Last updated on October 10, 2024
Auckland is gorgeously placed on the coast with surfing beaches, islands, wineries, rainforest and hot springs all within miles of the centre. It’s often ranked as offering among the highest quality of life in the world, and is filled with beautiful neighbourhoods, ranging from hipster enclaves to surfing hubs.
Airbnb and its alternatives give you the chance to experience that lifestyle, staying in a local’s home. Here’s our pick of the best Airbnbs in Auckland, including Auckland vacation homes available through other sites like Booking.com.
We went to Auckland as part of our epic North Island road trip itinerary.
Where to stay in an Airbnb in Auckland
Auckland CBD
If you’re planning on doing lots of sightseeing then staying in Auckland CBD is your best bet. There are lots of high rises with a variety of Airbnb apartments, plus some seaview options by the harbour.
Ponsonby
Ponsonby is Auckland’s prime hipster area, centered around Ponsonby Road, which has plenty of cafes, restaurants and stylish boutiques. There are plenty of Airbnb houses and apartments both in Ponsonby and the surrounding area where you can walk to all the food trucks, craft beer bars and more.
Parnell and Newmarket
Parnell is an upscale, quaint area of the city with lots of fancy boutiques and restaurants. It’s right next to Newmarket, which is a trendy, fashion district. Both have beautiful Airbnbs housed in characterful buildings.
St Marys And Herne Bay
St Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay are suburbs of the city known for their gorgeous views from Edwardian homes. They’re close to the CBD while also being near lots of pretty little coves and beaches.
Titirangi
Titirangi is a residential area/village on the edge of Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, making it a good place to stay to enjoy the native rainforest and coastline. It’s about 20 mins from Auckland CBD.
Piha
If you’re looking for surf, Piha is the place to go. It’s a land of beaches, rugged coastline and tree-covered valleys, and some particularly stylish and quirky places to stay. Do bear in mind it’s quite far outside the city centre (45 mins drive).
The Best Airbnbs in Auckland
Best Airbnbs in Auckland CBD and the Harbou
Deluxe Heritage Apartment
This beautifully designed apartment is housed in a landmark building that was once Auckland’s most loved department store. Close to shops and restaurants around the Commercial Bay, the newly renovated apartment has a modern design with bright pops of colour from stylish interiors. There’s a full kitchen with a Nespresso machine, French Press and a variety of coffee pods, along with a comfortable king-sized bed.
What the guests say: “Natalie’s apartment is beautiful and stylish. Loved all the colours through the apartment. Location is perfect – very central. We loved our stay and would definitely recommend to others.”
Jungle Apartment
This loft apartment has taken advantage of its 3.6m high ceilings to maximise the living space and create a mezzanine for the bedroom. Inspired by the sub-tropical rainforest of West Coast Auckland, the apartment has a tropical theme with lots of plants throughout. As well as the mezzanine bedroom, there’s also a sofa bed in the living area.
What the guests say: “We’ve spent 2 nights at this beautiful apartment right in the city center of Auckland. You step outside the door and are surrounded by the vivid vibe the city has to offer – bars, restaurants, shopping opportunities. Due to all the plants in the apartment, it felt like a small oasis and was perfect to deal with our jet lag. We highly recommend staying here.“
Best Airbnbs in Ponsonby
Ponsonby Villa
This two-bedroom flat is tucked into the mid-level of a classic early 1900’s style villa in Ponsonby. The flat has two balconies, with one fully surrounded by lush greenery, so you can be immersed in nature within the city. The deck looks over to the Sky Tower. Impeccably furnished in neutral shades with interesting wall art, the flat is an oasis of calm and tranquility.
What the guests say: “An extremely stylish place in a perfect location. It is very well equipped and all is of a high standard and scrupulously clean. It also has an excellent large shower and very comfortable large beds with good quality bedding. Thank you to Robyne and her team.”
Storybook Studio Cottage
This quaint little studio cottage packs plenty of charm into a little space. The pretty blue wooden house has its own private deck with chairs to relax and take in the views of the surrounding garden and city skyline.
