You’re powering through the year and that calls for a well-deserved break. New Zealand perhaps? A cabin with a big cosy bed to stretch out in, and maybe even a piping hot outdoor bath for stargazing in style?
Luckily, Aotearoa is home to many a cosy stay. From cute-as-a-button and quirky to boujee AF, a getaway here will make you feel like you’re in a movie, and then there's the picture-perfect panoramic views.
Urban List has done the hard yards and picked out the best cosy cabins in which to snuggle in New Zealand.
Paengaroa | Sleeps 2 Ridge Retreat
Is there anything better than a blissful outdoor bath with uninterrupted views of rolling farmland? We say yes. Two outdoor baths side by side sounds pretty good, and that’s precisely what you get at this luxury New Zealand cabin. Ridge Retreat is tucked into the hillside on a working avocado orchard, a short drive from Rotorua and it’s got everything you need for an epic cabin stay.
King size bed? Check. Big covered deck with a barbecue? Check. Twin outdoor baths? Check. How about a fire pit? Yep, it’s got one of those too. Add in the fact you get fresh eggs from the resident chooks and spray-free avocados from the hosts’ orchard when they’re in season, and you’ve got all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable New Zealand holiday.
Pihama | Sleeps 2 The Nest
If you like your cabins perched high on a cliff top overlooking the Tasman Sea, then this New Zealand abode needs scribbling on your to do list. It’s a dreamy off-grid sanctuary surrounded by rugged landscape, featuring huge glass doors that bring the epic vistas to the forefront of your stay.
Sink into the luxe king bed and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. The cabin’s compact kitchenette has a mini fridge, gas burner and large sink for those game to cook up a storm, and you could build a campfire on the beach for some marshmallow-toasting later on. At the end of the day, we reckon a piping hot soak in the outdoor tub could float your boat. It’s big enough for two. Just saying.
Okiato | Sleeps 2 The Syrah Shack
If you love the sound of a cabin stay lubricated with a cheeky glass or three of local wine, then you should give The Syrah Shack a squiz. Tucked away among native bushland behind syrah vines, this rustic New Zealand hut is half cabin and half glamping experience.
Don’t worry, you get a super king bed to sleep on here, but you also get an outdoor bathtub for two and the adventure of cooking at an outdoor camping-style kitchen which we reckon just adds to the fun. Not so keen on the hassle of cooking? You’re just ten minutes outside of Russell township and there’s a vineyard, cellar door and eatery just 1km from your stay. Hooray!
Maroti | Sleeps 2 Kawakawa Hut
Tucked between rolling hills, Kawakawa Hut makes for a very cosy getaway indeed. In fact, it took out Airbnb’s Best Nature Stay award in 2023. Off-grid and made from repurposed materials, kick back and enjoy the view of Mount Tongariro or contemplate the cows grazing peacefully nearby.
The hut offers a queen sized bed, a sofa by the fire and a gas cooktop and a barbecue. Better still, is the crystal bath which was handmade by one of the owners from concrete and locally sourced obsidian crystals.
Omarama | Sleeps 2 Lindis Pods
If you're looking for a luxury winter cabin getaway that does luxe with a capital L, check out the dreamy Lindis Pods in the Ahuriri Valley. Nestled out of sight but within easy distance of the famed Lindis Lodge, expect the same luxury touches and attention to detail with no expense spared.
With stunning double-glazed mirrored glass walls on three sides, these luxuriously heated and totally private pods mean you'll be treated to A+ views for days, and nights. Add to this an ensuite, kingsize bed, private bathtub and outdoor sitting area, and you might never want to leave.
Waikerikeri | Sleeps 2 Willowbrook Retreat
Picture yourself meandering along winding paths beneath majestic willow trees and soaking your stresses away under the stars in an inviting outdoor bath. Tempted? That’s what you’ll get if you book a stay at this cabin nestled beneath the mountains of New Zealand’s Central Otago region.
Willowbrook Retreat might have been created from a shipping container, but it’s one deliciously cosy stay. Your 30 sqm space fits a couple very comfortably and you’ll love waking in your plush queen bed to some serious views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. We reckon the clever outdoor breakfast bar is a top spot on which to perch with a drink, as your other half can top up your glass through the huge kitchen window in no time at all. End your day by exchanging stories around the outdoor fire pit and you’ll be buzzing to do it all again the next day.
Sherenden | Sleeps 2 The Pheasant’s Nest
Settle in and get ready to call the stunning rural Hawke’s Bay area home for a while at this New Zealand cabin boasting views of the Tutaekuri River and the Kaweka Ranges. It’s one of those places where you’ll want to press pause for a while, as you soak in the bliss of having a place with both a king size bed and your own cedar hot tub on the deck.
