Wanaka might have been overshadowed by its flamboyant neighbour, Queenstown, but what many does not know is that this town boasts breathtaking views that can captivate the hearts of travellers. The region might be most well-known for the spectacular sight of a lone Wanaka tree in the middle of Lake Wanaka. However, the town is also famous for a bunch of intrepid and adventurous activities, wineries, breweries, and museums. Wanaka has retained its small-town charm, making the region an absolute delight to explore. Some of the most interesting attractions to check out are Puzzling World, Skydive Wanaka, and Roys Peak. Scroll down for the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Wanaka, New Zealand.
1. Luxurious chalet with a kitchenette (from USD 162)
This luxurious mountain cabin boasts stellar views of the mountains and the lake. A plush queen and sofa bed can easily sleep up to three people, and the bed has a skylight right above, perfect for stargazing before going to bed. Featuring a kitchenette, the place boasts a gorgeous deck with al fresco seating, where you can enjoy your morning coffee, meals, and a glass of wine. You can fire up the outdoor barbecue while you feast on evening views of the Otago landscape, or slip into the steamy outdoor tub to relax.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was clean easy to find close to the town had a great view warm and cozyawesome place to stay super comfortable bed amazing bath lots of thoughtful touchesCleanliness:
the cabin is very stylish clean and the outdoor bath is amazingvery clean and tidy and loved the outside space to enjoy the sunshine inthe space was clean cozy warm and in a beautiful peaceful settingvery neat place outdoor bath is lovely for a soakHost:
megan was very helpful and attentiveour host was great leaving prompt instructions and insuring a relaxing staymegan is an awesome host and we will be staying againone of a kindeverything in it was new and immaculate and megan was an epic and responsive hostRead more reviewsLocation:
what an outstanding location and cabinamazing location and a great place to relaxgreat place in an accessible locationawesome location and viewslocation is nice and quite great privacy and a stunning cabin
2. Boutique mountain hideaway for three (from USD 166)
Nestled in the hills overlooking the town and Lake Wanaka, this mountain hideaway is the perfect place to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life. The boutique space boasts a cosy bedroom with a plush queen bed. With a well-equipped kitchen, you will not have to step out for coffee or meals. There is a Smart TV in the living room to keep guests entertained. The spacious patio with a luxurious double bath is perfect for a romantic stargazing session in the evening.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
couch sofa was comfortable to sleep ongreat views cozy bed nice bathroom and excellent deckbeautiful and comfortable property with great viewsthe accommodation is beautifully built with a large spacious balcony - fantastic amount of roomthe apartment is so clean the view is amazing from the bed from the private terraceCleanliness:
everything was clean and workingoutdoor bath crisp clean linen amazing locationplace was very clean and tidy both inside and outvery calming clean and peaceful spot hidden between the hillsthe place is so clean and mag's is very helpfulHost:
host was responsive and helpful in giving us recommendations for activities and places to go tomags is a great host and communications were easymags was very helpful in advance accommodating a couple of special requeststhe host was amazing and was very accommodating gave some great tips which really made our holiday to wanakamags is an excellent host who has thought of everythingRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stop amazing accommodation close to wanakareally good location up on the hillbeautiful place to stay with tub outside really cutegreat location with amazing viewsthe lookout is about 5-6 mins from town an easy drive too far to walk
3. Studio apartment with airy interiors (from USD 120)
Located near central Wanaka, this studio apartment is the perfect base to explore the town and the Otago region. Long-term renters can love the place as it comes with off-street parking and laundry facilities. It features a full kitchen with a microwave, fridge, and dishes, so you can easily prepare homemade dishes. The large queen bed can be comfortable even in the winter, thanks to the presence of the electric blanket. The rental boasts unique features such as a grass roof and a spacious deck with a hot tub. The accommodation also offers free WiFi access.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the closet space and the big drawers in the bathroomkitchen bathroom deck and bed are greatlovely room and amenitiesthe shower was beautvery comfortable space with everything we neededCleanliness:
very warm clean modern placenattaya's place was beautiful clean and modernthe room was so clean and had really good facilitiesthe place is super clean and one can really relax heregreat house i've ever stayed clean and tidyHost:
lovely hosts and immaculate propertylovely quiet place and great hostslove place and lovely hostslovely hosts really keen to help with any questions and advice about the local areanattaya was a lovely host and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for couplesgreat location and facilitiesperfect location close to wanaka towngreat location very private and easy walk to towngreat space walking distance to town
