Local Escapes

The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In New Zealand

By Alice Rich
1st May 2023

Ataahua penthouse in the south island is seen at dawn. This is one of the best fireplace airbnbs in New Zealand.

From tiny huts in the forest to a geodesic dome, a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa has an abundance of cosy winter escapes for a cheeky weekend away.

And to help you dive straight into those vacay vibes we’ve hand-picked a bunch of epic stays—from budget to boujee—with that all-important fireplace for keeping the winter chills away. 

Here are the best Airbnbs with fireplaces in The North Island And The South Island of New Zealand, including this boujee Queenstown penthouse.

The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In The North Island

Harewood Grange

Raglan, Waikato | 4 guests | 2 beds

A comfortable room with wooden beams, a cosy bed, art on the wall and a little kitchenette at Harewood Grange, one of the best airbnbs in NZ with a fireplace.

Linen lovers and star-gazers will rejoice in this exquisitely renovated barn on an 18-acre lifestyle block. Created from recycled, preloved and sustainable materials—the fireplace mantle is from a 120-year-old villa—you’re sure to love your stay at Harewood Grange.

Wander the grounds to your heart’s content (gumboots recommended), making your way up to the top paddock in time to see the sunset over Mount Kariori. This is the perfect place to rest after a day of living it up in Raglan township. 

River Belle Glamping 

Taranaki | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

A cosy geodesic dome is seen from the inside, bathed with light.

If you’ve always wanted to stay in a snow globe (except, warm) then River Belle Glamping’s geodesic dome is for you. Set on a working farm near the Mangaoraka River, a short drive from central New Plymouth, this is a romantic winter getaway like no other.

Amenities-wise, everything you need is provided from kitchen and bathroom to BBQ. Warm up in the outdoor bath, cook s’mores over the brazier or huddle up in the dome with its in-built fire and electric blankets. Cosy. 

Misty Mountain Hut 

Piha, Auckland | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

A bedroom looks out onto a deck with an outdoor fireplace.

Cosy up in this tiny Misty Mountain Hut surrounded by kauri and rimu forest. One for nature lovers, enjoy a soak in the outdoor bath then dry off around the outdoor fire, toasting s’mores under the stars.

Forage in the vegetable garden and, if you’re feeling like an explore, Piha and Karekare beaches are just a 10-minute drive away. If you’re looking for a peaceful stay amongst the trees, this could be the one. 

Ahu Ahu

Karekare, Auckland | 6 guests | 4 beds

Floor to ceiling windows look out onto lush greenery, one of the best airbnbs with fireplaces in New Zealand.

Wrap yourself in luxury at Ahu Ahu, a private retreat that’s a five-minute walk from Karekare Beach. Designed by award-winning New Zealand architect Andrew Patterson and chosen by Neil Finn and Crowded House as the setting for recording their Together Alone album, you’ll be living your best life at this boujee abode.

The Airbnb offers three spacious bedrooms, a shiny new kitchen, alfresco dining and entertaining areas, plus all the modern tech making for an utterly gorgeous stay. 

The Boot

Nelson | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

Two people enjoy a roaring fire at The Boot in Nelson, which has two open fireplaces.

In a nursery rhyme come to life, your next winter escape could be in a boot. Yes, you read correctly. Complete with a private courtyard and not one, but two, large open fireplaces (inside and outdoors) this is surely one of the cosiest Airbnbs around.

The Boot offers a luxurious bed, a shower built for two, and lots of homemade treats, with a local cafe a stone’s throw away for brunch, dining, platters and more. Set against a mountain backdrop, the 2.4-hectare property is yours to explore. 

Longforde Cottage

Greytown | 4 guests | 2 beds

The interior of the charming Longforde Cottage, one of the best airbnbs in NZ with a fireplace.

This charming self-contained cottage can be found at the end of one of the most beautiful streets in Greytown (an hour outside of Wellington). Styled with French doors, sash windows and old polished floors, Longforde Cottage is all about relaxed rural vibes.

Enjoy a complimentary loaf of local bakery bread, spreads and plunger coffee, and early risers could make use of the vintage-style cruiser bikes provided and pop along to The French Bakery for freshly-baked croissants. Delightful. 

The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In The South Island

Woodpecker Bay Bach 

Punakaiki, West Coast | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

A bathtub sits in the corner of a bach and, outside the window, the ocean laps.

