Queenstown, New Zealand, is known for many things. To start, it’s one of the world’s foremost adventure capitals, famous for both alpine recreation and adrenaline thrills. It’s also an excellent place to relax, from its delicious restaurants and rejuvenating wellness centers to the Central Otago wine region located beyond the downtown core. In a place as naturally blessed as Queenstown, it’s hard to pick a bad accommodation — as long as you have access to windows, you’re bound to fall in love with the lakeside, mountain-ringed town. But many of the Airbnbs in Queenstown go above and beyond, whether located in woodsy surrounds, scenic suburbs, or within walking distance of the main drag. Here are nine of the finest Queenstown Airbnbs.
We hope you love these Queenstown Airbnbs! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, this four-bedroom lodge is located a little outside of the city center to promise premier seclusion and unbeatable views. In addition to being close to both Queenstown and the suburb of Frankton, which is conveniently located near the airport, you’re within driving distance of all of the Otago region’s best wineries. Enjoy the spa-style pool as you gaze out at the lake, soak up the sun in the private courtyard, exit the house to find nearby walking and cycling trails, cook nourishing meals in the open kitchen, and end any day by the fireplace. Despite feeling remote, the house has fast WiFi if you need to work.
Location is the major draw at this one-bedroom mountain-view apartment on the lake, with all the shops, restaurants, and adrenaline-focused tour operators of downtown Queenstown being just a 10-minute walk away. The unit is perfect for couples of solo travelers, with a cozy living room, queen-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, fully functional kitchen, and desk space to set up a laptop. The private patio is a perk, as are shared amenities like a hot tub and outdoor barbecue. Guests also get free parking, which makes getting around the region a breeze.
A five-minute drive from downtown Queenstown, this rustic-chic retreat opens to the Moonlight Track walking trail, meaning you’re steps away from 10-plus mile hikes and the beautiful Moke Lake. You’ll love falling asleep in the hotel-quality bed sheets and waking up to the greenery outside, surrounded by cozy furnishings such as furs, candles, and an 1920s-era bath outside. If wellness is a priority during your stay, you can book rejuvenating massages and treatments or yoga lessons for an extra fee. There’s also a spa and sauna on the Luna Retreat property.
Somewhere between a cozy cottage and a mountain mansion, this two-bedroom home is located a short drive from downtown Queenstown in a forested area near Sunshine Bay. The walking trails outside the front door are first-rate, but you may be too busy enjoying the pool and hot tub to ever leave the property. (Note that the pool is most comfortable from October to April as it’s not heated.) While you’re out there, turn on the barbecue for beautiful outdoor lunches and dinners. Inside, the house is outfitted perfectly for two couples or a family of four, with one queen bed and one king bed that can be split into two single beds upon request.
The hosts of this Queenstown Airbnb have nicknamed it The Billiards Room owing to its beautiful billiard table, but there’s a lot more to love about the property, starting with the beautiful cottage-like exterior and front lawn with an alfresco seating area. Bigger than the average cottage, the house has five bedrooms — three upstairs and two next to the garage — as well as a large and finely decorated living room, a full kitchen and dining area that can accommodate big groups, and elegant decor throughout. Top it off with a ski-drying room for winter visits and beautiful views of the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu, and this place is a real gem.
This charming stone cabin is located at the foot of Ben Lomond, showcasing views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. The decor has everything you’d want from a classic cabin — from the vintage outdoors gear on the walls to the log-burning fireplace below — as well as modern amenities including a fully equipped kitchen, fast WiFi, and Smart TV. Days can be spent relaxing on the private deck or in the hot tub, after which you can slip into fine linen sheets and stargaze through the rooftop window. This Queenstown Airbnb is technically located in the Fernhill suburb, with the hosts on the same property.
Beautiful views of Otago’s mesmerizing lakes and mountains greet guests at this three-bedroom luxury home, no matter what room they’re in. The best views can be found on the large patio, which comes with a barbecue and both seating and dining areas, but the indoor-outdoor design also makes the living room and bedrooms feel wide open. Perfect for fans of winter sports, the house is located 25 minutes from the Coronet Peak Ski Resort and comes with a ski locker in the garage. Downtown Queenstown is much closer — just three minutes away by car.
If you’re traveling with a big group and want to feel like you have the whole Otago region to yourselves, this bi-level, four-bedroom Airbnb in Queenstown is for you. For a property of its size — which includes seven beds, four baths, two lounge areas, a gym, a lap pool, a hot tub, and a sauna — you’re surprisingly close to downtown Queenstown. It’s hard to say whether the interior or exterior is more luxurious, both of which have cozy fireplace areas. One thing is for sure, though: The mountain and lake views from both are extraordinary.
A two-bedroom tiny home that feels surprisingly roomy thanks to the spacious deck and comfortable living room, the Little Wanderer blends a scenic setting with modern, environmentally-friendly amenities. (Not that the in-unit bathroom has a composting toilet, but there’s a flush toilet behind the house, as well.) When you’re not swinging in a hammock, barbecuing, or taking a turn in the wood-fired hot tub that you can have readied on request, you’ll appreciate being five minutes away from downtown Queenstown by car.
