on your doorstep.
The Best Beach House Airbnb On The West Coast
Hokitika, West Coast | Sleeps 6 Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat
Nestled close to the sand and flanked by the glorious Southern Alps, this stellar NZ beach house Airbnb offers the unique experience of two natural delights at the same time. Talk about the best of both worlds.
Grab your towel and roll on out to the epic outdoor jacuzzi, stat—it's so close to the beach you can practically taste the sea salt. Afterwards, how about taking the five-minute stroll to charming Hokitika? Or perhaps you'd rather pour yourself a glass of something tasty and get a blaze roaring in the outdoor fire pit? This place gets plus points for being dog-friendly too.
The Best Beach House Airbnbs In Canterbury
Akaroa, Canterbury | Sleeps 2 Akaroa Coastal Cottage
This cute little A frame is everything we want in a beach house—a rustic exterior, cosy interiors, three friendly neighbourhood alpacas, and a drop-dead stunning sea view from the hot tub.
Easily accessible from Akaroa by car, Akaroa Coastal Cottage is a secluded spot on three hectares of native bush overlooking Akaroa Harbour. Perched on the back of the owner’s property, you’ll enjoy a private entrance, separate bathroom, and kitchenette.
Akaroa, Canterbury | Sleeps 4 Waterfront Apartment
A restored apartment situated in an 1830s colonial building, this unique NZ beach house Airbnb is located on the main street in beautiful Akaroa. In fact, there's a charming cafe right below it so you don't even need to ditch the pyjamas to get your morning brew.
With the beach literally across the road (and an epic fish and chip restaurant within footsteps), this spacious apartment is close to all the good stuff. Plus, it boasts the best views in the village thanks to its lounge with French doors that open to a balcony overlooking the harbour. Grab the wine, take a load off at the little round table and prepare to drink it all in.
Timaru, Canterbury | Sleeps 7 Beach Bungalow
Pour yourself a cuppa, head out to the deck and prepare to savour the best sea view. This lovely renovated NZ beach house Airbnb is close to all the fabulous things. Walking distance to cafes, restaurants and bars? Yep. Walking track running directly past the house? Oh yes. Tennis courts a stone's throw away? Hell yeah, that too.
Once all that fun stuff is done, you can return to base safe in the knowledge there's a barbecue to fire up for burgers on the deck and a cosy indoor fireplace to snuggle around if needed.
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.