New Zealand’s South Island is truly a fantasy land full of natural wonders. Unlike any other place on Earth, the diversity will simply blow you away – you can be on a wild driftwood-strewn beach gazing out at teal blue waves in the morning, and by afternoon, staring up at a glacier. The next day, you might hike through a rainforest and then find yourself surrounded by dramatic mountains where waterfalls spill down the cliffs in every direction. Venture toward Queenstown, and you might think you’ve somehow landed in the Scottish Highlands. Of course, the question isn’t whether to go, but where to stay, and these Airbnbs offer some of the very best options.
1-Bed Apartment 139 on Peninsula - Queenstown
There may be no better place for a couple or solo traveler to stay in Queenstown – one of the most spectacular places to visit in New Zealand – than this vacation rental. Located a 20-minute water taxi ride from the touristy hustle and bustle in residential Kelvin Heights, it offers an incredibly relaxing stay with all sorts of special touches. Truly stunning, it includes antique furnishings and an ultra-comfy bed (lavender sachets under the pillows make for an even better night’s sleep), but the highlight is its magical ambiance overlooking Lake Wakatipu – you’ll be able to wake up to that view every morning and walk the trail that follows the shoreline just out your door. There’s a Mediterranean-style outdoor Pergola with a rustic table and chairs for outdoor dining, a BBQ grill, kitchenette with a microwave, toaster and kettle, and even a washer/dryer.
Sunny Cottage with Water Views - Queenstown
This two-bedroom cottage enjoys picturesque water views on the Kelvin Heights Peninsula in Queenstown, perfectly situated for walking and riding the network of trails to Queenstown, as well as accessing a beach for a swim during the warmer months of the year. There’s a sunny deck for al fresco dining and sipping your morning coffee and a garden that’s in bloom nearly year-round. It sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, which are connected internally or accessed independently through French doors off the deck.
Spacious Deluxe Tree House with Terrace - Franz Josef
Built in 2018, the studio Deluxe Tree Lodge sits among the lush rainforest in Franz Josef, providing easy access to some of the top natural wonders in New Zealand by way of glacier hikes, flightseeing adventures, and more. It comes with a spacious deck where you’ll be surrounded by nature, along with a king and a single bed, as well as a large en-suite bathroom with a rain shower and underfloor heating. There’s a kitchenette, Nespresso machine, and Smart TV, and guests get a Continental breakfast basket too.
Lonnekers Beach Accommodation - Steward Island
Stewart Island sits less than 20 miles south of the South Island and offers one of the best opportunities to see wildlife, like the kiwi in its natural habitat and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Enjoy fantastic bird watching and hiking on over 170 miles of hiking trails and an ideal stay at Lonnekers Beach. This Stewart Island vacation rental offers beachfront accommodation for up to eight in four bedrooms and even includes an eight-seater van plus fuel.
Omarama Oasis Permaculture Glamping - Pohara
The Omarama Oasis offers “HomeGrown Glamping in a full Permaculture garden.” You’ll be surrounded by gardens, as well as nut and fruit trees. Enjoy overnights in an Emperor Tent with a queen-size bed that sits next to a bubbling stream, totally immersed in nature. It’s just over a third of a mile to the beach, while two of New Zealand’s top attractions – Kahurangi and Abel Tasman National Parks – are at your doorstep.
Woodpecker Bay Bach - Punakaiki
This rustic retreat is literally right on the edge, with the crashing waves almost close enough to touch. It offers a blend of modern and retro, with many treasures from a bygone era, along with Wi-Fi, Apple TV/Netflix, and Bluetooth speakers. It sleeps up to three with two beds – and a portion of every booking will be donated to the West Coast Penguin Trust.
That View! Sunny & Spacious 3-Bedroom - Queenstown
As the name belies, “That View!” is the star of the show with jaw-dropping lake and mountain scenery enjoyed from the balcony, while al fresco dining in the courtyard, or from the living room with windows that cover almost every wall. This mountain-view Queenstown Airbnb includes three bedrooms, accommodating five comfortably, with all the essentials included, from a full kitchen to a washer/dryer. Plus, there’s a gas fireplace to cozy up to, and it’s an easy walk into town.
Alpine Cubes NZ - Ben Ohau
Located at the foot of the Ben Ohau range, just a 2-minute drive from picturesque Lake Ohau, this modern cabin is beautifully designed to take advantage of the spectacular surrounding landscape. The ideal Airbnb for backpackers, a couple or a solo traveler, as it accommodates two guests and includes a hot tub where you can soak with a view of the mountains by day and enjoy incredible stargazing after dark. It’s a spot to immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness; Instead of Wi-Fi or TV, reconnect to nature and yourselves. A full kitchen and robes are provided.
Waituhi at Whitehorse Bay Wrapped in Nature - Fox River
Located at the start of the famous Coast Road, perfectly positioned for one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, this three-bedroom is one of only two homes sharing private Whitehorse Bay. It accommodates up to six, and a portion of your booking will be donated to the West Coast Penguin Trust to help save the penguins. You’ll have a massive deck with jaw-dropping ocean and sunset views – and, by stepping through the garden, you’ll reach one of the most beautiful and undiscovered beaches on the coast. Despite the surprisingly low rate, it comes with all the necessities, including a full kitchen and washer/dryer, HDTV with Netflix, a record player, and a soundbar with a sub-woofer Bluetooth sound system.
Private Wood-Fired Hot Tub & Spectacular Views - Twizel
You’ll have easy access to a myriad of epic hikes by staying in this sustainable, eco-friendly two-bedroom cottage at the base of the Ben Ōhau mountain range in the Mackenzie Region, 45 minutes from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park or Lake Tekapo. The private wood-fired hot tub is a highlight, allowing one to soak in the pure, warm spring water under the stars in a dark sky reserve. It has a full kitchen with many basic provisions provided, including items for a continental breakfast, coffee, tea, milk, and sugar. Warmth is provided by a New Zealand-made Yunca log burner with locally-sourced, sustainably-harvested wood, kindling, firestarters, newspaper, and lighters all supplied. There are two Smart TVs with Netflix, Disney+, and Neon, a record player and albums, and a garage that serves as a video/gaming lounge. You’ll find wall-to-wall VHS and DVD movies, old-school gaming consoles, musical instruments, and much more.
Atatū - Upper Moutere
Atatū is ideally located for outdoor adventure and many other activities near three national parks close to the northern tip of the South Island. You’ll have easy access to wine tasting and touring, picnics in olive groves, art galleries, and a wide range of local eateries. After exploring, come back and enjoy the swimming pool and spa or relax with the fabulous views. There’s a BBQ grill for cookouts, a chef’s kitchen, and an outdoor terrace for sipping your morning coffee. You’ll also have a TV, washer/dryer, fluffy towels, and waffle-weave bathrobes.
