With no shortage of paradise-like destinations, New Zealand is undoubtedly a top spot for vacationers with Golden Bay often coming to the top of the pile for the diverse landscape it offers that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to lay back and enjoy on the golden sands, do water sports, go trekking or just explore the town’s shopping, eating and sightseeing options, boredom will not be a part of your itinerary here. From the budget backpacker to the luxury traveller and from the solo traveller to the family reunion vacation, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from regardless and we bring to you the best homestay accommodations around Golden Bay so that you can live the local life without compromising on all modern amenities. Check out the best Bookabach holiday homes in Golden Bay, New Zealand here.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2023.
1. Live in a handcrafted replica of a caboose (from USD 92)
A handcrafted replica of an old train carriage, this one-bedroom accommodation is set on a property with a farmhouse and comes with a private garden. It’s also only a five-minute drive from the beach and the Takaka township. It comes with a double bedroom, a kitchen space, an indoor and outdoor dining space and a composting toilet and an outdoor shower. The colourful and vibrant furnishings, the lovely wooden charm and the cosy accommodation make it an ideal choice for a romantic getaway so much so that you’d want to take this caboose home with you!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it was very comfortable and cozyThe composting toilet was pristineOutside shower was so warm a shower light would have been good if showing when sun goes down but loved our stayThe outdoor bath was of course a highlightAnd the best part is absolutely the outside bath and shower Thanks againCleanliness:
was comfy and clean and the vibe of the place was amazingIt is very well stocked with kitchenware and quite well maintained and cleanHost:
The outdoor tub was a highlight for us :-)Every corner was so beautifulsuper helpful and very good and communicating We will definitely be backWe could not have imagined a more romantic spotThe hosts have done a lovely job creating this beautifully authentic Caboose in the heart of Golden Bay available to hire for a private and romantic getawayRead more reviewsLocation:
Really enjoyed staying at The CabooseIt has such lovely little touches like "The Little Red Caboose" book on the shelfThe location was as perfect as the property close to Pohara beach and easily accessible was amazing place to stay everythingthe outside bath and shower added to the very special feel of the place Located close to Takaka and beautiful beaches and easy access to northern end of Abel Tasman walk Highly recommendedThe Caboose is a fantastic little place ideal for couples
2. Idyllic riverside retreat (from USD 95)
This warm and well-appointed cottage located super close to the ParaPara River and the spectacular Milnthorpe Park is built with carefully selected stones from every river in the Golden Bay and is set amidst lush greenery. It is a one-bedroom accommodation with a queen bed and an extra day bed in the living room which comes with double glazed windows and a good efficient fireplace to keep it cosy. The living room is charming and the house comes with a full kitchen coupled with a provision for an indoor as well as an outdoor dining space to enjoy alfresco dining while taking in the breathtaking views around. The property is also in close proximity of the town of Collingwood, Wharariki Beach, the Westhaven inlet and plenty of artisan galleries.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
It was warm enough in the upstairs bedroom to allow the window to be open at night to hear the river flowing andAnd yes the bed is the comfiest you'll ever sleep inThe place has everything we needed and moreThe house is very comfortable and the surroundings are very peaceful and quietand it was all set in a lovely part of the countryHost:
Reen was really nice and helpfulvery well thought clean with modern appliancesShe made sure we had everything we needed and told us to let her know if we had any questions or needed anything at allReen came and checked in with us when we arrived and before we left and was very pleasantBush walks river and the beach are very close by Also very nice hosts Highly recommendedRead more reviewsLocation:
it is in such a beautiful location with a lovely river walk close byA beautifully clean cottage with gorgeous garden in a very peaceful setting No cell phone coverage or internetComfortable and effortless space to be in and the perfect place to return to at the end of the day A lovely spot in itself and an easy drive to local walks beachesThis was my third visit to the property and every time is as special as the last So much to do in the area and yet at the same time you can also hide away from the world and just relax and enjoy n...Beautiful sunny cottage with just the singing Tui and river babble to listen to Perfect relaxing retreat with everything you need and lovely hosts
3. Getaway with 180-degree views of the water (from USD 91)
This quiet, comfortable and sunny rental features three bedrooms and is located just across the street from Collingwood beach. Featuring an open plan layout and an expansive 180-degree view over the bay from Separation Point to Farewell Spit, you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the tide going in and out. The kitchen space is well-appointed with all paraphernalia as well as with a lovely view of the ocean. The house features three large bedrooms, a queen size and a king size upstairs and a bunk bed set downstairs. The beach is safe for swimming and there are cafes, shops and pubs nearby for you to explore. And on days that you decide to stay in, the house has on offer a diverse selection of DVDs, games and books to suit all age groups.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
All the amenities you need and morePerfect it was just as I had imagined based on the photos - lovely vibe about the home along with sea viewson the second floor outstanding A real pleasure to read and look at the seaCleanliness:
Otherwise very comfortable and clean Thank youHost:
Great location love the maps on the wall very helpfulThis lovely home met all our expectations and more Great attention to detailThe communication was easy and the owner very friendly and accomodatingNice being by the beachOutdoor hose was great for cleaning sand from little peopleRead more reviewsLocation:
House was in a great locationSuch a good location close to the cafes & shops but in a nice quiet beach front street Perfectmagical Collingwood is a great little town surrounded by amazing sceneryWe particularly enjoyed the varied bird lifeEnjoyed all to short holiday in this great location opposite beach walking distance from Collingwood and central to exploring Golden Bay House is clean and has all ammenties for a relaxing troubl...
