The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (2024)

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ByLindsey PulsPosted onUpdated on

Are you searching for the best and most unique Airbnb rentals in New Zealand? You’ve come to the right place! New Zealand has some absolutely incredible Airbnbs to stay in. From treehouses to castles to tiny homes (even Hobbit homes) and luxury glamping – there is a little something for everyone!

New Zealand is also a country you visit to see its incredible natural landscapes. I highly recommend booking at least one of your stays outside of its cities and really experiencing the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Side note: my one and only hotel horror story happened in Queenstown, New Zealand. So let’s just say after that, I’ll only be booking Airbnbs in Queenstown going forward!

I’d love to hear which is your favorite Airbnb in the comments at the end of the post. Enjoy!

*Disclosure: some of these links are affiliate links. Meaning, if you click a link and make a purchase, Have Clothes, Will Travel gets a very small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

North Island Airbnbs

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Ica view glamping – Whareama, Wellington, New Zealand

Guests looking to disconnect and have an authentic kiwi experience will find this rustic but cozy glamping space the perfect getaway. The property is situated on a hill overlooking the incredible Ica Valley.

Watch the sunset while sitting in the outdoor bath, unwind in the hammock, play board games, or have a chill barbecue out with friends and family.

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Beachfront retreat – Tapu, New Zealand

This beachfront property combines a beautiful setting with first-class accommodation. You’re welcomed to a terrific view of the beach at sunrise or sunset with modern amenities.

This includes a fully equipped kitchen and pantry, a spacious seaside bathroom, and a private romantic bedroom overlooking the ocean. With the soothing sounds of the sea, you can swim, go for long walks, or simply relax at the beach.

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The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (4)

Unique castle at Half Moon Bay – Auckland, New Zealand

A unique and modern take on a castle, this property works just as well for guests looking for a private experience either for a short or long-term stay. While the castle motif is fun, it doesn’t interfere with the amenities provided.

The castle has five bedrooms, two living rooms, three bathrooms, one dining room, a newly-renovated kitchen, and a fantastic glass-covered yard. It also has a swimming pool, spa, and barbecue area at each guest’s disposal.

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Waitomo Woodlyn Park Hobbit Homes – Waitomo, Waikato, New Zealand

Unfortunately, the Hobbit homes used in the making of “The Hobbit” series are completely empty inside. Don’t worry, though! If you want to experience staying in a Hobbit home while in New Zealand – look no further!

Created 2 years after the final Lord of the Rings film was released, these homes are bermed beneath a hill where sheep and a donkey wander for grazing. From the exterior, these units look like a perfect Hobbit Home (but are large enough inside for us humans).

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Luxury stay in Auckland, New Zealand

This luxury apartment boasts double balconies and mirrored finishes that reflect the light bouncing off the water, and the building itself sits on reclaimed land that’s now buzzing with restaurants and a theater. You can also easily walk to the ferry terminal for a dolphin-spotting tour or cross to the vineyards in Waiheke.

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Romantic Treehouse – Auckland, New Zealand

A beautiful private treehouse surrounded by mature Kauri trees and native birds; nothing but the forest is visible in every direction. The treehouse is made of unfinished rustic timbers, a metal roof, and glass.

It also comes fully equipped with appliances for guests’ daily needs along with a heated bath floor. Chill at the deck overlooking the bush or fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the birds and wind at night and wake up to the gentle crash of waves in the morning.

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Treehouse with ocean view – Raglan, New Zealand

A place to unplug and just enjoy the scenery, the treehouse sets a calm and quiet vibe throughout the guests’ stay with its spectacular view of the ocean and surrounding pines. The treehouse sits on a 35-acre property and guests are treated to amazing views of the pasture, native bush, and calming waters.

It features a fully equipped kitchen with sink and gas cooktop, clean bathroom with shower, a comfy built-in couch, and a queen-size futon bed in the upstairs loft with incredible views of the ocean.

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The Gallery – Puhoi, Auckland, New Zealand

Reclaim your inspiration at this one-time sculpture garden/art gallery turned luxury villa in Mahurangi West, 35-minutes from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Immerse yourself in the works of acclaimed bronze sculptor, Terry Stringer, while you live in the award-winning architecture of Pip Cheshire. Spend your days exploring nearby vineyards, nature reserves, and the beaches of New Zealand.

