We all live in a yellow submarine, as The Beatles once sang, and there’s an Airbnb in New Zealand that took those lyrics to heart. Forged from yellow metal with room for up to four guests, the stationary vessel is perched amongst the trees in the heart of Marton. It’s also one of the many glorious accommodations in NZ, a country of genuinely epic landmarks and landscapes. And if a yellow submarine isn’t quite what you’re looking for, fret not, because we also included plenty of luxurious getaways and nature-based retreats on our list of the best Airbnbs. Book one now to make the most of your next magical mystery tour.
Best Airbnb Properties in New Zealand at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best Airbnb in NZ Overall: Heavenly Escape in Wyuna Bay
- For Ski Trips: Redrock Hut in Ohakune
- For Beach Trips: Drift by the Bay – New Designer Oneroa House in Oneroa
- For the Views: Luxury Glamping Tent with Hot Tub in Waitomo
- For a Unique Stay: Fairytale Treehouse in Whangarei
- For Wine-Lovers: Charming Vineyard Cottage in Grovetown
Now you’ve read our top picks, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of contents
- Best Airbnb Properties in New Zealand at a Glance
- North Island
- 1. Luxury Glamping Tent with Hot Tub in Waitomo
- 2. Redrock Hut in Ohakune
- 3. Yellow Submarine in Marton
- 4. Drift by the Bay – New Designer Oneroa House in Oneroa
- 5. Gorgeous Garden Cottage in Greytown
- 6. The Kinloch Retreat in Kinloch
- 7. Eco-Escape: Self-Contained Off-Grid Tiny-Home in Korito
- 8. The Treehouse in Korito
- 9. Fairytale Treehouse in Whangarei
- South Island
- How We Chose These Airbnbs
North Island
1. Luxury Glamping Tent with Hot Tub in Waitomo
Price per night: from approx. $1,000 AUD
Waitomo is primarily known for its topographic beauty, starry night skies, and vast underground caves on the North Island of New Zealand. We can think of no better place to get your glamp on, and this award-winning Airbnb abides. A massive Pōhutukawa tent features luxury bedrooms, a hot tub, a fire pit, 3540 square meters of outdoor space, and breathtaking views in every direction. One guest described it as “absolutely magical”, whilst another noted the “incredibly scenic views.”
Guests: up to 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Accessibility: Free parking on premises, single-level home
Current rating: 4.98
2. Redrock Hut in Ohakune
Price per night: from approx. $250 (2-night minimum stay)
Do you love skiing, hiking, and other mountain-based activities? Then you’ll love Redrock Hut in Snowmass Village, a short walk from Ohakune Town Centre and Carrot Adventure Park and a short drive from two popular ski fields. Replete with open spaces and a rustic vibe, the fully furnished Airbnb has “oasis” written all over it. Call it the perfect place to relax and sip wine after a long day on the slopes. “Awesome architecture, beautiful design, clean and spacious,” wrote one guest in his 5-star review.
Guests: up to 7
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Accessibility: free parking on premises, single-level home
Current rating: 4.93
3. Yellow Submarine in Marton
Price per night: from approx. $220
Whilst not the swankiest Airbnb, the Yellow Submarine is undoubtedly one of the most unique stays in all of New Zealand. It takes inspiration from the eponymous Beatles song/album/film and everything from WWII U-boats to classic steampunk fiction. Within this surprisingly roomy vessel, one can live out their childhood fantasies or crash in comfort after exploring Marton and its assortment of trails, farms, lakes, and landscapes. “Quirky” is the operative word here and appears repeatedly across numerous guest reviews.
Guests: up to 4
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on premises
Current rating: 4.92
4. Drift by the Bay – New Designer Oneroa House in Oneroa
Price per night: from approx. $500 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
Recently built with an open floor plan and all kinds of modern flourishes, this top-rated Airbnb is a stone’s throw away from Blackpool Beach and within walking distance to Oneroa Village (and Beach). It’s located on Waiheke Island, a popular destination due to its stunning beaches and acclaimed vineyards. The interior comes fully loaded with quality linens, a designer kitchen, a large smart TV, and other amenities, whilst the outside features two spacious decks, a courtyard, a lush lawn, a BBQ, an outdoor shower, a dining table, and more. A kayak and various beach essentials (towels, etc) are also included for water-based adventures. It currently boasts 5-star reviews across the board, with guests highlighting everything from the clean decor to ample privacy to the uber-communicative hosts to the glorious location. Bring in some more of those ecstatic reviews and we just might have to dub this the best Airbnb in NZ overall. Drift, indeed.
