Local Escapes

19 Of The Best Airbnbs In Queenstown For A Cosy Winter Getaway

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A star gazer sits on the deck area of Seffers Dome.

Ahhh, Queenstown. If there’s one place in the world that’ll make you want to drop everything, quit your day job, and relocate immediately, it’s here. But if you’re not quite ready to tell your boss to stick it, we reckon a cosy, lakeside holiday might be the next best option.  

And with the stunning alpine town boasting some of the best Airbnbs around, you won’t just be visiting one of the most scenic spots on the planet; you’ll be kicking back in some of the prettiest pads on the planet, too. Whether you're looking to stay in Central Queenstown, around Fernhill To Closeburn, majestic Lake Hayes, Frankton To Quail Rise, the magnificent Arthur’s Point or even further afield, we’ve got you covered. 

So, without further ado, here’s a brand-spanking new round-up of the best Airbnbs in Queenstown to make that dream holiday a reality…

The Best Airbnbs In Central Queenstown

Lakeside Bliss 

Central Queenstown 5 Guests | 2 Bedrooms

The Tahuna apartment shows a comfortable living room looking out onto a view of mountains and blue water.Image credit: Tāhuna Lakefront Luxury | Airbnb

POV: you’re sitting in your well-appointed living room, with a fine Central Otago drop in one hand, watching the late-evening sun set over the stunning Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. delivers this kind of bliss daily—and with orange in season, the decor is practically a paid actor. There are views for days, and once it’s too dark to stare out in awe, the bustle of central QT is only a three-minute stroll along the water’s edge. 

Small But Soulful 

Central Queenstown 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom

Image credit: Tinyhouse with amazing views. | Airbnb

lovers rejoice; this quaint and snug spot is perfect for couples and solo travellers looking for an affordable yet incredible stay—it’s only 10m2, but what it lacks in size, it doubles in character #cabinporn. Made from recycled joinery and cladding (love!) and located high on the hill, this cosy abode is everything you need for a soul-soothing escape. Oh, and the bed’s on a mezzanine floor—did anyone else’s childhood dreams just come true?

Downtown Treat 

Central Queenstown 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms 

A well decorated front room with mountains in the background.Image credit: Taimana, Central Queenstown Luxury | Airbnb

Perfect for a group of friends or a family getaway, the stylish provides a rare opportunity to stay smack bang in the middle of town. If you plan on entertaining during your stay, crank the BBQ up, pour a beverage and enjoy your generous patio—complete with views of the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship cruising off towards Walter Peak. Rude not to.

The Best Airbnbs From Fernhill To Closeburn

Stunning Views

Fernhill 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms

Looking out of a fabulously furnished lounge to expansive lake and mountain views. Image credit: Stunning Views | Airbnb

There's something special about waking up to those Queenstown views—the kind that makes you pause mid-coffee sip and just stare. provides such moments in abundance, overlooking glorious Lake Wakatipu with breathtaking panoramas that practically demand you pour a pinot and drink them in. Just a few minutes drive from town (or a scenic 20-minute walk if you're feeling virtuous), you'll have all of Queenstown's entertainment at your fingertips while maintaining that coveted sense of alpine escape.

Crystal Waters

Fernhill 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms

A modern rectangular home set into the hillside.Image credit: Crystal Waters-Suite 4 | Airbnb

If your accommodation wish list includes "uninterrupted panoramic views from literally every room," has your number. These brand-new suites are conveniently located in suburban Queenstown but still feel worlds away from everything—except those magnificent Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu views, which are very much present and accounted for. The upscale rustic interiors feature a proper wood burner (chilly nights, sorted) and floor-to-ceiling windows that'll have you spending more time gazing outward than at your phone. The crowning glory? A cedar hot tub where you can soak under the stars while contemplating how you'll explain to your boss that you're never coming back to real life.

