19 Of The Best Airbnbs In Auckland Whatever Your Budget
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has some of the best Airbnbs around and we’re semi-obsessed (let’s be real, head-over-heels in love) with these secret urban dwellings that go above and beyond.
There's luxe properties with stunning views, rainforest retreats and pads with pools, plus places that are a little bit unexpected too.
You're truly spoiled for choice which, as we all know, can prompt a bit of overwhelm. But we're here for you, so without further ado, here's Urban List's pick of the best Airbnbs Auckland has to offer.
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Best Airbnbs In Auckland CBD
Auckland CBD | Sleeps 3
Urban Jungle Apartment
Pinterest is real, people. And it takes the form of this pretty-as-a-picture apartment, complete with abundant plant life and macramé. We love that it draws its inspiration from the subtropical rainforest of Auckland’s west coast yet is in the heart of Auckland City.
Your studio Airbnb sits in a heritage building with 3.6m high ceilings and it's got a loft-style bedroom which is accessed via ladder which is super cute. The owners work in tourism so if you're new to town they will happily organise some extras for you at a discount (half day tour to the Waitakere Ranges anyone?)
Auckland | Sleeps 3
Gem In Heart Of Britomart
Literal footsteps from Commercial Bay, this modern unit is city living at its best. A five star-rated stay, with deliciously colourful decor and a balcony that calls for a cuppa, it’s the perfect pad for those who want to be in the heart of the action without the hassle of a car.
Prepare the credit card, because there’s shopping, restaurants and theatres right there and, as a bonus, you get to use the on-site pool and gym if you fancy too.
Auckland CBD | Sleeps 8
Anzac North Loft Apartment
The whole of Auckland is at your fingertips with a stay at this central ground floor Airbnb—within wandering distance of Commercial Bay and the waterfront. A former commercial space, your home away from home has been transformed into a luxurious four-bedroom haven.
Designed with your comfort in mind, it features, high stud ceilings, handcrafted cedar woodwork, and some epic lighting design. The deck (which extends from the living space) is a top spot, with its German beer table from Munich—grab a cold one, crack it open and spend some time putting the world to rights.
Best Airbnbs In Wider Auckland City
Auckland
Te Kawa
Picture the scene. You enjoy a soak in the hot tub with your other half, before snuggling up with a glass of bubbles and a takeaway in front of the fire inside your own fairy light-lit glasshouse. If that doesn’t scream romantic Airbnb experience we don’t know what does. But you don’t even need to break the bank to enjoy this one. Te Kawa is its own little urban oasis in the heart of Auckland, and while it’s attached to the owner’s house by one single wall, it’s a haven of privacy.
Inside, you’ll find a gorgeously styled pad, with a queen bed, ensuite, work desk and a lovely balcony overlooking a lush, tropical garden. You’ve got plush robes, eco slippers and Ashley & Co body care products to indulge in during your stay. As well as a 24-hour hot tub, you’ve got access to an outdoor heated shower beneath the palm trees, and there’s books, board games and an art kit for you to use too.
Piha | Sleeps 4
Piha Retreat
Grab a bottle of New Zealand's finest because this pad just calls for a late afternoon sesh on the deck. Here, you can easily laze away a few hours while enjoying an epic view of Lion Rock. Inside, expect a cosy, beautifully-designed Airbnb with wooden floors and pops of colour. Crank up the indoor fireplace in the cooler months or head to the tempting outdoor bath for a long soak among the trees.
Feeling energetic? There are seven acres of tracks close by to wander, and there's a waterfall to explore. Plus, you're under an hour's drive from Auckland so getting here's a breeze.
Auckland | Sleeps 2
Stellar Glamping
A cosy Auckland stay in a golden dome sound intriguing? At Stellar Glamping there’s no need to wrestle with muddy tents and camping chairs—by booking the Amour suite at this Airbnb you’ll be opting for a one-of-a-kind holiday that your other half will love. Your circular home on the outskirts of Auckland is wonderfully styled inside, with a French iron chandelier, handmade dark green art wallcovering, vintage suede sofa and a giant hemispherical glass tinted window that looks out to the surrounding scenery.