4. Property right on Tata Beach (from USD 111)
Located right on the Tata Beach with amazing views, this simplistic house features three bedrooms and an open-plan layout for the kitchen and lounge area. The outdoors have a seating arrangement and a gas barbecue. Just walk across the garden and find yourself on the beach which features golden sands and is great for swimming at any tide and for enjoying water sports. You can also catch some truly breathtaking sunsets from this place.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
has a nice hot shower and comfy bedsVery hard to find these place's during the Christmas periodThe cleaning equipment could be upgraded - a decent mop good supply of cleaning ragsGood basic accommodation perfect for the beach Did not realise accommodation is actually 1 unit of 4 but wasn't a problem during our stayWe thought the apartment was greatHost:
It's good to know that the pantry Amenities and appliances are basic/old ButSmall but perfectly formed and positionedright on the beach amazing sunsetsso close to the beach and perfect size for a family of 6 easySo nice just to walk across the garden onto the beachRead more reviewsLocation:
Great location and Jackie is fabulous to deal withThe location of this property was superbOutstanding on the beachfront location with tidy accomodation in a retro 1970s bach unit sharing a courtyard Ideal summer vacation spot to unwindGorgeous location right on the beachShort drive to a variety of cafes which is essential when on holiday
5. Three-bedroom house amidst greenery (from USD 128)
This three-bedroom accommodation is located only five minutes’ from Pohara, another five minutes’ to the local golf club and only 15 minutes’ to Takaka besides also being close to the Tarakohe Wharf, Wainui falls et al. Set amidst lush greenery and close to the water, this accommodation houses two double bedrooms with an additional sofa bed in one of them and the third bedroom with three single beds. It comes with a lovely sitting room, a full kitchen and an indoor as well as outdoor dining space. The listing has a pool table and a book collection for indoor entertainment and the owners make available two kayaks on request along with life vests and other equipment.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
and it was handy to have a toilet upstairs for the nightNew bathroom with nice showerLocation had plenty of land for the children to run around and walking to the beach was easyGreat position nicely off the beaten track but lovely views :)Clean and plenty of room for lots of peopleCleanliness:
Lovely clean house with everything we neededGood activities for teenagers; pool table and kayaksHost:
Older home with all mod consLovely well maintained and equipped house with great views Pukeko weka and piwakawaka potter around the deckThe children loved the birds and the family loved the big dining table where all could eat at onceBach was spacious and accomodated our 2 families easily Nice and private and sheltered we had a great timeclean tidy matched description in ad wellRead more reviewsLocation:
Short stroll to the lovely sandy beachLoved everything about this houseBeautiful place to stay very quietPerfect location off the main road but perfect for usIdeal 2 story home for three generations Close to beach away from suburbia
6. Two-bedroom holiday home across from the beach (from USD 83)
This holiday home is a cottage with two bedrooms just across the street from the Golden Sand Beach of Ligar Bay. It shares lawn space with the adjacent cottage, also from the same owners. While one bedroom features a double bed, the other comes with twin beds. The living space is comfortable and French sliding doors lead you to the patio. The property is at a three-minute drive to a grocery store and a couple of cafes and restaurants at Pohara Beach while being a 10-15 minute drive to the northern boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park which is great for walks. The owners provide guests with kayaks to paddle in the beautiful clear waters around the coastline to Tata Beach, Tarakohe Harbour or the Ligar Bay Lagoon.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The home has everything you could needThe heat pump did a great job cooling the place down Sad to be going homeThe cottage was very clean and has everything to have a comfortable stayLarge bach in an nice location well equippedWe thoroughly enjoyed our stay with plenty of swimming cycling walking and kayakingCleanliness:
always clean and tidy Plenty of games and toys for childrenWe loved the location and the cottage had everything we neededHost:
We couldn't ask for anything moreWas a nice place Awesome to be so close to the beachwalks etc Would recommend for people wanting walking holiday and also family beach holidayGreat spot and awesome house Set up with everything you needGreat spot and awesome house Set up with everything you needRead more reviewsLocation:
Ideal location for a beach retreatI would like to thank Wendy and Paul for a lovely Beachaven CottageLots of info on activities andIt is a lovely cottageWonderful cottage in a quiet area
7. Colourful and homelike beachfront house (from USD 96)
This 1960s open-plan home with oil timbers, colourful and vibrant interiors and close proximity to the beach, is a lovely pet-friendly property. It features three bedrooms, a colourful and vibrant sitting room and a full kitchen. It is only 2 minutes’ from a tennis court and a cafe, only 15 minutes’ from a place for groceries, Farewell Spit, the Whanganui inlet and a local museum. Continuing down the west coast will take you the Patarau River, Anatori River, the Aorere Valley and more. The soft and sandy beach in front of the property has a shallow gradient and is safe for swimming and kayaking while the native trees around the property invite plenty of lovely birds.