Guests: up to 8
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on premises
Current rating: 5
5. Gorgeous Garden Cottage in Greytown
Price per night: from approx. $230 AUD
Fun fact: NZ’s indigenous Māori refer to Greytown as Te Hūpēnui, which translates to “the big snot.” However, don’t let that stop you from visiting the charming town, as it was officially named New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town in 2017. When you do, book a stay at this similarly bucolic Airbnb, Kew Cottage. It cultivates a harmonious flow between the indoor and outdoor space and makes for an ideal getaway. Thanks to a central location, you’re just a brief walk away from the heart of downtown and its smattering of cafes, shops, and other attractions. Various 5-star reviews describe the cottage and its adjoining garden as “beautiful.”
Guests: up to 4
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: free street parking
Current rating: 4.97
6. The Kinloch Retreat in Kinloch
Price per night: from approx. $490 AUD
You’re just a three-minute walk from Lake Taupō when you crash at this brand new Airbnb, designed by award-winning Architects Design group Stapleton Elliott. The home’s modern layout will make you feel like a millionaire (presuming you aren’t one already), while the surrounding area offers no shortage of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. This one is quickly becoming a guest favourite, so book a stay and expect a “beautifully designed house” and “gorgeous views,” amongst other things.
Guests: up to 10
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Accessibility: Guest entrance and parking spot on premises
Current rating: 5
7. Eco-Escape: Self-Contained Off-Grid Tiny-Home in Korito
Price per night: from approx. $210 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
Most travellers visit New Zealand to connect with the outdoors, making this off-grid tiny home an ideal place to stay. Located at the base of mighty Mt. Taranaki, it’s also close to the beach, various bike trails, and the heart of town. True to form, it uses solar panels and hydro turbines to power the WiFi, TV, washing machine, hot tub, and other amenities. Of course, nature does most of the talking, especially those epic mountain views. The price is right, and demand is high so don’t hesitate to reserve this one before someone else nabs your booking. Your eco-escape awaits.
Guests: up to 4
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on the premises
Current rating: 4.97
8. The Treehouse in Korito
Price per night: from approx. $220 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
Named Small Home of the Year in 2022, this multi-level Airbnb runs on sustainable energy and holds court at the base of Mt. Taranaki. Climb the repurposed spiral staircase as you migrate between levels and then descend the built-in slide to reach the ground (or, you know, retake the stairs). This is like your inner child’s fantasy becoming your adult reality and, thus, your next dream vacation. It’s also one of the best Airbnbs in New Zealand, with proximity to the mountain, a lake, farmland, hiking trails, gardens, and other outdoor attractions. “When art, science, and architecture combine perfectly, the result is the magic of the Treehouse,” wrote one guest in their review. And before you ask, yes, there’s WiFi (and a private hot tub, too).
Guests: up to 3
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on the premises
Current rating: 4.97
9. Fairytale Treehouse in Whangarei
Price per night: from approx. $300 AUD
What’s a trip to New Zealand if not a chance to live out your wildest Lord of the Rings fantasies? This popular tree house brings the fairytale to life with the utmost privacy. While away the time on a secluded 28-acre property, you can then head into the nearby city of Whangarei – home to its own assortment of scenic landmarks – for further adventures of the unforgettable variety. The word “magical” appears across numerous 5-star reviews.
Guests: up to 2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on premises
Current rating: 4.97
South Island
10. Fallow Ridge Retreat in Waikouaiti
Price per night: from approx. $570 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
For the ultimate getaway – or “get away” – look no further than Fallow Ridge Retreat and its uber-remote location. Planted on acres of open farmland about an hour north of Dunedin, the luxurious Airbnb is surrounded by endless natural beauty. We can only imagine how the sky looks at night or how peaceful and quiet everything seems at all hours. The house was constructed with these themes in mind—so goes the tasteful design and the entire side that opens seamlessly toward the outdoors. One recent guest wrote that the Airbnb “really makes you feel like you’re in another world.” Oh, and did we mention the hot tub?