For a thrilling stay, book into Woodpecker Bay Bach, a rustic studio-style Airbnb right next to the crashing ocean. With nature lapping at your doorstep you could spy seals, penguins and dolphins swimming by. Pass the time kayaking up the Pororari River, visiting the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or hiking in Paparoa National Park.

Fast Wi-Fi, Netflix and Bluetooth speakers bring a touch of modernity to this beachfront stay and in true bach style, access to the toilet via a short garden path. A portion of every booking is donated to the West Coast Penguin Trust. 

Totara Lodge

Mt Lyford, Canterbury | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

Totara Lodge is shown covered in snow from the outside with a sign pointing to it, one of the best airbnbs with fireplaces in NZ.

Live your log cabin fantasy in the cosy, ski chalet-reminiscent Totara Lodge. Surrounded by native bush, and with mountain views, adventure can take any form, from skiing and hiking to mountain biking and stargazing in the outdoor bathtub.

Care has been put into the interiors with everything you need from kitchen appliances and laundry facilities to board games, books, a Smart TV and, of course, a toasty fireplace. 

Red Cottages Staveley

Staveley, Canterbury | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

A cosy bedroom at Red Cottages showing vintage furnishings and a wood-burning fireplace.

Red Cottages Staveley comes with everything you’d expect of a stellar winter retreat—large fire, outdoor bathtubs and prime star-viewing—but it also comes with its own theatre in a converted woolshed, complete with comfy couches and cosy blankets.

Not to mention, the restored historical cottage includes a garden, covered deck and BBQ area. With views of Mount Somers, Mount Winterslow and Mount Hutt, and just 10 minutes from the Mount Hutt Ski Area access road you can marvel at the snowy peaks from afar or get amongst some seriously fun snowsports. 

High Country Cabin 

Ben Oahu, Canterbury | 5 guests | 1 bedroom

The gorgeous high country cabin is seen from the outside on an impossibly starry night. One of the best airbnbs with fireplaces in the south island.

Inspired by Backcountry huts, High Country Cabin is a gorgeous rustic-yet-stylish Airbnb in the heart of the Southern Alps. If you’re looking for a screen-free getaway you’ll be delighted to know that there’s no TV here—just you, a log burner, mountain ranges and the stars. Bliss.

Fair Trade Certified plunger coffee is provided, along with a kitchen and cooking basics. Feel free to wander the surrounding 10-acre property or a 15-minute drive will get you to Twizel where you can get amongst snow sports, tramping, mountain biking, hunting and fishing. 

Dunstan Cabin On A Hill

Bendigo, Otago | 2 guests | 1 bedroom

A cosy fireplace is shown at Dunstan Cabin On A hill in Bendigo.

Perched high on a rocky outcrop at the foothills of Dunstan Ranges, surrounded by vineyards, this tiny cabin offers panoramic views of Clutha Basin and dramatic alpine mountain ranges.

Dunstan Cabin On A Hill is equipped with an ensuite, sunken outdoor bathtub and, come nightfall, proves a perfect spot for gazing upon the Southern Lights, or into each other’s eyes. 

Cascade Creek

Table Mound, Otago | 6 guests | 2 bedrooms

Cascade Creek Retreat is seen from the outside with people relaxing on the deck.

Off-the-grid retreat Cascade Creek boasts twin outdoor bathtubs so you can live it up in luxury, side by side. Tucked away on a sheep and beef farm, this Airbnb enjoys an abundance of native bird life.

Spend the day exploring nearby walking tracks or curl up in front of the large, roaring fire. Breakfast is provided and the full kitchen will no doubt meet all your other cooking needs. 

Ataahua Penthouse

Queenstown, Otago | 8 guests | 4 bedrooms

A cosy bedroom and living area looks out over lake Wakatipu, one of the best airbnbs with fireplaces in New Zealand.

Fancy waking to a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables? Just 10 minutes from the airport and town centre Ataahua Penthouse makes for an idyllic winter retreat or boujee base after walking one of the nearby Great Walks.

Features include a gas fire, heat pump, panel heaters and electric blankets (a godsend for the chronically cold) as well as a fully equipped kitchen, free-standing bath, double garage and Netflix, and the owners can even sort you out with bits and pieces for tiny tots. 

Prefer to stave off winter with an escape to a tropical island? Get the lowdown on Airbnbs in Fiji and Airbnbs in The Cook Islands.

Image credit: Airbnb.

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