It's no secret that Aotearoa New Zealand has some bucket list locations to visit, and with incredible natural beauty, world-class dining and drinking, and heart-pumping action activities come top-notch places to rest your head.
From rolling valleys to dense native forests and cliffs overlooking black sand beaches, we've found the best Airbnbs in New Zealand's North Island and South Island that you can book for a getaway, including this bach right on the water's edge and this secluded hideaway. Here's the official Urban List pick of the best Airbnbs in New Zealand.
The Best Airbnbs In NZ: The North Island
The Black Yurt
Ōakura | Sleeps 4
Image credit: The Black Yurt | Airbnb
Welcome to your very own roundhouse tucked away among trees on a spacious deck, just footsteps from a surf beach, cafes and restaurants in Ōakura in New Zealand’s North Island. Your dome away from home is a stay with a difference, as its epicentre can be opened and the windows rolled up for fantastic indoor/outdoor flow. Inside your yurt, you’ll find a king bed, lounge space and kitchenette, while your toilet is housed in its own little building outside. Take an outdoor bath while the snags sizzle on the barbecue or head to your own private fire pit and soak in the serenity while sampling a local drop in a seriously top spot.
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Waitakere Bird's Nest
Auckland | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Waitakere Bird's Nest | Airbnb
You get three places for the price of one at this former New Zealand chicken farm at the foot of the heritage-protected Waitākere Ranges. The Roost is your home for the duration of your stay, a cosy two-bed cottage with an open living and dining space, kitchen, bathroom, deck, open courtyard, and outdoor bath. But meander outside and you’ll find two more spots just waiting to be explored. The Nest—the farm's former feed tower— is now a tempting snug up high which offers 360-degree views of the foothills and a top spot in which to laze with a cheeky glass of vino. You’ve also got The Incubator—another space, featuring egg chairs (naturally) where you might like to cocoon yourself with a good book.
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Te Kouma Heights Glamping
Manaia | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Te Kouma Heights Glamping | Airbnb
Voted a best Airbnb nature stay finalist in 2024, this luxurious safari tent experience is not to be missed. A top spot—which frankly feels less tent and more tiny home—is fully equipped with a king size bed, solar power, wood-burning stove and a full kitchen for whipping up a feast. Couples can splash out with a soak in the twin outdoor claw foot baths, glass of champers nearby, while enjoying the views of Coromandel Harbour. Or perhaps you’ll prefer to get the snacks sizzling on the outdoor brazier while the sun sets. A 4x4 vehicle is available for self-driving on the farm, or the thoughtful peeps that own this place can drop you off and pick you up instead.
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Cloud 9
Russell, Northland | Sleeps 6
Image credit: Cloud 9 | Airbnb Luxury Retreats
Round up the crew for this incredible stay overlooking the Bay of Oneroa. You're going to want to chill out on the deck (which wraps around most of the property and has stunning views from all angles), take regular dips in the pool (or hot tub, if it's getting chilly), and poke down to the beach a half-mile away, or explore the action in Russell if you can bear to tear yourself away from Cloud 9 for just a moment. No wonder this is one of the best Airbnbs in New Zealand.
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Waihi Beach Chalet
Waihi Beach, Bay Of Plenty | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Waihi Beach Chalet | Airbnb
Plan a luxe beach escape at this stunning home nestled in the native bush. Just five minutes from the beach, you'll have an acre of gorgeous garden to explore, before heading back to freshen up in the outdoor bath and shower (or the modern indoor ones, if you're feeling conventional).
Soak up some NZ sun on the verandah, enjoy a snack at the bar overlooking the valley, and take a deep breath of fresh coastal air—the Waihi Beach Chalet is pretty close to our idea of heaven.
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Studio Seventy Four
Wellington | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Studio Seventy Four | Airbnb
This architecturally designed studio is big on good looks, taking out the Best Designed Stay in the New Zealand Airbnb Host Awards in 2021.
Studio Seventy Four is set on the ridge overlooking Wellington, with 360-degree views, loads of space to relax on the deck or lawn, and gorgeous modern interiors. After a long day of exploring Wellington, you'll want to run the outdoor bathtub for a good long soak.
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Seafield View
Napier, Hawke's Bay | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Seafield View | Airbnb
A gorgeous modern property overlooking the Bay View village (ten minutes from Napier), Seafield View is the perfect New Zealand home away from home for your next Hawke's Bay getaway.
The balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfast pack, which includes fresh bread, milk, yoghurt, preserved fruit, muesli and condiments. Come sunset you might like to soak away in the outdoor tub with views over the fields. You can hire e-bikes to explore the local area and wineries or hit the Hawke's Bay cycle trails.
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Piha Retreat
Piha Beach, Auckland | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Piha Retreat | Airbnb
With stunning views down to Lion Rock, part of the Waitakere Ranges, this is one property that every Kiwi needs to visit at least once. After a day of exploring the seven-acre property—there are tracks and a waterfall to explore plus plenty of wildlife visitors—you can light up the fireplace or enjoy a soak in the outdoor bath.
While the Piha Retreat is a quick drive from the middle of Auckland and a 15-minute dash from Titirangi, you'll be feeling a world away once you're immersed in the protected ancient forest on the property.
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You might also like:
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The Off-Grid Treehouse
Korito, Taranaki | Sleeps 3
Image credit: The Off-Grid Treehouse | Airbnb
Remember when you were a kid and you were desperate to sleep a night in your cubby house? This insane Airbnb is just that feeling... but grown-up. The wood-panelled Treehouse is immersed in nature and has a repurposed spiral staircase, swings, and even a slide—goals.
The property is home to a lake with kayaks, farm animals, glow worms, gardens and walkways so there's loads to explore but, really, something tells us you'd have just as much fun staying in.
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Yellow Submarine
Marton | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Yellow Submarine | Airbnb
If you’ve always wanted to be able to sing “We all live in a Yellow Submarine” and actually mean it, the time has come. Set in a forest, the yellow sub may look small from the outside but it’s packed full of atmosphere—venture inside and you’ll discover a Victorian steampunk lounge and galley, a control bridge, U Boat sleeping quarters and a Beatles-themed bathroom.
We reckon this is one of the best Airbnbs in New Zealand not least because of a commitment to providing you with an authentic experience—there’s no WiFi here (of course, there isn’t at the bottom of the sea)—and we don’t think you’ll mind in the slightest.
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Treehouse In The Woods
Raglan, Waikato | Sleeps 3
Image credit: Treehouse In The Woods | Airbnb
A super romantic getaway in the woods of a 35-acre property, the Treehouse In The Woods boasts views of pastures, native bush and the ocean—what a trifecta.
Cuddle up in the loft bedroom or cosy living room in the winter months, or lounge about on the large deck, with breathtaking views, an outdoor bathtub and a barbecue. Get the walking shoes on for a four-kilometre wander down to the breathtaking beauty of Whale Bay.
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The Nest
Pihama, Taranaki | Sleeps 2
Image credit: The Nest | Airbnb
If there's a more breathtaking Airbnb location in the world... we don't want to know about it. The Nest is an off-grid sanctuary perched on a cliff overlooking the Tasman Sea, with incredible views, an outdoor bath for taking it all in, and modern interiors that let the unparalleled location remain the main event.
Explore the surrounding coves and inlets, forage and feast by fire on the beach, or spend all day taking it in from your perch.
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Akatea Hill
Raglan, Waikato | Sleeps 5
Image credit: Akatea Hill | Airbnb
Swathed in native bush from all angles, the handcrafted Akatea Hill cabin has views of the rolling farmland and a peep of Mt. Karioi, with plenty of tui, piwakawaka, and kereru visitors to keep you entertained.
This tranquil getaway has big fairy cabin vibes with its wood panelling, rustic and hand-made finishings, and plenty of cosy spots to soak in the magic of the forest.
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Koa Cabin
Hahei, Waikato | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Koa Cabin | Airbnb
Chill out on the Hahei hillside at the Koa Cabin, which offers easy access to the best of the Coromandel while being super private and quiet.
The lovely indoor/outdoor design of the cabin is completed with sea views from every room and a relaxing outdoor bathtub on the semi-enclosed patio, and while you're surrounded by peaceful nature, you're also super close to the iconic seaside town.
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The Best Airbnbs In NZ: The South Island
Kererū Retreat
Pudding Hill, Canterbury | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Kererū Retreat | Airbnb Stephen Goodenough
The handcrafted Kererū Retreat is surrounded by native trees on a gorgeous working farm just an hour from Christchurch. Even though relaxation is the main goal at this New Zealand tiny home, there's loads to do in the area including bushwalks in the Te Awa Awa Rata Reserve, the Mt Hutt Bike Park and Mt Hutt Ski Area only two kilometres away, and the Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa down the road in Methven.
