6 Best Houseboat Rentals In New Zealand - Updated 2024

Alex
Alex 
Updated
| 3 min read

New Zealand is a country with a stunning amount of beauty contained within it. The country is a popular tourist destination for many things. The rugged mountains are popular for skiing and hiking while swimming and camping are favorite summertime activities. Between the mountains and the beaches are rolling plains, fields, volcanoes, and of course, cities. For those who love the water, indulge in boat tours around the Tasman Sea, spend a day at the Coromandel Peninsula, or venture out to Taupo and enjoy world-class trout fishing. When exploring the country, make sure to experience the rich history and culture of the country by staying at one of the many heritage hotels, and don’t forget to join one of the tours in New Zealand to fully immerse yourself in the local beauty and customs. There’s plenty to see around the islands of New Zealand. If you want to experience the country from a different perspective, consider staying on a houseboat. Check out the best houseboat rentals in New Zealand.

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 April 12, 2024.

1. Off-the-grid yacht, Kaiteriteri (from USD 2295)

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this boat accommodation in New Zealand. It boasts 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 10 guests. The package includes one night’s accommodation and two full days of activities, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tasman Bay. Longer stays are also welcome. Your personal guide and the host will ensure your comfort and safety throughout your journey.

During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark at the park and take a leisurely walk along one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, or indulge in fishing, swimming, and walks along the beach. Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters or try snorkeling for a close-up view of the marine life. With this self-catered tour, you have the freedom to personalize your experience by cooking your own food, according to your preferences.

Stayed at this property?
Kaiteriteri, Kaiteriteri, New Zealand
house boat 10 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

2. Romantic houseboat within a private farm, Auckland (from USD 181)

This beautiful houseboat for rent provides a luxury experience that will make you feel like you’re staying in a floating apartment. Sleeping up to two people, this accommodation can be an interesting romantic getaway as you surround yourself with serene waters and local flora.

The houseboat is on a pond within a private farm and features a queen-sized bed, full kitchen, and bathroom with toilet, shower, and vanity. Other essentials, TV access, and WiFi are also available. Outside, there is a covered deck with a barbecue grill and a wooden jetty with seating.

Stayed at this property?
Wainui, Auckland, New Zealand
50 reviews   Wifi Available
Houseboat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the boathouse is cozy and nature perfect
a truly relaxing and super comfortable stay
Cleanliness:
super clean and comfortable
extremely clean cosy and quite spacious
it was sparking clean and very spacious
the place is beautiful tidy and clean
the houseboat was clean cosy and very warm for our mid winter stay
Host:
carol & derek we’re perfect hosts
carol was a great host
the house boat was a perfect getaway carol and derick were amazing hosts and would recommend to anyone
the couple is very accommodating and responsive
carol was a wonderful host and made us both feel so welcome and at home
Location:
perfect location just out of auckland
such a peaceful setting yet only minutes to the local shops
you will absolutely love the location and amenities
such a lovely place to have a peaceful weekend away
it is the best place we have been
Read more reviews

Other boat accommodations in New Zealand

3. Te Harinui, Tasman (from USD 4684)

Enjoy a charted voyage through the Tasman Sea aboard this beautiful catamaran yacht. Te Harinui sleeps up to eight people, making it ideal for a weekend getaway with friends or a memorable family holiday. The host is your ship captain and personal guide as you traverse through the waters of Abel Tasman National Park.

The rental includes four private cabins with queen-sized beds. A private en-suite bathroom and indoor and outdoor lounge areas are also available. The deck comes with a barbecue grill, but guests can also make use of the kitchen onboard. If you feel like hopping off and exploring the surrounding park, there are plenty of hiking paths, beaches, and kayaking opportunities that await.

Stayed at this property?
Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman, New Zealand
4 reviews   Wifi Available
Boat 4 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Location:
such a great way to spend a night in the park
Read more reviews

4. Romantic stay on a lovely yacht, Nelson (from USD 114)

This yacht is a great rental for a romantic weekend in Nelson. Sleeping up to two guests, this accommodation comes with breakfast, dinner, and optional wine for your comfort. You can have a fully catered experience right on the water!