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Pod paradise/Tiny House with wood-fired Hot Tub – Hamurana, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand

This newly built Lithuanian-style pod is a slice of rural paradise and is well worth the guests’ stay. Its deck is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset or an active volcano (White Island).

Better yet, slowly unwind at night in the hot tub with a stunning view of the milky way. Inside, the pod is well insulated with comfortable beds and has a kitchenette with breakfast essentials.

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The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (12)

Mountviews glamping – Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand

This beautiful glamping site is located on 2 acres of landscaped gardens in the countryside of Acacia Bay, Taupo and is just minutes away from the popular Cafe L’Arte. Relax in a warm bed and take in the breathtaking views of the Taupo countryside. Guests are treated to a complimentary bottle of bubbles/wine on arrival, continental breakfast, use of swimming and spa pools, and free WiFi.

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The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (14)

Luxury glamping – Ngongotaha Valley, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand

Feel completely secluded, relax, and unwind in this 4000-acre of farm and bush. Get in the hot tub after a long day or fall asleep to the sounds of the creek surrounding the glamping site.

Amenities like candles, flashlights, firewood, fire starter, lighters, marshmallows, and so many other thoughtful touches are provided. Guests looking to experience upscale camping and want to be surrounded by all the lovely, peaceful sounds of nature will appreciate this getaway.

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Barn on lavender fields – Auckland, New Zealand

Breathe in the fragrant scent of lavender each morning in this unique getaway just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. Lavender Hill is a half-round barn surrounded by commercial lavender fields and olive groves that also offers quality accommodation.

All rooms are doubled-sized and have either a king bed or 2x single beds, each with an en-suite or adjacent bathroom. Enjoy the stunning views or just wander around the farm and browse through the small shop for hand-made lavender products.

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Cabin riverside retreat – Okoroire, Waikato, New Zealand

An eco-friendly cabin that lets guests wake up to stunning river views in the morning or simply just laze around in one of the hammocks enjoying the ambiance of the fire pit at night.

The cabin, with rough-hewn wood decoration, is just 15 minutes away from the Hobbiton movie set in Buckland road Matamata and is 10 minutes away from TeWaihou blue springs.

The entire place is solar powered but has solar lighting, gas water heating, fridge, USB charge points, and suspended king-size bed.

South Island Airbnbs

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Sleeping Barrel – Hira, Nelson, New Zealand

Have you ever slept in a sleeping barrel? This is a unique glamping experience situated on a 2-hectare permaculture lifestyle block!

The barrel has super comfy Ecosa memory foam mattresses, so you’ll wake up refreshed! Guests will not only be able to enjoy their cabins but also the many unique facilities on the property.

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Geodesic dome with a spectacular view! – Ben Lomond, Otago, New Zealand

Queenstown’s first and only geodesic dome just 25 minutes from the town center along a gravel farm track on an exclusive site. A truly unique accommodation for the adventurer who appreciates luxury.

The perfect spot for the best holiday pictures. Switch off to the outside world with no phone signal or wifi while taking advantage of the unlimited number of activities Queenstown has to offer within driving distance. (Hiking the Ben Lomond trail here is also breathtaking!!)

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Glamping honeymoon in Wanaka – Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand

This glamping site offers outstanding views of the night sky and total privacy while still having the modern amenities couples may need.

It’s set on a private farm surrounded by golden tussocks and pines and comes furnished with a comfortable bed, carpet, custom-made private bathroom with a hot shower, and barbecue facilities.

When not glamping, guests can go swimming, boating, kayaking, sunbathing or hiking in Wanaka–perfect for adventurous honeymooners!

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Rocky Point Hut – Pepin Island, Nelson, New Zealand

Situated on a cliff and nestled amongst native kanuka and coastal New Zealand bush is Rocky Point Hut.

This beautiful and private hut has a comfortable wood interior and incredible views. Spend your time relaxing and treat yourself in the hot outdoor bath with a panoramic view over the Abel Tasman ocean. The perfect setting for a romantic retreat!

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Pisa cabin on a hillside – Bendigo, Otago, New Zealand

This cozy cabin is perched on a rocky outcrop at the foothills of the Dunstan Ranges, overlooking the Clutha Basin and enclosed on all sides by the scenic alpine mountain ranges.

The cabin’s sliding doors open to a panoramic view of surrounding vineyards and greeneries, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the Southern Lights dancing on the horizon.

