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8 of the Most Luxurious Stays in New Zealand to Visit Once in Your Lifetime
New Zealand doesn’t get the praise it deserves, but it’s quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth. It’s flooded with stunning national parks, dynamic Māori culture, incredible hiking trails, world-class skiing and surfing, and a top contender for owning the world’s best coffee and Sauvignon Blancs, so there’s nothing this small but mighty island doesn’t have.
And while international travel is still off the cards, there's no harm in pre-planning that holiday to New Zealand once borders reopen.
Regardless if you’ve visited before or it’s still on your bucket list, a stay on the North or South Island will leave you in awe. To help make your trip to New Zealand the most memorable holiday you’ll ever have, we’ve done the hard work for you and selected the most beautiful Airbnbs that’ll top any five-star hotel in the world.
The best luxurious Airbnbs in New Zealand
1. FivePendrell, Phia, Auckland
Nestled between native bush and the stunning Piha beach, a stay at this luxury modern home is the definition of comfort and relaxation.
The home offers two bedrooms and one bathroom, a spacious kitchen, a private front deck with sea views and an open back deck for outdoor dining and entertaining. It’s big enough to house your group of girlfriends or your family, and just cosy enough for a romantic stay with your partner.
2. The Cabin, Christchurch, Canterbury
Located at Five Acre Farm in Heathcote Valley, this brand new architectural boutique accommodation is a unique design of two “pods” - one pod housing the living and kitchen space, and the second pod consisting of the bathrooms and bedrooms - linked via a covered outdoor deck area.
While located a short 15-minute drive away from the city centre, there’s no WiFi or TV here, so prepare to completely switch off from all devices and immerse yourself in complete relaxation.
3. Luxury Waiheke Rental, Waiheke, Auckland
This architecturally designed holiday home is considered one of the most stylish properties in the Waikeke region - and the pictures say it all.
While you can literally spend your days inside and never get over the beauty of the house itself, its location also offers a wealth of endless activities. Spend the day walking along Oneroa beach, visiting the Cable Bay Vineyards and strolling through the Oneroa shops, bars and cafes. By night, cook up a feast in the superb kitchen that has won a TIDA New Zealand Architect Design award, and conclude the day stargazing with a glass of wine out on the large patio by the in-built conversation pit.
4. The Mai Mai, Omiha, Auckland
Perfectly positioned between the bustle of Oneroa and the beaches of Onetagi, this stylish new home offers the best of both worlds.
Relax with a glass of wine on the expansive deck as you soak in the fresh air, take a dip in Rocky bay, and enjoy a tasting at Stoneyridge and Tantalus vineyards. While the views are priceless, it’s the cosy living room and fireplace that will really steal your heart.
5. Romantic Cottage, Palm Beach, Auckland
Raise your hand if you’re a plant-lover. Now take that raised hand and head to Airbnb to book a stay at this romantic cottage where every room is an indoor plant oasis. Located in a subtropical garden with lush vegetation, you’ll wake to the sweet sound of birdsong and enjoy your morning coffee while soaking in the fresh air. It’s a short walk to the beach and restaurants, and there’s also a large selection of vineyards and walking trails across the island. This cottage is a true piece of paradise.
6. Hunter Bay House, Wellington
You can’t get any closer to the beach than this absolute stand-alone beachfront at the southernmost tip of Wellington. Hunter Bay House sits in its own bay, surrounded by walking tracks and seal colonies, yet it’s a short 15 minutes from Wellington’s iconic cafes.
There are endless outdoor activities you can do while staying here - from diving to fishing, star gazing, wild walking and more, it’s the perfect place for the adventurous. You’ll also be graced with uninterrupted sea views across to the snowy South Island mountain ranges. Plus, the gushing reviews only reinforce why you should probably stay at this home at least once in your lifetime.
7. Beachfront Cottage, Pukehina, Bay of Plenty
If you ever watched Gossip Girl and were obsessed with the luxurious lifestyle they lived while staying in the Hamptons, then this beachfront cottage will tick all your boxes. With beautifully unobstructed views of Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty, you can relax on 10km of east coast white sandy beach, try your hand at surfing and fishing, and go for evening strolls whilst watching the sunset.
The 100-year-old cottage (don’t worry, it still feels like brand new) features three bedrooms, so gather your friends and family for the ultimate Hamptons-style stay.
8. The Glasshouse, Whangarei, Northland
OK, this might be the fanciest and most luxurious mansion you’ll ever step foot in, and we couldn’t help but include it in this round-up (despite the very steep accommodation price).
Nestled intimately amongst a forest of ancient pohutukawa, peace and privacy are key here as you’ll have the tip of the Peninsula all to yourself. With floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides (it’s called a ‘The Glasshouse’ for a reason), you’ll get a sense of being “in” the environment rather than observing it from afar. It also has a private walking track for you to enjoy and a secret nook below where you can go fishing or for a swim.
For those who really want to live like royalty, there’s in-house or pre-prepared catering available on request. Need we say more?
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