Guests can head out into town and check out shops, restaurants, and galleries, then retire to the boat in the evening and enjoy sleeping in a room with ample storage space, comfortable bed, and bay views. WiFi is included onboard, and free parking on the shore is available.

Stayed at this property?
Nelson, New Zealand
88 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Private room in boat 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the marina is well equipped with nice amenities and hot showers
the room is spacious and the deck of the yacht is beautiful and charming
i stayed two nights with very comfortable bed and spacious dining area
Cleanliness:
the marina is modern with a clean and comfortable bathroom
wind dancer ii is clean roomy and well-cared for
there are clean modern shower and laundry facilities on shore
his boat was clean comfortable- we slept like babes
Host:
lindsay is a great host
lindsay is a great host
lindsay is a gracious host on his beautiful yacht
highly recommend this fantastic host and one of a kind accommodations
lindsay is a great host and an excellent entertainer 10/10
Location:
the location is excellent to walk 15 minutes into town to explore the nelson saturday market
it's a short walk from town which is really pretty
lindsay’s yacht is simply amazing great location in the marina where very close to the city centre
Read more reviews

5. Warm and cozy boat for six, Taupo

This fully furnished boat is docked on the beautiful Lake Taupo, where you can enjoy the views, hang out with friends on the upper deck, or enjoy a romantic evening on the lake. This unique rental sleeps up to six people. Guests can stay onboard or check out local shops and restaurants just outside the marina.

The boat comes with plenty of amenities to make your stay memorable, such as a barbecue grill, outdoor lounge space, TV, WiFi, and a kitchen. Note that this rental is not for children under 12 years old and those with limited mobility.

Stayed at this property?
Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
82 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 4 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the town seems to have wi-fi but it's super slow
the beds are comfortable with extra blankets if needed
comfortable beds and lots of extra attention to detail
the beds were super comfy… everybody agreed on that one
wanna save water? shower and pee in the river
Host:
karl and maureen were great hosts and were very responsive
maureen and karl are great hosts
did not get to meet our host but the stay was lovely
karl and maureen are kind amazing people with a gorgeous property
lovely hosts very responsive to our communication
Location:
the location is great
it is a great location to town
it’s in an awesome location super close to the township
such a picturesque location right in the heart of the township
this was the best location we could possible have hoped for
Read more reviews

6. Prince of Tides, Nelson

Located in Nelson, this yacht is a unique rental ideal for those who love the water. With enough room to sleep up to four guests, Prince of Tides offers great views of the ocean and sunsets over the horizon.

If you’re looking to spend time in town or the beach, simply sail over! The space features a kitchen, a small dining area, two queen-sized beds, and one double bed. Amenities include TV, toiletries, and breakfast goodies. Make unforgettable memories by hiring this houseboat in New Zealand.

Stayed at this property?
Nelson, New Zealand
61 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Boat 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
however the bathrooms and bedding were nice and clean which are the most critical bits
Host:
chris is a nice host
the host is very nice and responsive he give me a recommendation for local places
chris is a great host and made sure we were well prepared and safe
chris was a very good host
chris was a great host who our two boys love speaking about
Location:
an unique experience fantastic location
chris was a great host and the prince of tides was a super unique place to spend a night
Read more reviews

New Zealand provides unique homes and great views

New Zealand has tons of natural beauty to see and discover. Experience the unique lifestyle of living on a houseboat in New Zealand and create unforgettable memories! Enjoy the sights of the sea and the sunsets over the horizon as you stay on a houseboat. For unique stays and great memories, book one of the best houseboat rentals in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions about houseboat rentals in New Zealand


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Alex is a Canadian university graduate with degrees in English literature and History. He was born in Montreal and when he's not traveling he enjoys movies, video games, playing the drums and...Read more

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