Guests can explore wineries, the lake, or go on skiing in Wanaka. The cabin sleeps two guests comfortably in a queen bed, with a full en-suite, kitchenette, wood burner, outdoor soaking tub and modern furnishings.

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Blue Riverview tiny house – Queensberry, Otago, New Zealand

The Blue Riverview is a luxury tiny house perched above a picturesque countryside overlooking the river and alpine views.

The big and sunny windows of the property offer a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, while its interior is spacious enough to include a bedroom, bathroom, and well-equipped kitchen.

The house is also a 20-minute drive from the popular lakeside towns of Wanaka or Cromwell.

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Pōhue PurePod – Port Levy, Canterbury, New Zealand

The PurePod is designed to ensure that the guests’ experience of nature is shown vividly, letting them utilize all of their senses while inside this luxury Airbnb day or night. The PurePod is mostly glass—from roof to floor making for an incredible and unique experience throughout your stay.

You’ll be treated to beautiful views of the historic Port Levy bay, rolling hills, and magnificent rocky outcrops. The PurePod is self-contained with cooking facilities, toilet, shower (all glass), crockery, games, and acres of privacy.

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“The Dacha” Contemporary villa overlooking mountains andlake – Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand

While a “dacha” is a small country home in Russia that has basic amenities and maybe a banya…. The Dacha in Wanaka, New Zealand is entirely on the opposite end of the spectrum! This villa has its very own private outdoor living areas with a swimming pool, hot tub and barbecue.

The villa also features a TV, Wi-Fi and fireplace, as well as hidden touches of luxury such as underfloor heating. Your holiday here includes a fruit bowl and fresh flowers upon arrival, plus pantry essentials like coffee and tea.

The villa’s main house has three bedrooms with king beds and en-suite bathrooms, and two bedrooms with two bunk beds each that share a bathroom. Guests can also opt to reserve The Banya, a pavilion with its own double bed, en-suite bathroom, living area and kitchenette.

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Ultimate luxury farm-stay – Prebbleton, Canterbury, New Zealand

Enjoy a hot spa under the stars, watch TV while relaxing in the fire-pit or better yet, cook dinner on the teppanyaki table. This luxury farm stay strikes the perfect balance between modern comfort and farm life.

Considered as New Zealand’s smartest home, the property features hidden TVs, motorized blinds, full light automation, and ultrafast WIFI. Those looking to disconnect can sit in one of the two tubs while watching the cattle graze, or crack a cold one by the in-ground fire-pit.

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Koromiko farm stay at Loch Sloy Farm Little River – Little River, Canterbury, New Zealand

Lochsloy is a small working farm with a 19th-century farmhouse that’s been renovated to provide modern amenities to guests wanting a unique experience.

While the house still retained some of its 19th-century vibe, it’s now built with a new kitchen, log burner and twin bathrooms (one with claw foot bath), hob and dishwasher, WiFi, and comfy bedrooms.

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Lanah Residence – Queenstown, New Zealand

Immerse yourself in luxury with this guest house’s hot spring bath and hot tub, all while enjoying stunning lake and mountain views from your private balcony.

You can also indulge in modern comforts like air-conditioned rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom with plush bathrobes. Plus, enjoy complimentary wine or champagne, fresh fruit, and decadent chocolates or cookies during your stay.

Unwind with yoga or fitness classes at the in-house gym, explore the area with bike or car rentals, and cozy up by the outdoor fireplace after a day of skiing or cycling. With attractions like the Skyline Gondola and Luge nearby, Lanah Residence is the perfect retreat in Queenstown.

Which of these Airbnbs is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Need a house sitter while you are gone?

I, personally, recommendTrustedHouseSittersif you need to find a housesitter/someone to watch your pets while you are away.

How TrustedHousesitters works is they connect home and pet owners with trustworthy, verified sitters who won’t charge to look after your pets, in exchange for a unique place to stay. They have sitters and homes all over the world!

It’s a fantastic way to find trustworthy people to watch your home and pets while you are away.(And on the flip side, it’s a cool way to stay in different areas of the country and world without having to pay for accommodation! I have a friend who literally didn’t own or rent a home for years, and only used TrustedHouseSitters to find the next spot she was going to stay.)