Pad out to your own private bathroom, located just steps from the front door of your dome, or head to the outdoor kitchen that’s shared with another dome on site, but cleverly designed so you have your own space. Breakfast is already sorted for you, thanks to a complimentary package of four fresh eggs, a loaf of bread, and a bottle of milk. If you want to amp up the luxe factor, you can choose to upgrade the breakfast package and add extras like a marshmallow toasting kit or decoration package for a special occasion. Just ask.
Freeman's Bay | Sleeps 2
Lovely Villa In Freemans Bay
Searching for a budget stay? At this bright and beezy villa in Freeman’s Bay you’ll start each day with a delicious homemade breakfast provided by your hosts and then the day is ripe for exploring.
Situated close to Ponsonby Road and Auckland CBD it’s easy to get amongst the surrounding neighbourhoods, with easy access to ferries to Waiheke Island and Devonport if you’re up for an adventure slightly further afield. And if you’re after a little insider knowledge, your Airbnb hosts are more than happy to assist.
Auckland | Sleeps 2
Kauri Forest Chalet
Fancy a bush escape just 18km from Auckland CBD? Kauri Forest Chalet gives charming treehouse vibes, all while being within driving distance of the bright lights. Your romantic Airbnb has wooden beams, and a super comfy bed from which you can look out to the towering Kauri trees beyond.
Pack those sneakers because you're just a short drive from the epic black sands of Karekare Beach. Back at base, we recommend heading to the deck and enjoying a cold one while you take in all that nature.
Grey Lynn | Sleeps 4
Repurposed Mechanics Workshop
Location, location, location. This unique Airbnb near Auckland's Ponsonby Road used to be a mechanic's workshop—but now it's a super cute home with its own covered terrace and private garden.
It's a separate wing of a house and when you book you get the whole thing—your own lounge, two huge double bedrooms, a bathroom and of course that fabulous outdoor space. Pour yourself a cuppa and sit out there for a bit before heading to the city to explore. There's a heap of good eateries in the area so you won't be going hungry, plus the peeps that own this place can set you up with a light brekkie for a small additional fee.
Best Airbnbs On The North Shore
Auckland | Sleeps 6
Mid-Century Urban Oasis
Sauna? Check. Ice bath? Check. Leafy outlook? Yep that too! This architecturally-designed Airbnb is tucked away at Northcote Point, just seven minutes from Auckland CBD, and boy does it deliver. Your three-bedroom home is close to a cafe, pub and parks, and yet you’re surrounded by a heap of native trees, with a lovely view to Little Shoal Bay.
Get the nominated chef to fire up the barbecue on the outdoor deck while you head to the outdoor rock sauna for a cheeky pamper sesh. There’s that commercial-grade ice bath for a revitalising plunge afterwards, and then we reckon sitting back with a good book on the squishy couch in the garden might be just the thing
Coatesville | Sleeps 4
Rural Luxury
Your very own country pad, just 20 minutes' drive from Auckland CBD. Oh yes! This two-bedroom villa ticks a lot of boxes. First up, it's adorbs—with its white weatherboard exterior, wrought-iron detailing and a lovely front verandah to take a load off with a cuppa.
The backyard is even better, with its countryside views and an even bigger deck where you can sit in charming wicker chairs. If you're not here drinking in that view, we reckon you'll be checking out the great restaurants and cafes just minutes from your Airbnb.
Milford | Sleeps 2
By The Lake
Situated at the entrance to Lake Pupuke, this Auckland pad is a simple stroll from the water and the beach. Your private room and bathroom sits at the rear of the owner's home, but this place has something a bit spesh up its sleeve—access to the swimming pool from November to March, plus a tempting sauna for full on pampering.