The off-grid cabin runs off solar and has a wood-burning fire for keeping cosy and an elevated queen bed that you'll want to laze the day away from.
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Skylark Cabin
Twizel, Canterbury | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Skylark Cabin | Airbnb
If you're journeying between Christchurch and Queenstown, this show-stopping architectural cabin is a must-visit for a night or two.
One of the best Airbnbs in NZ and nestled in the backcountry of Ben Ohau, Skylark Cabin is surrounded by mountain ranges and offers a luxury stay to experience the rugged beauty of the area. Borrow the bikes to explore the area, soak in the outdoor tub under the stars, or get cosy by the log fire.
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The Kakanui Cube
Kakanui, Otago | Sleeps 4
Image credit: The Kakanui Cube | Airbnb
Right across the road from the ocean, The Cube is the perfect base to relax while enjoying the views and nearby Campbell's Day and All Day Bay. Oamaru is ten or 12 minutes away, with great restaurants, cafes, and a farmers market on Sundays.
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Sunny Cottage With Water Views
Queenstown, Otago | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Sunny Cottage With Water Views | Airbnb
A perfect spot to stay in Queenstown all year round, Sunny Cottage With Water Views is all about soaking in the natural beauty of the lake and mountains. While summertime will see you spending all day out on the deck soaking up the sun, winter lets you snuggle up inside with a local pinot after hitting the slopes nearby.
You can walk a few minutes to the beach for a swim, or walk along the waterfront trail for less than 10 minutes to the restaurants, spa and bars at the Hilton.
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Lake Hayes Suite
Lake Hayes, Otago | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Lake Hayes Suite | Airbnb
This luxe spot is the quintessential Otago stay, with views of Lake Hayes, the mountains and the Amisfield vineyard. Rug up by the fireplace at your Lake Hayes Suite, chill out in the hot tub, and duck in to the outstanding restaurants in nearby Arrowtown and Queenstown for some indulgence. Prepare your Insta for this one—it's seriously stunning.
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Woodpecker Bay Bach
Punakaiki, West Coast | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Woodpecker Bay Bach | Airbnb
It doesn't get more scenic than the Woodpecker Bay Bach which, quite literally, is on the ocean's edge. Kick back in the retro bathtub to the sound of the waves crashing outside, read by the fireplace, and prepare to spot locals including seals and penguins. If you're really wanting to feel like you're on the edge of the world, this is the New Zealand Airbnb for you.
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Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Stargazer's Luxury Retreat | Airbnb
With wide open views of the Milky Way (best caught from the outdoor bath), a king bed complete with a lake and mountain outlook and a sizable fireplace for getting cosy, Stargazer's Luxury Retreat is basically the ideal romantic getaway. There's a full kitchen so you could stay in the whole time, or you're just a few minutes' stroll from the local cafes and attractions.
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The Temple Cabin
Hopkins Valley | Sleeps 5
Image credit: The Temple Cabin | Airbnb
Love the great outdoors? Prepare yourself for one heck of an adventure with a stay at The Temple Cabins at the head of Lake Ohau. You’re situated on a classic high country station in a special part of the New Zealand Alps here—with skiing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing on your doorstep and access to the adjoining National Park. Your pad is big enough to sleep five, thanks to its use of clever diving walls which provide privacy, although it should be thought of as a single open-plan living space. It’s beautifully styled, with timber walls and a cosy indoor fireplace for snuggling around and a special skylight for stargazing from in the loft.
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Beresford Heights
Puketiro | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Beresford Heights | Airbnb
This romantic off-grid stay in the heart of The Catlins, is one of the best spots to book in New Zealand, not least because it offers a heap of tempting extras. Established by third-generation cattle farmers, this tranquil escape allows guests to get up close and personal with farm life. If you’re feeling curious, take a farm tour and enjoy a working dog demonstration. Prefer to lie low? Treat yourself to a full body massage for an additional fee or lie back in the outdoor bath with your book. Continental breakfast is provided free of charge, and you can pay to order in a “Beresford Bundle”, full of local delicacies to throw on the barbecue come dinner time. They come with homemade salad, delivered right to your door.
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Eyeing up a cheeky holiday abroad? Check out:
- Dreamy Bali Airbnbs
- The Best Airbnbs In Fiji
- Top Airbnbs In Rarotonga And Aitutaki In The Cook Islands
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Main image credit: Cloud 9 | Airbnb Luxury Retreats
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