Dreaming of a holiday? We feel you. While there are some gorgeous far-flung locations overseas – the Thai resort recently featured in season three of the White Lotus, for example – there are also many stunning homes for rent around this beautiful country of ours.
The best of the best in local accommodation has been crowned in the recent Bookabach Baches of the Year competition, now in its 14th year. More than 12,000 New Zealand listings were trawled through to find those that have garnered the most positive reviews from travellers.
Find the winners below and start planning your next domestic trip: whether that be an apres ski-filled winter escape or a sun-soaked stay on Waiheke Island.
The 2025 Bookabach baches of the year
The Professor’s Beach House
From $586 p/n on Bookabach
Enjoy your main-character moment in this picturesque home just 25 minutes south of Dunedin. Got a creative project to tackle? Play some tunes from the large jazz selection, and make use of one of the five separate study spaces. Named for the previous owner, a Professor of English at the University of Otago, their legacy abounds: one of the best private collections of New Zealand literature you’ll find anywhere.
- Book on Airbnb
- Book on Booking.com
Onetangi Luxury Home
From $1109 p/n on Bookabach
Gather your friends, this deck calls for cheese platters and wine. The Onetangi Luxury Home’s open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas lead out to a sun-soaked deck offering ocean views, alongside a grassy backyard with a pool. You can venture out to explore the nearby Onetangi Beach, or simply relax and enjoy a BBQ on the deck, taking in the stunning views of the beach, native forest, and countryside.
- Book on Airbnb
- Book on Booking.com
Eliza’s Garden Cottage
From $354 p/n on Bookabach
If you’re in desperate need of rest and relaxation, this picturesque garden cottage can be found on a private acre of woodland smack bang in the heart of wine region. There’s a BBQ for cooking, a pool for relaxing and homemade breakfast provisions and chilled wine ready for you. The standout though, is the garden: awarded the prestigious NZ Gardens Trust Garden title of a New Zealand Garden of National Significance.
Book on Airbnb
New Arrowtown Holiday Home
$670 on Bookabach
This sleek and modern north-facing house is exactly the escape you need this winter. After a big day hitting the slopes (or wineries) retreat to this abode and park up in a cosy spot by the wood burner. Perfect for families, the house sleeps six with a stunning open-plan living space and garden entertaining area.
Brooklands Cottage Martinborough
From $284 on Bookabach
Whether you’re on a summer or winter escape, this charming cottage offers a warm and welcoming stay just a stone’s throw from some of the area’s famous and award-winning vineyards. With French doors opening out to the sheltered wrap-around deck, it’s the perfect spot for summer relaxation. In winter, enjoy the spa pool, or take shelter indoors with the roaring fire.
- Book on Airbnb
- Book on Booking.com
Deluxe Redwood
From $289 on Bookabach
Attention adrenaline junkees: get the group together and enjoy some of Rotorua’s best outdoor adventures. Nestled in a prime location with views of the iconic Redwoods Forest and Mountain Bike Park, this home is an ideal base for adventure seekers and those craving relaxation alike. Sleeping 16, guests can enjoy the entertainer’s kitchen, multiple living areas, and expansive deck or simply relax in the spa pool after a day of exploring.
Karu ō te Kiwi
$621 on Bookabach
Get back to nature at this tranquil pet-friendly retreat. Set on the edge of Farewell Spit, which blends blend of nature, and sustainability with comfort. this eco-luxe 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom sanctuary sleeps up to seven guests and features handcrafted wooden furniture, earthy tones, and plush textiles. But outside is truly where it shines: breathtaking panoramic views, including spectacular sunrises and starry nights.
- Book it on Airbnb
- Book it on Booking.com
Accrington Farmhouse
From $573 p/n on Bookabach
Looking for accommodation for a big group, or even a small wedding? This historic country farmhouse on the Banks Peninsula sleeps up to 17 guests, making it perfect for that special family gathering, girls’ weekend, special celebration or that much-needed break in the country. The open-plan kitchen and large verandah with garden views make entertaining easy. It’s surrounded by picturesque walking tracks, and rugged Canterbury coastline beaches are close by including the nearby beach of Little Akaloa, which has a creek perfect for children to paddle in.
Calypso Waiheke Escape
From $1100 p/n on Bookabach
We always feel like we’re on holiday when we escape to Waiheke Island, but especially at this airy beach accommodation with its fabulous Hamptons vibe. With expansive views of the coast and Waiheke Island, it’s the ultimate spot to relax. The accommodation is set on two levels, offering multiple sitting areas indoor and outdoor, giving plenty of room to spread out.
- Book it on Airbnb
Kiwiesque Vineyard Villa
From $890 p/n on Bookabach
You can’t get much closer to picturesque farmland and grapevine than this gorgeous accommodation, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. With four large bedrooms, the villa accommodates up to 10 people comfortably, depending on room configurations. This also makes a great place for wedding guests. Enjoy open-plan living, plenty of outdoor living space and an outdoor swim spa overlooking the vineyard and farmland. Bliss
- Book it on Airbnb
Related articles:
- The best Queenstown accommodation for your South Island escape
- The best Raglan accommodation for a weekend getaway
- The best boutique Christchurch accommodation for a Garden City getaway
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