The heart of Takapuna is just a 20-minute toddle away, and the bus stops at the start of the street whisk you to the city or beyond. Back at your Airbnb you might even get a wee fluffy visitor—the host’s inquisitive, friendly cats Ollie and Lucie. Adorable!
Best Airbnbs In Devonport
Auckland | Sleeps 4
The Devonport Retreat
Tempted by the thought of a waterfront picnic involving a cheeky vino and some enticing views of Rangitoto Island? Yep, us too. And at the Devonport Retreat you can make it happen. Your two-bedroom Airbnb is just a minute’s stroll from Cheltenham beach, and there’s a handy common area at the front of the block where you lay a rug down and get that cheese plate out.
Inside your place, expect a Scandi vibe with wooden floors and a sun-filled living space. Not that you’ll be staying in much with all of Auckland to explore and cafes down the road for that early morning coffee fix.
Devonport | Sleeps 2
Waterfront Victorian Villa
They had us at "room in a stunning Victorian villa". This Auckland Airbnb dates back to 1906 and occupies a top spot close to beaches, cafes and restaurants. Toddle the two minutes to the ferry terminal and you'll be in the city in just 11 short minutes where all the fun stuff awaits.
After all that urban action, you can give your muscles a soak in the clawfoot bath back at your pad. Plus the garden here has serious resort vibes, with its own swimming pool for late arvo laps.
Best Airbnbs In Auckland With A Pool
Riverhead | Sleeps 2
Summer House
Set on an equestrian lifestyle property this ridiculously gorgeous guest house has major Bachelorette fantasy date vibes and we’re living for it.
The indoor styling at your Auckland Airnnb is immaculate with polished wooden floors, plus there’s an enormous pool, a hammock to chill out in and a cosy outdoor fireplace that just screams s’mores. If you get sick of that (will you though?) a short walk will take you to Riverhead Forest.
Northcote | Sleeps 4
Resort Style Living
This Auckland stay doesn’t just have a pool (and one that lights up at night for full on neon fun), there’s also hot outdoor spa with some seriously good harbour views, a children’s playground and not one, but two, trampolines for keeping the small peeps happy. Phew!
Fire up the barbie and head to the outdoor table for a meal to remember, or you could just slack off the cooking and go to one of the many restaurants within an easy ten-minute drive. Travelling with a bigger crew? The peeps that own this place have another two adjoining rooms upstairs that sleep up to seven (just ask them about it).
Grey Lynn | Sleeps 9
Inner City Sanctuary
Need somewhere big enough to fit the whole gang? This spacious, light-filled home overlooking Grey Lynn Park has enough pool for everyone, and it’s heated. Help yourself to the veggie garden and fruit trees, and delight in being a temporary carer of a lounge-dwelling turtle called Feisty who appreciates a feed.
When you're not chilling out at this awesome Auckland Airbnb, we bet you'll be taking the ten-minute wander to the restuaurants, bars and boutiques on buzzing Ponsonby Road.
Best Airbnbs In East Auckland
Whitford | Sleeps 5
A Bit Of Heaven On Earth
This farm stay-style getaway sits on a four-acre block in Whitford, East Auckland. You might just be 30 minutes' drive from Auckland CBD here, but book a stay and you'll get fluffy sheep and alpacas, green paddocks and plenty of chill time.
This Airbnb is in the top one per cent of homes, based on ratings, reviews and reliability (and guests give the owner's dog Fido a special mention). Plus your pad has a pool, so after a hard morning's shopping in the city you can dive right in before taking a nosey at the adorable on-site gift shop.
East Auckland | Sleeps 5
City Beach Retreat
Travel back to the 1970s with a stay in this charming home entirely made from interlocking timber. This place gives peak cabin vibes, and the star of the show is the open-plan living space that opens up onto a balcony with beautiful water views.
This East Auckland Airbnb has so much more to explore though. Step outside and follow the path to the pool (available to guests between November to April), or throw on your sneakers and head off for a invigorating coastal walk. (If that's not enough, there's paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing on your doorstep too).
Main image credit: Airbnb
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