Your stay includes a continental breakfast of fresh bread, milk, yoghurt, spreads and muesli, or you can make a cooked breakfast with herbs and eggs fresh from the farm. The champions that own this stay can also arrange for a cheese platter and drinks to be waiting for you on arrival, and if that isn’t enough, you’ve got the local boutique winery De La Terre just five minutes’ drive down the road.
Nelson | Sleeps 6 The Last Straw Cottage
It may be called ‘The Last Straw’ but book into this cottage and you’ll feel like you lucked out. 28km from Nelson, in a town called Brightwater, this cute cottage is anything but small. With three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom, barbecue, a garden and a washing machine, it makes for a great family vacay.
Continental breakfast and airport shuttles can be provided if needed, and there are lots of skiing and hiking opportunities nearby.
Arthur's Pass | Sleeps 2 The Nook
Ski bums will love The Nook, a one-bedroom cabin in Arthur’s Pass National Park. Boasting an on-site ski storage space, outdoor bath, barbecue, garden and spellbinding views of the snow-capped mountains, the cabin isn’t as fancy as some on our list but it has a tonne of character and everything you need for a wonderful stay.
The cosiness of underfloor heating and the consideration of soundproofing makes this a pretty solid option. The nearby Devil's Punchbowl walking track will get you up close and personal with a 131m mountain waterfall.
Kaikōura | Sleeps 2 Hapuku Carriages
Okay, so this isn’t actually a cabin but who wouldn’t want to get cosy in a restored railway carriage? Especially one that’s been fitted out with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom and outdoor bathtub.
Just 10 minutes' drive from Kaikoura town centre, Hapuku Carriages makes for a quirky, fun-loving stay. Marvel at the mountain views from your patio, stroll along the nearby beach and tuck into the complimentary beer, wine and chocolates. Delightful.
Peebles | Sleeps 2+ HighTree Chalets
Gather a couple of mates and prepare for a New Zealand cabin getaway with a difference. HighTree Chalets is a luxe lakeside escape located in the beautiful Waitaki District, under two hours from Dunedin, offering accommodation for two people per chalet. Book ‘em both and make a weekend of it with some friends we reckon. It’s a lovely spot from which you can feed the ducks, go for a fish or take a leisurely soak in the outdoor bath.
The peeps that own this place also offer food options for an additional fee, which simply means you can stress less and relax more. Up for grabs are the Breakfast Hamper For Two, which includes ciabatta bread, sausages, bacon and mushrooms, and a Welcome Platter that pairs wine with seasonal fruits, crackers, salmon, dips and more.
Egmont National Park | Sleeps 26 in 4 rooms The Camphouse
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to The Camphouse. The dreamy mountain backdrop will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a painting. The historic building offers shared accommodation, sleeping 26 people in four rooms of bunk beds. You need to bring your own linen or other bedding and pillows.
While there is basic heating, it’s best to rock your favourite oodie, just to be safe. Summit Mount Taranaki or walk the Pouakai Circuit then head down to the Kamahi Cafe for a well-deserved brunch. Sounds like our kind of holiday.
Dyerville | Sleeps 2 Tia Hut
Prepare to make the most of a beautiful cabin stay just minutes from the renowned New Zealand wine region of Martinborough. Tia Hut occupies a spot on the hosts’ beef and sheep farm and it overlooks the Wairarapa Valley. It’s super convenient, being minutes from Martinborough Square and yet away from the hustle and bustle.
The cabin itself is warm and inviting, with timber-clad walls, a cosy leather couch and a tempting wood-burning fireplace inside. You’ve got a small kitchen and bathroom as well as an outdoor bath outside on the deck in which to soak and stargaze. An added plus? The peeps that own this place have partnered with a local vineyard and restaurant to provide platters and breakfast options for an additional fee if you fancy it.
Raglan | Sleeps 2 Blackwood Cabin
Exquisite in design and amenities, Blackwood Cabin is a Raglan gem. The one-bedroom stay has an outdoor bathtub to get cosy in, a hanging egg chair in the garden to kick back in, and comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom and flat-screen TV.
Needless to say, it’s a favourite among couples and besties alike. While close to town the cabin is secluded with a private, relaxed vibe. Perfect for some rest and relaxation.
Bay of Plenty | Sleeps 2 Warm Earth Cottage
If you’re in need of a grounding, nourishing escape, Warm Earth Cottage could be it. The name says it all—it’s all about cosiness and warmth here. Gently toasting by the wood-burning stove you’ll feel yourself unwind, and any stress melt away.
A cute breakfast hamper will be delivered to your door in the morning for you to cook a delicious brekkie. Be sure to have a soak in the bathtub under the starry sky. Magical.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Main image credit: Airbnb
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