  • Read next: DON’T Stay Here if You’re Going to New Zealand! Hotel Horror Story
  • Read next:Skydiving at 15,000 Feet in Queenstown, New Zealand!
  • Read next:My Journey to Hobbiton – A New Zealand Must-Do
  • Read next:Bungy Jumping in New Zealand at the World’s 1st Bungy Jump Bridge
The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (29)

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The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (30)

Lindsey Puls

Hi! I’m Lindsey, the voice behind Have Clothes, Will Travel. I’m an online shopping aficionado from a small town in Wisconsin who has also lived in Russia, Argentina, Japan & Australia.

The Coolest Airbnb Rentals in New Zealand for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best place to buy an Airbnb in New Zealand? ›

Best Place to Buy a Rental Property in NZ: Top STR Markets
LocationAirbnb ListingsOccupancy Rate
Queenstown1,46083%
Wellington72094%
Auckland2,29295%
Nelson36595%
10 more rows
Nov 10, 2023

Is Airbnb worth it in NZ? ›

Airbnb in New Zealand by the numbers:

Guest figures have more than doubled in the past year from 690,000 to 1.46m. Generating $55m in the last year - $22m of this was spent in Auckland and $17m in Queenstown-Lakes District. The typical New Zealand Airbnb host earns NZD$80 per week or NZD$4,200 a year in income.

How do I find my most unique Airbnb? ›

You can also use Airbnb Categories to filter by unique listings. Choose from categories like lighthouses, cabins, or boats. Note: Currently, sorting is not an Airbnb search feature, but you can filter by price to find places that fit a certain price range.

Where is the highest demand for Airbnb? ›

Best Cities in America for Investing in Airbnb
  • Nashville, TN.
  • New Orleans, LA.
  • Orlando, FL.
  • Phoenix, AZ.
  • Portland, OR.
  • San Francisco, CA.
  • Virginia Beach, VA.
  • Washington, DC.
May 20, 2024

How many people use Airbnb in New Zealand? ›

In 2017, there were around 578,000 bookings made in New Zealand (NZ) through Airbnb with an estimated $781 million spent by guests, representing approximately 2.8% of all tourism expenditure (Deloitte Access Economics, 2018).

What is an OMG Airbnb? ›

Airbnb recently introduced a new category of properties titled 'OMG' which captures the most luxurious, unique, and exclusive accommodations listed on the site. These properties stand out from the rest with their next-level amenities, outstanding service, and high-end furnishings.

How do I find a successful Airbnb? ›

How to Find the Best Airbnb Property. Leverage online real estate platforms, local real estate agents and networking to find properties that meet your criteria. Consider properties that offer unique features or benefits that can attract guests, such as a prime location or unique amenities.

Is Airbnb profitable in 2024? ›

Airbnb had a strong start to 2024. In Q1, Nights and Experiences Booked grew to 133 million. Revenue of $2.1 billion increased 18 percent year-over-year. Q1 net income was $264 million—our most profitable first quarter ever.

What type of Airbnb makes the most money? ›

For Airbnb hosts looking to make a living on the hospitality platform, full apartment rentals are the way to go. Rates for full apartments are significantly higher than those for single rooms and income after expenses ranged from $15,000 to $31,000 in our analysis.

Which country uses Airbnb the most? ›

The country with the most Airbnb demand is the United States, with 99.5 million nights booked in 2021. They also had an increase of about 33 million nights booked from 2020 to 2021. This was a significant increase in demand compared with every other country on the list.

Is Airbnb legal in New Zealand? ›

Signing up as a host on Airbnb in New Zealand is completely legal and can be a great source of additional income. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with the various rules and regulations before listing any properties to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues (more on this later).

Does Airbnb pay tax in NZ? ›

Under Inland Revenue Department's (IRD) GST Marketplace Rules, from 1 April 2024 Airbnb is required to collect and remit 15% GST on the accommodation price and any cleaning fees for listings in New Zealand. To learn more, please visit the IRD website for more details.

How much commission does Airbnb take NZ? ›

Most Hosts pay a flat service fee of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is your nightly price plus any optional fees you charge guests, like a cleaning fee, and doesn't include Airbnb fees and taxes. Guests typically pay a service fee of around 14% of the booking subtotal.

Where is the cheapest Airbnb in the world? ›

Thrillist listed the five most affordable international Airbnb travel destinations, along with their weekly average prices.
  • Bogota, Colombia ($260.65 per week)
  • Ankara, Turkey ($275.10 per week)
  • Riga, Latvia ($441.61 per week)
  • Warsaw, Poland ($506.76 per week) and Bratislava, Slovakia ($506.76 per week)
Jul 11, 2023

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