Tea, coffee and other supplies are available in the fully equipped kitchen. And it’s a stone’s throw from neighbourhood parks and town centre.
What the guests say: “Fab cottage for exploring Auckland and great base for starting or finishing a NZ holiday. Location great near Ponsonby and v quick Uber or 105 bus into town. Has everything you need and the chairs and table outside are so nice for when it’s lovely out.”
Best Airbnbs in Parnell
Historic Parnell Retreat
This charming two-storey cottage, full of historic character, has served as an inspiring haven for many creatives from across the word. It’s close to all the landmarks of Parnell, including Parnell Village, Judges Bay, Auckland Domain and Auckland Gallery. Little luxuries and stylish decor make for a comfy stay.
What the guests say: “Jillian’s place is a comfortable, stylish and tasteful property conveniently situated a short distance from the centre of Auckland. There is also a small garden where we enjoyed a drink in the evening sun. We were made very welcome with lots of unexpected foodie treats to try, fluffy towels and gorgeous cosmetics in the bathroom. Wish we’d stayed longer.”
Best Airbnbs in Titirangi
Blackwood Titirangi
The uber stylish Blackwood Guesthouse is located in the lush suburb of Titirangi, surrounded by verdant forest. The local village is a few minutes’ walk away with great cafes and bars. The black, wooden-clad house has a sleek interior with exposed beams, a luxurious marble bathroom, and an immersive outdoor bath surrounded by idyllic rainforest. It’s an ideal city retreat.
What the guests say: “Lovely place to stay in an amazing bush setting, super close to the Titirangi township. We really enjoyed the clean, quiet space and made the most of the fantastic eateries that are so close and easy to get to using an Uber. The bush walk at this house is really, really well done. This is a place that we’d love to stay at again in the future.”
Bush Bach
This stylish cottage in the Waitakere Range is a peaceful retreat for those looking for a nature stay, while still being relatively close (30 mins) to the CBD. Immersed in dense bush land, this is an idyllic and very private space, with a lush wraparound deck for relaxing. Pillow-top mattresses, coffee pods and a luxurious rain shower add luxury.
What the guests say: “A peaceful slice of paradise. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend to all for a refreshing break away. Everything has been provided to ensure your stay is hassle free, clean and luxurious. The Waitakeres are a beautiful backdrop with well maintained walking tracks, and a quaint village nearby offers an excellent selection of restaurant and café options. Stay here and i promise you’ll leave feeling refreshed.”
Best Airbnbs in St Marys And Herne Bay
Harbour Views at St Mary’s Bay
This bright and airy apartment has an open plan living and dining area that opens out onto a stylish, private balcony with gorgeous views of the harbour at St Mary’s Bay. Mid-century modern furniture, handcrafted wooden pieces, houseplants, and leafy views from French windows add to the charm.
What the guests say: “An absolutely lovely place. Cosy, clean and had everything you could need. The area is great. Lots of places to eat, get coffee and shop. Our host took very good care of us with fast and excellent communications. Would definitely stay there again.”
Airbnb listing: Harbour Views at St Mary’s Bay
Price: From $206 per night
Sleeps: 4 people (two beds)
More Airbnbs in and around Auckland
Tropical Garden Paradise
This large house, with three bedrooms and plenty of open-plan living space, has a great outdoor living area complete with tropical plants, a barbecue grill, luxurious hot tub and a trampoline. Original pieces of art and eye-catching mid century modern furniture make for a stylish space. It’s in Pt Chevalier, a quiet, safe suburb close to the beach and Coyle Park, which has ocean views.
What the guests say: “Wonderful family home with all the amenities you need. Excellent back yard and decking for a barbeque and a heater on those chilly nights. Close to the beach and only 10 mins from city. And a spa if you don’t want to go to the beach. Host is friendly and had great communication. We loved it. You will too.”
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All photos courtesy of Airbnb and hosts.