Cabin Fever 

Sunshine Bay 2 Guests | 1 BedroomImage credit: The Cabin | Airbnb

Nestled in the forest at the base of Ben Lomond, the charm of a stone cabin meets the glory of nature. With a stunning pitched roof lined with elegant timber beams and a perfect alpine-style interior, at , you’ll feel like you’re living the life of the effortlessly cool and adventurous folk that make up this town. When the stars come out, chuck a couple of logs in the outdoor fire pit, dip in the private cedar hot tub, then lay back in the bedroom and appreciate the night sky through your rooftop window.

The Spot

Fernhill 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms 

Image credit: Modern, Plush & Picturesque - Townhouse unit | Airbnb

Location, location, location—should we say it again? This tucked away in Fernhill is the ultimate relaxation pad, no matter the season, and is only a stone’s throw from town. With an open-plan kitchen and lounge framed by beautiful Queenstown-esque pitched timber ceilings, it’s the perfect base for any length of stay in this panoramic paradise.

The Best Airbnbs In Lake Hayes

Architectural Abode 

Lake Hayes 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom 

Image credit: Kiwi Chalet | Airbnb

Tiny house, but big on chic. The in Lake Hayes is a stunning example of true craftsmanship—its angular roof makes a statement well before you reach the front doorstep. With north-facing floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors that open out to supreme peace and tranquillity outside. It’s stunning in the daytime and makes for impressive stargazing.

A Slice Of Paradise 

Lake Hayes 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom 

Image credit: Lake Hayes Suite | Airbnb

Escape the hustle and bustle and settle in for a romantic escape at this peaceful hideaway. A finalist in the Airbnb Host Awards 2021 (and we can easily see why),  is an absolute slice of luxury—with breathtaking views from every room, a stunning indoor bath and a private hot pool that looks out onto an expansive front lawn, lake, mountains and the Amisfield vineyard, what more could you want?

The Best Airbnbs From Frankton To Quail Rise

A Remarkable Spot 

Quail Rise 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom

A corrugated iron shepherd's hut on wheels—Henrietta's Hut—one of Queenstown's best Airbnbs.Image credit: Henrietta’s Hut | Airbnb

If you’ve ever pondered what staying in a quirky little teeny tiny house would be like, this one could just do the trick. Located in Quail Rise, is one of the more unique stays in Queenstown. This delightfully whimsical yet traditionally styled Shepherds Hut has everything you need for a comfortable stay—however, cooking is not permitted inside the wagon, and no cooking facilities are provided. But with Amisfield a six-minute drive away and a host of other incredible options around, this is in no way a problem for us. Off to a winery pop...

River Retreat

Kelvin Heights 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms 

A covered deck area lined with light timber enjoying ample natural light and alpine views.Image credit: Remarkable River Retreat | Airbnb

When they say location is everything, this is what they mean. Nestled in sunny Kelvin Heights with magnificent views across the Kawarau River, Lake Wakatipu, and those iconic Remarkables, aptly named is giving serious main character energy (if that’s even possible a building). The three-bedroom stunner features not one but two spacious balconies perfectly positioned for sunset appreciation. And for those morning-after-wine-tasting recovery walks, the Kelvin Peninsula trail is accessible right from the backyard.

Luxury Penthouse

Kawarau Falls 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms 

An open plan penthouse apartment with 360 degree lake and mountain views.Image credit: Luxury Penthouse above Lake, Sunny, Amazing Views | Airbnb

Some properties talk a big game about views, but this with a staggering 4.99/5 star rating delivers the full monty. We're talking lake and mountain panoramas that'll make your loyal followers weep with envy (Instagram followers… we mean). The separate master wing ensures privacy if you're travelling with another couple, while the two spacious living areas mean nobody has to compromise on Netflix choices. Action or thriller: Dip in the private spa pool afterwards and find direct access down to the lake for something chillier. But don’t worry, there’s always the wood burner and ducted heating to warm you back up.

Rural Seclusion

Tucker Beach 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom 

A modern black slated building on a green lawn with expansive mountain views.Image credit: Private suite with river views | Airbnb

Sometimes, the best escapes are the simplest. This strikes the perfect balance, with rural seclusion, gorgeous Shotover River and Coronet Peak views, and just 15 minutes from Queenstown's buzzing centre. There's no kitchen to speak of (but in QT, who needs one?), yet the thoughtful breakfast station provides all you need for morning fuel before adventuring. It's firmly in the "small but perfectly formed" category, making it the ideal base for couples who plan to spend their days exploring rather than hibernating. Though with those views, we wouldn't blame you for doing a bit of both.

