14 Of The Best Boutique Hotels And Airbnbs In Wanaka

As one of New Zealand’s oldest historic hotels and most photographed buildings, you will most likely recognise the facade of this icon from your social media feed.

Situated on the spectacular Crown Range, at the mid-point between Queenstown and Wānaka, the Cardrona Hotel oozes charming gold mining history from every inch of its weatherboard bones (in fact, it’s one of only two remaining buildings from the era) yet has all the modern comforts to make your stay relaxing.

With an atmosphere like no other and an epic beer garden on-site, this slice of Kiwi history is a must-visit whether you’re staying in town or passing through. 

If you’re one to say no to beige stays and opt for something a little bit unique, this boutique accommodation in a converted Nissen hut will pique your interest. Trundle on up to this half-moon-shaped abode, peer through the huge glass door and you’ll see it’s like a tardis inside. Yep, The Tunnel House is surprisingly big, with warm cedar panelling, an open plan kitchen and living area, separate bedroom with a king size bed, shower and separate laundry.

One of the things we love most about this Airbnb is that you’re just a 15-minute stroll from the centre of Wānaka (and your route can take you over the golf course if you fancy) so you don’t even need to get in the car to explore. There are also food trucks, coffee shops, a bakery and brewery and a supermarket all within a five minute walk. Winning!

This accommodation gives us the vibes of your boujee, yet humble family friends who own a holiday home in Wānaka (and everywhere else). With its striking dark wood beams and finishings to its crisp white linen and cosy bedrooms, the Buchanan Lodge is luxurious, yet oh so welcoming.

Hosting up to nine guests at one time, this exclusive 60-acre property is ideal for those intimate getaways with family and friends. Explore the three private beaches by day, and curl up in front of the roaring schist log fire by night. 

An easy 15-minute drive from Wānaka, nestled in the Hāwea mountain ranges you’ll find this boutique A-frame home offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a private retreat, perfect for a little rest and relaxation and while you’re at it you can appreciate this accommodation’s unique touches.

Throw on those walking boots and go for a hike up Roy’s Peak before heading back to your delightful timber-framed Airbnb and enjoying a long soak in the woodfired hot tub. There’s a barbecue on the deck and a spacious outdoor lounge for cuddling up on for some stargazing after dark.

Say hello to Tahi—she’s a shipping container turned boutique tiny home located among native  Kānuka trees just 15 minutes’ drive from Wānaka. You’re close to all the action here and yet you’ll feel a world away as you sit back and drink in some seriously beautiful views.

Your accommodation is compact, but has all the modern conveniences such as Wifi, air conditioning and good water pressure! You’ll no doubt put that to good use as you fill the outdoor bathtub on your private deck with piping hot water and prepare for some of the best stargazing you’ve ever done.

Need a boutique base from which to explore New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and its beautiful surrounds? Oakridge Resort Lake Wānaka sits surrounded by nature just 5km away, and the accommodation here comes with a heap of activities on its doorstep. From bushwalking to mountain climbing, golf, kayaking and more, there’s so much to do you’ll wish you’d booked a few more days off work.

There’s a range of accommodation options available, including a Standard King Room and a Studio Apartment, and the big bonus of this hotel is the fact it offers a heated pool with poolside bar just perfect for afternoon cocktails in the sun. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant serving up dishes made from local ingredients.

A thoughtful mix of comfort and style, this New Zealand villa offers endless mountain views in a boutique setting, all within just ten minutes’ drive of Wānaka and its attractions.

Inside your accommodation you’ve got three bedrooms, cedar joinery, a sunken lounge and an inviting wood fire for cosy nights. Your chef-designed kitchen has all you need for a feast, including a double dishdrawer, espresso machine (complimentary beans included), and an oven with a gas cooktop. Plus, if you step through the bi-fold doors in the lounge to the deck and garden and you’ll find a private six-person hot tub as well as a sandpit and cubby house to keep the little ones entertained while the adults enjoy a well-deserved soak. Now that sounds tempting.

A hidden one-bedroom BnB in the foothills of Mt Iron, Kauri House Apartment is a romantic hideaway that will sure-fire earn you brownie points with the other half. The apartment features century-old, 10-meter Kauri beams, along with recycled wood, tiles, and stained glass windows, making it truly something special.

Nestled amongst the trees, this little gem boasts a wraparound balcony to enjoy the 270-degree views, while listening to nothing but birdsong. Plus, a delicious continental or cooked breakfast, snacks and a complimentary bottle of wine are included. Cheers to that!

Ready for the ultimate luxury escape? Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is one of the most secluded and private luxury lodges in the world… cue the helicopter chauffeur. Yes, that’s right, this station is nestled in a remote glacial valley that is only accessible via chopper. 

A unique and memorable accommodation experience, Minaret Station offers four stunning chalets, divine cuisine, and the best part? You can soak in your own private outdoor hot tub while watching the stars twinkle above. 

Million-dollar lake views? Yes, please. A little further afield and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of central Wānaka, you’ll find accommodation in a lovely little hotel right on the shores of Lake Hāwea.

The rooms at the Hāwea Hotel each include a private balcony overlooking the aforementioned money shot and the beds have been fitted with custom bedding made from Wānaka-farmed merino—talk about comfort. For the more budget-conscious traveller, the hotel also has a hostel lodge on-site. Bonus.

If you want a taste of what it’s like to live in this lakeside town then the Wānaka Luxury Apartments are for you. With a suburban location just a short stroll from the action, the 29 ski-lodge-eske apartments are so homely and welcoming we’re pretty confident you won’t want to leave.

Take your pick of the one, two, or three-bedroom accommodation options all with fireplaces for those cosy après ski nights. The outdoor area won’t disappoint either, with a heated spa, pool, fireplace, and pizza oven. 

Escape to something a little bit different at Criffel Bluffs Cottage and you can get a little bit artistic at the same time if you’re feeling in the mood. This modern accommodation in Wānaka has spacious rooms and a warm country feeling (think wooden floors, beams and cosy furnishings inside).

Your host, Lesley, is a working professional artist, having taught art for many years at Mount Aspiring College in Wānaka and her studio is on-site. She offers an optional “art bnb” experience for an additional fee, where you can “sip and create” (which basically means getting ready to paint, relax and enjoy yourself while sipping on local wine which sounds pretty darn fine).

How does a cottage with the best view in Lake Hāwea float your boat? There’s literally nothing getting in the way of you and the picturesque waterside spending some quality time together at this two-bedroom stay. Pour yourself a large glass of Central Otago wine, grab a picnic blanket and potter down to the water’s edge to drink in the scenery. Plus points for putting on actual shoes and taking the walking track to the pub for dinner instead. 

Back at base, you’re less than 20 minutes from Wānaka and your accommodation blends luxe and retro for a boutique stay. Your living and dining space has a cosy indoor fireplace, and there’s a barbecue area at the back of the cottage that’s sheltered from the elements so you can dine outside rain or shine.

Light, bright and sundrenched, the collection of modern studios and multi-room acommodation options at The Willows will make you feel like you’re staying at a home away from home. The interiors have been fully renovated with homely neutral tones and cosy linen, yet the complex still retains its classic Wānaka holiday charm.

Located on a large block in the middle of town, the location doesn’t get much better than this with a short stroll to Wānaka’s bustling bars, shops, and restaurants.