Local Escapes

12 Of The Best Beach House Airbnbs In NZ For Your Next Seaside Escape

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A gorgeous wooden table sits outside this peaceful Hokotika stay for outdoor, beachside dining

At Urban List, we believe there's a reason we all long for a beachside vacation when the day-to-day gets too stressful. It's pretty much the ultimate peaceful escape—feeling the ocean breeze, walking along sandy shores, and going for a dip while you bask in the afternoon sunshine.

We know that Aotearoa New Zealand boasts some seriously gorgeous beaches, so it stands to reason that some absolutely stunning Airbnbs sit right by the water. Whether you're headed to Northland, Waikato, The Bay Of Plenty, Taranaki, Wellington, Golden Bay, The West Coast or Canterbury, you're only a few clicks away from making your seaside holiday dreams come true.

The Best Beach House Airbnb In Northland

Mahinepua Magic

Kaeo, Northland | Sleeps 6 

The azure ocean sparkles right across from this beachfront stay in Northland
Image credit: Mahinepua Magic | Airbnb

Experience the magic of a luxury beachfront getaway at this gorgeous stay in Kaeo. Just tell us that epic coastline view isn't calling your name. 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. 

The Best Beach House Airbnbs In Waikato

Modern Retreat In Matarangi

Matarangi, Waikato | Sleeps 7

The beautiful sunny view from the dining room at this Waikato stay.
Image credit: Modern Retreat In Matarangi | Airbnb

This stunning modern beach house has one-of-a-kind sea views over the Matarangi Golf Course. With a spacious, sunny kitchen and living room, it's the perfect place for some much-needed quality time with friends and family. Get ready to unwind for real in this beautifully architectured home.

Magical Coromandel  

Tapu, Waikato | Sleeps 2 

The beach lies right outside the doors of this gorgeous Tapu Airbnb
Image credit: Magical Coromandel | Airbnb

Designed to help you escape the real world, this Coromandel beachfront retreat will help you get your rest and relaxation on big time. Situated right on the stunning waterfront, you'll experience sunsets, views of the ocean, and long coastal walks before retiring to this peaceful abode. Guaranteed, your IG stories have never looked better.

The Best Beach House Airbnb In The Bay Of Plenty

Retro Beachfront Chalet 

Ohope, Bay Of Plenty | Sleeps 4 

The secluded master bedroom is right across from the water at this Bay of Plenty stay.
Image credit: Retro Beachfront Chalet | Airbnb

This retro-style chalet is located on the beachfront of gorgeous Ohope Beach. Thanks to the open-plan living space, outdoor deck, and courtyard, it's a light and airy dream to stay in. With cosy comforts throughout the house, this unforgettable home will take you to cloud nine before you know it.

The Best Beach House Airbnb In Taranaki

Little Church Bay Cottage

New Plymouth, Taranaki | Sleeps 4

The beautiful windows in the living room open up to the sea in the Little Church Bay Cottage
Image credit: Little Church Bay Cottage | Airbnb

Newly constructed, the Little Church Bay Cottage boasts one of the most beautiful locations in Taranaki. Positioned right on the beachfront at East End Beach, this unique stay is a private and cosy romantic oasis. This under-the-radar wee stay is perfect for that long-overdue couple's getaway. 
 
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The Best Beach House Airbnb In Wellington

Luxury Seaview Suite

Porirua, Wellington | Sleeps 2

This spacious, modern home is right across the road from the beach in Porirua.Image credit: Luxury Seaview Suite | Airbnb

This stunning and serene suite enjoys an abundance of natural light from windows that'll grace you with coastal mountain views, so don't forget to pack a camera. Step out onto a stone and gravel patio, breathe in the crisp air, kick up your feet, and admire postcard sea views. Wish you were here!

The Best Beach House Airbnb In Golden Bay

Little Greenie Ecohouse

Wainui Bay, Golden Bay | Sleeps 2 

The Little Greenie Ecohouse looks like a stunning beachside escape in the hills across from Wainui Bay.
Image credit: Little Greenie Ecohouse | Airbnb

The idyllic Little Greenie Ecohouse is truly like no other. It's a well-designed escape with sustainability in mind—solar-powered and off-the-grid, this lush stay offers unbeatable views and total privacy. In short, it's the perfect retreat all year round—there's never been a better time to get amongst this bliss. 

The Best Beach House Airbnb On The West Coast

Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat

Hokitika, West Coast | Sleeps 6 

A gorgeous wooden table sits outside this peaceful Hokotika stay for outdoor, beachside dining Image credit: Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat | Airbnb

Nestled on the beach and flanked by the glorious Southern Alps, this stellar beachfront stay offers the unique experience of two natural delights at the same time. Talk about the best of both worlds. A guest favourite, recuperate and unwind sleeping in premium bed linen (an appreciated plus) and relaxing in the huge ozone spa pool, the sunset beach studio or by the cosy fire. Extra points for the superfast WiFi which makes remote work a doddle, plus pets are welcome.

The Best Beach House Airbnbs In Canterbury 

Lushingtons

Takamatua, Canterbury | Sleeps 8

Stunning 180 degree coastal views at Lushingtons, one of the best beach house airbnbs in Canterbury.Image credit: Lushingtons | Airbnb

One thing’s for certain—Lushingtons ain’t no bach… unless your definition of a bach includes elevated interior design spaces and a 180-degree glass wraparound view of Akaroa Harbour. Large enough to accommodate eight guests, this top-tier Airbnb features a wood-burning fireplace, pool table and chill space, full-functioning kitchen plus Nespresso machine, and an outdoor bath. 

Akaroa Coastal Cottage

Akaroa, Canterbury | Sleeps 2

Guests enjoy the outdoor hot tub at dusk.Image credit: Akaroa Coastal Cottage | Airbnb

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.

Waterfront Apartment

Akaroa, Canterbury | Sleeps 4 

The balcony of this Akaroa stay looks out over the tranquil waters
Image credit: Waterfront Apartment | Airbnb

A restored apartment situated in an 1830s colonial building, this unique beach house is located on the main street in beautiful Akaroa. Boasting the best views in the village, the spacious apartment is home to luxe amenities, a sunny lounge and French doors leading to a balcony overlooking the harbour. It's perfect for keeping you feeling rejuvenated as you experience all that Akaroa has to offer.

Beach Bungalow

Timaru, Canterbury | Sleeps 7  

Bright blue ocean and sky are the view from the outdoor dining space at this beach bungalow in Timaru
Image credit: Beach Bungalow | Airbnb

This stylishly renovated bungalow has the ocean right at its doorstep. What more could you want? A hidden gem that's conveniently located, it's just a stone's throw away from some seriously stunning ocean and coastal walking tracks. Scenic and relaxing, this stay is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.
 
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Main image credit: Drifting Sands Beachfront Retreat | Airbnb

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