4. Stylish apartment in the heart of central Wanaka (from USD 145)
Style and functionality meld beautifully together at this large apartment near the lake. There is a lush private garden where you can enjoy beautiful views. It features a cloud-like king bed, perfect for resting after a day of adventure. The kitchenette is well-equipped, so you can cook your own meals during your stay. The modern bathroom and walk-in wardrobe add a touch of luxury. This place also comes with laundry facilities in the adjoining garage as well as off-street parking.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed is like sleeping on a cloudthe bathroom is gorgeous with underfloor heating such a treat on a chilly morningthere were thoughtful touches like fresh flowers in the bathroomthe room/private suite is absolutely wonderful with lots of space and everything you could ever needthe kitchen has plenty of space for cooking an easy dinner for 2Cleanliness:
it was sparklingly clean and very tasteful decorhuge rooms and spacious clean bathroomthe bed is comfortable and the shower room is clean and contemporaryvery nice bright clean and and spaciousthoroughly enjoyed this lovely spacious clean unitHost:
such lovely hostshosts were super helpfulour hosts were especially friendly and helpfuland very helpful hostsvery friendly & helpful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
easy walk to central wanakasuperb location in wanakaeasy walking distance to shopseasy walking distance to towneasy walk to town
5. Brand-new apartment with a patio (from USD 316)
Stay in this brand-new apartment that offers superb views of the mountains, Lake Wanaka, and the Otago countryside. The living area is spacious and features a Smart TV, WiFi, a cosy dining nook, and sliding glass doors. Right outside is a spacious patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee. The fully equipped kitchen can allow you to enjoy home-cooked meals. Moreover, the soft king-sized beds can ensure a sound sleep after exploring the town. As the sun goes down, you can enjoy an intimate barbecue with your family.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had a great stay the view was gorgeous and the beds were super comfygreat views of the mountains from all rooms and the outdoor tablethe apartment was lovely and private with a beautiful view of the mountainscute and cozy new fit out super warm with great mountain viewssuper comfortable beds amazing shower and nice views of mountainsCleanliness:
very clean and brightvery clean modern spaceclean and had everything you could wantapartment is clean and stylisha very great and clean apartmentHost:
the hosts were also nice peoplethe host is friendly and kindnessalyse & sam were very accommodating and happy to helpthe hosts are very friendly and helpfulhosts had a nice book of local recommendationsRead more reviewsLocation:
good location very close to the townconvenient location and good value for moneysuper close to lake wanaka and restaurantslocation was great as it was a short 15 minute walk to the town centergreat apartment great location and very comfortable
6. Pleasant studio for two (from USD 84)
This pleasant studio is situated just five minutes away from the lake. The one-bedroom unit boasts a queen bed that can keep you comfortable. Besides a modern bathroom, you can also find a basic kitchenette where you can make coffee and heat up simple meals. You can enjoy your meals on the cushy sofa while you watch a movie on Netflix. Begin your day by sipping coffee outdoors. If you are bringing a car, the rental offers free parking on the premises and off the street.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a heater and fan were provided in the roomreally comfortable little spot great amenities and a toasty heaterloved the coffee machine and the milk frother very comfy bed good fast wifieverything you need from ski storage to fresh coffee and juice in the roomsuch a great touch having a smart tv and nespresso machineCleanliness:
beautifully clean room and bathroomreally clean and lovely thoughtful touchesnice touches very clean and convenientclean warm and comfybeautiful place tidy and super clean roomHost:
penny is a great host and is responsivehost was very responsive and helpfulpenny and her husband were wonderful hosts they were very accommodating and had outstanding servicepenny was great at communicating and very accommodatingpenny was an amazing host and provided a beautiful warm spaceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was greatgreat location just a few minutes from townperfect location only 5min drive to the shopsgreat location very warm and comfortablegood value for the location
7. Contemporary loft for three (from USD 148)
This contemporary one-bedroom loft is the perfect place if you want to stay close to the town centre while still being able to enjoy the feeling of being in the countryside. Located south of the town, this rental features a plush king-sized bed and two single beds, easily accommodating a family of three. Amenities such as WiFi, a DVD player, and a flat-screen TV. are available for entertainment. You can whip up meals in the full kitchen and watch a good movie after a day of exploring the area.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the loft has air conditioning as well which is great for the warmer evenings but mostly not necessarygreat amenities very well thought-out loft apartment with anything you can think you might need plus morevery good facilities and a beautiful comphy bedhuge apartment with a superb bed and a good equipped kitchenvery specious comfortable and functionalCleanliness:
clean airy and pleasantsuper clean and fresh houseclean quiet and cozy loftthe unit was also clean and cozyimpeccably clean beautifully designed and furnished with lovely modern touchesHost:
friendly and helpful hostshost is very responsive to emailstarin has been a great host with good instructions and quite responsetarin was a delightful hosttarin is a super host and was very responsive with our various requestsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for exploring wanakagreat location and very good facilitygood spot close to wanaka town centrewonderful loft apartment 15 minutes walking distance from townthe location is great a little walk to town but very close to the lake and walking trails
8. Well-lit unit near Lake Wanaka
If you’re looking for a comfortable suite to come home to after your exciting adventures, check out this stylish one-bedroom suite located near Lake Wanaka. Wooden ceilings and walls as well as a plush carpet lend the space a cosy feel. The space features a soft queen bed, allowing guests to enjoy a good night’s sleep. It features a basic kitchenette for making coffee and heating meals and a full bathroom complete with hot water and a bathtub.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stylish room and bathroom with amazing view of mountainsthe interior of the room and the view is just immaculate couldnt faultcosy and comfy room with amazing viewsthe room was quite warm but luckily there was a fanwe had a fantastic stay amazing views especially out of the bathroom windowCleanliness:
very clean and sophisticated roomvery clean cosy and warmvery clean stylish and comfortableroom so comfort clean warm and sunnyit sparkling clean with stylish designHost:
anna was very helpfulanna was very friendlyhosts were very helpful and friendlyanna and ricky were the most gracious hosts and provided us with great local tipsfantastic accommodation with lovely hosts highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
good location for those who drivegreat location close to wanaka with easy access to a range of walks nearby10 min drive from center of wanaka so really close to all the nearby attractionslocated in calm and nice areaperfect location for exploring wanaka
9. Designer house with free parking (from USD 216)
Upscale and designer furnishings dot every corner of this contemporary house located in the heart of the town. This two-bedroom rental boasts a comfortable king bed and two single beds that can ensure restful nights. There is also free parking, which can be quite convenient if you have your own car. With a fully equipped kitchen, you can prepare delicious meals. No need to worry about running out of clean clothes as this accommodation also offers laundry facilities. You can sip coffee on the patio overlooking the garden, where your kids can play on the slide and the trampoline.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
good beds well appointed with fresh furnishings and applianceswifi was amazing kitchen was perfect for cooking a basic mealcomfortable beds great bathroom great natural light comfortable dining and living areasCleanliness:
stylish and very clean housevery clean and welcoming pleasant decorthe house was clean and warmeverything is very clean and well appointedthe house was clean tidy and super well appointedRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was greatgreat location for activities shopping and diningnice location easy to find and close to the supermarketsuper awesome location with walking distance to the town centregreat location of this new purposely built bach
10. Three-bedroom house near Lake Wanaka (from USD 227)
This rental’s three bedrooms can easily accommodate up to eight people. Thanks to the well-equipped kitchen, you will not have to worry about constantly spending on meals during your vacation. Besides a swanky kitchen island, you can find a large dining table that is perfect for eating meals together with your family. While WiFi and a flat-screen TV can provide entertainment, you can also admire the garden and the outdoor area with a trampoline.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent amenities and comfortable living areathe views out the kitchen window and off the front deck were a bonus and unexpectedhigh bandwidth wifi and a smart tv with netflix completed the packagecomfortable modern a touch of style and a great locationalso there was plenty of space where everyone felt comfortable and relaxedCleanliness:
very clean and modernclean tidy and comfortablesuper clean modern and very comfortableclean and we'll appointmentclean stylish and cosy houseHost:
amazing host and homebernie is quick to answer questions and responsive to requestshelpful and responsive hostsgreat spot and a lovely stay excellent hostswe had a lovely stay and the hosts kindly arranged some baby things for usRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful apartment close to towngreat location with only being a short walk to towngreat location next to towngreat location in central wanaka just a short walk to restaurants etcterrific location within quick walking distance to all the action
Explore the wonderful town of Wanaka
Wanaka might not be as popular as Queenstown, but it’s just as lively and interesting to explore. It offers an excellent variety of vacation rentals for a comfortable stay. For your next trip, check out this list of the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Wanaka, New Zealand.
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