8. Minimalistic two-bedroom holiday cottage (from USD 92)
This listing is a two-bedroom holiday cottage across the road from walking tracks and sculpture trails and set amidst a private bush setting. A couple minutes’ stroll away is a beach fit for swimming, fishing and boating and a short drive away is the world-renowned Mussel Inn. It comes with a well-stocked bookcase, plenty of games and jigsaws for the rare wet days or the days you decide to stay in. The cottage is pet-friendly so feel free to bring along your canine. A dog motel is also available.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we will return Muffin thought it was pretty special tooThe bach is well equipped and and a great place to relax and Golden Bay fromHost:
Shower had good pressure and the house was nice warm and cosyand we loved that the property was kid and dog friendlyGreat spot comfortable quiet and private close to the beach friendly helpful owner next doorSandy is a lovely hostess and most accommodating Thankyou so muchLovely wee cottage with a lovely bush outlook Beds really comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
Awesome place great location and very tranquilThe property was ideal in every wayLovely secluded spot and really enjoyed the local bird life including Wekas Wood Pigeons and QuailsA great comfortable and warm bach in a great locationVery peaceful lots of birdlife and walking right outside the property Will be back
9. Lovely cottage set on a vast property (from USD 92)
Located on a 7 acres (2.8 hectares) organic property, this woody and warm cottage is set against a backdrop of limestone outcrops, Nikau palms and mature Rata and Totara trees. These and the huge Pohutukawa and Puriri trees behind the homestead invite many lovely birds such as tuis, bellbirds and woodpigeons among others. The indoors has a lovely, cosy vibe going for it and it works like a charm. This lovely north-west facing cottage gets plenty of sunlight all day and comes with a double bed and an additional single bed to go with it, a full kitchen, a patio and a lovely large garden space.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it had everything we neededyou know you have booked the right placeIt was particularly hot during our stay and the cottage does get quite hot insidethat we could take our dogsThe cottage is perfect for a couple or a couple with one or two childrenCleanliness:
Lovely clean and well kept cottageThe cottage was clean and well equipped with everything we neededHost:
too Susan is a wonderful host as wellSusan couldn't have been more helpfulactually useful and the outdoor area with BBQA feeling of calm Then met by the most glorious hosts friendly helpful and happy a joy to meet Finally the bachWe loved our stay here - Susan was very easy to communicate with and extremely helpful with all our questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
Tranquil cottage in orchard setting Minutes from beachesAbout 10 mins drive from TakakaLovely property in peaceful location GreatAwsome cottage everythink you need Surrounded by Beautiful organic gardens great for relaxing and for are four legged Friend ??The Bach itself is a beautiful character cottage in a lovely rural setting Lovely to be able to have our older dog Charlie there too
10. Minimalistic and comfortable cottage
This minimalistic but comfortable cottage is a warm and sunny self-contained unit. Featuring a double bedroom and a twin bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and lounge area, a separate laundry area and lovely garden space, this house is located only 50 meters (164 feet) from the beach. The home rental is also only a 12-minute drive to Takaka which has Pohara which hosts lovely cafes and eateries for you to explore and a 30-minute drive to the gorgeous Totaranui Beach and the Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy :
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
what more does one need?Nicely appointed cottage with everything we needed for a short stayHouse had everything we needed Thanks for the use of the kayaksWasn't a lot of room for parkingso a boat would have been a challange to get in down the narrow shared drive just for knowledge not intended as a criticismCleanliness:
Just what we needed everything supplied no fuss clean tidy and hassle freeLovely cottage as described very quiet and relaxing would love to return in the summerHost:
very nice host and great for a familyNeil is a great host and the cottage is very well setup and spaciousNeil was very welcoming and helped us out enormously by looking after our bikes when our vehicle broke down Would definitely book againNeil was charming and very helpfulHouse was well equipped with good appliances and had comfortable bedsRead more reviewsLocation:
very quiet and not overlooked but only a 2 min Walk to the beachminutes walk from the beachA super very well fitted out house and in a great location only a few minutes from the beachEasy walk to the beachEverything one could need in a great location Thank you Neil
Golden Bay, a coastal retreat like no other
Getting to Golden Bay is a trek in itself but the destination makes it totally worth it. Also, with transport pretty limited, it’s best explored with a car or a campervan even though you can get here by taxi and bus from Nelson Airport. While you’re here, make sure you don’t miss out on the Farewell Spit Nature Reserve, the drive to Wharariki on the west coast, the Mussel Inn and the tramping and trails. Book one of our aforementioned holiday homes and have the best vacation ever.
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