The Best Airbnbs In Arthur's Point

Hot Tub Heaven

Arthur’s Point 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms 

The sunsets between mountain ranges in the background, a wooden hot tub in the foreground.Image credit: Redfern Retreat | Airbnb

Just eight minutes from downtown Queenstown but spiritually a world away, are the mountain (and hot tub) lover's dream. Located a mere five minutes from Coronet Peak (hello, hiking or early-season skiing), they’re perfect for adventurers who want to max out their outdoor time. After conquering whatever activity in the country’s adventure capital tickles your fancy, return to a modern interior, a full kitchen for whipping up hearty post-adventure meals, and a shared hot tub for soaking tired muscles beneath the stars.

Timeless Treetop 

Arthur’s Point 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms

Image credit: The treehouse | Airbnb

Holiday status mode: activated. This will instantly remind you why you switched your OOO on in the first place—for some relaxing R&R, of course. Perched upon a hill surrounded by native trees in Arthur’s Point and just a short walk to the Shotover River, there’s a real sense of being ‘one with nature’ in this architectural paradise. With a large sunny deck, open fire, and BBQ, this dreamy location simply screams ‘book me.’

Penthouse Paradise 

Arthur’s Point 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms

Image credit: Shotover Riverside Penthouse Apartment 24 | Airbnb

You know those ‘Gram-worthy snaps of Onsen Hot Pools? Well, they’re taken right next door to the . Meaning when you stay here, you’ll get to spend days taking in those exact same famous vistas of the Shotover River. This spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment may not have a spa of its own—but, hey, who needs one when the most epic hot pool experience in town is a hop, skip and dip away?

The Best Airbnbs Further Afield From Queenstown

King Of The Crown  

Arrowtown 2 Guests | 6 Bedrooms

Image credit: Romantic Stone Stables with fantastic views | Airbnb

Located on the highest road in New Zealand and part of a five-acre property surrounded by century-old trees, the is a beautifully memorable slice of paradise. This refurbished 1860s cottage truly is one of a kind with a stunning ‘wood meets stone’ interior that tells the rich tales of times past. Providing 360-degree mountain and valley views, it’s also one of the last places in Queenstown to see the sun go down each night.

Glamping Oasis

Ben Lomond 4 Guests | 1 Bedroom

Late-afternoon view of the mountain ranges from the deck area of Seffers Dome.Image credit: Glam Camping Queenstown - Seffers Dome | Airbnb

Whilst we agree a good old Kiwi camping trip never goes amiss... we also think, screw it, summer’s over, so why bother with your own tent when you can roll on up to and stay in one of Queenstown’s first geodesic domes! Kitted out with absolutely everything you could ever need, from a hot shower to a flushing toilet, solar power and a gas hob, this hidden gem is worth finding. We also just love the fact that there’s no wifi or reception, allowing you to truly switch off from the outside world.

Something Special

Jack’s Point 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms

Image credit: Shinglehouse Queenstown remarkable mountain views. | Airbnb

Not too far afield but definitely worth a mention, this in Jack’s Point is a sight to behold. A brand-spanking new architectural delight, it comes complete with a designer kitchen, oak floors with Persian rugs, silk and linen duvets with crisp cotton and alpaca throws; you'd almost be forgiven for spending your whole time tucked up in bed. Tear yourself away for a dip in the spa pool/hot tub under the stars for the perfect way to cap off a lavish day. Located remarkably close to, you guessed it... the Remarkables mountain range—and Jack’s Point Golf Course—this is the ideal spot for a memorable getaway.

Tear yourself away from your lovely temporary home for a visit to one of Queenstown’s best restaurants.

Main image credit: Glam Camping Queenstown - Seffers Dome | Airbnb

Editor's note: OBѶ editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. OBѶ has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.

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