Guests: up to 2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on premises
Current rating: 5
11. The Billiards Room in Queenstown
Price per night: from approx. $500 AUD (3-night minimum stay)
A retired builder constructed this modern home around the billiards room, hence the name. Sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range are part of the package, and so are spacious, well-designed interiors. The centre of Queenstown is just a 10-minute drive away, but you might find yourself staying with so many guests before you, plenty of whom cite the “stunning” views. With room for up to 10 people, this is the perfect booking for a group of close mates—just be sure to clean up after yourself, will you?
Guests: up to 10
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Accessibility: guest entrance and parking spot on premises
Current rating: 4.95
12. Heavenly Escape in Wyuna Bay
Price per night: from approx. $1800 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
With a name like Heavenly Escape, this award-winning Airbnb indeed has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, it delivers on the lofty promise of a tranquil hilltop domain flanked by transcendent beauty. Enjoy stunning views of Long Bay and the Coromandel Harbour, stroll to the nearest beach, or head into the garage to discover a makeshift entertainment space with a projector set-up and room-scale VR. “Everything was beyond perfect,” wrote one guest in their 5-star review. The price of admission is pretty substantial but you get what you pay for, as this is easily one of the best Airbnbs in NZ. Welcome to heaven.
Guests: up to 9
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4.5
Accessibility: Free parking on premises
Current rating: 4.98
13. Charming Vineyard Cottage in Grovetown
Price per night: from approx. $460 AUD (3-night minimum stay)
You never fulfilled your dream of owning a vineyard, so here’s the next best thing. A sanctuary in every sense, this picturesque cottage is surrounded by 100 acres of vineyard and located just minutes from wine country. Mountain views? Check. Lush gardens? Check. Complimentary breakfast with fresh-baked bread and other goodies? Check. A bottle of locally-produced wine waiting for you upon arrival? Check. Your freaking swimming pool?! Check. This is as good as it gets, people, hence all the 5-star reviews.
Guests: up to 6
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Accessibility: guest entrance and parking spot
Current rating: 5
14. Queenstown Vineyard Estate in Gibbston
Price per night: from approx. $780 AUD (2-night minimum stay)
One look at this luxurious Airbnb in the Otago region on South Island, and you’ll be booking your next ticket to New Zealand. Situated on an 11-acre vineyard with lake and mountain views, it’s remote and just 30 minutes away from Queenstown. Call it the best of both worlds as you take to the region’s beaches, wineries, mountains, and lakes daily and then return to this sprawling estate for a soak in the hot tub and a glass of delicious vino by night. Many of the guests who stayed there were as impressed by the home’s interior as by its beautiful landscapes. Here’s to the good life!
Guests: up to 10
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5.5
Accessibility: guest entrance and parking spot
Current rating: 4.97
15. ‘Adelaide’s Barn’ at Woodside Heritage Homestead in Tuamarina
Price per night: from approx. $320 (2-night minimum stay)
One of the oldest properties in the world-famous Marlborough region – known for its vineyards and gardens – also features one of New Zealand’s best Airbnbs. Dubbed Adelaide’s Barn, this romantic cottage on the historic Woodside Heritage Homestead is your immediate gateway to seven sprawling acres of gardens, orchards, and park-like grounds. The house is no less rewarding, with vaulted ceilings, a cosy queen bed, a private courtyard, and more. Throw in a complimentary breakfast, and you might forget to leave the property altogether. Several satisfied guests cited the dreamy location and its proximity to local wineries, with one calling it “a must-stay if travelling (or staying) in Marlborough.”
Guests: up to 2
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Accessibility: Free parking on the premises
Current rating: 5
How We Chose These Airbnbs
Our list of the best Airbnb’s in New Zealand was compiled using data provided by Airbnb NZ on some of the country’s top-rated properties and our experience in visiting the locations and Airbnb properties in New Zealand. It also drew upon the expert curation of our journalists, who have decades of experience writing on travel, accommodation, and destinations in New Zealand, Australia, and worldwide.
