From tiny huts in the forest to a geodesic dome, a luxurious private retreat and accommodation in an actual boot, Aotearoa New Zealand has an abundance of cosy winter escapes for a cheeky weekend away.
And to help you dive straight into those vacay vibes we’ve hand-picked a bunch of epic stays—from budget to extravagant—with that all-important fireplace for keeping the winter chills away.
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The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In The North Island
Raglan, Waikato | 4 guests | 2 beds Harewood Grange
Linen lovers and star-gazers will rejoice in this exquisitely renovated barn on an 18-acre lifestyle block. Created from recycled, preloved and sustainable materials—the fireplace mantle is from a 120-year-old villa—you’re sure to love your stay at Harewood Grange.
Wander the grounds to your heart’s content (gumboots recommended), making your way up to the top paddock in time to see the sunset over Mount Kariori. This is the perfect place to rest after a day of living it up in Raglan township.
Taranaki | 2 guests | 1 bedroom River Belle Glamping
If you’ve always wanted to stay in a snow globe (except, warm) then River Belle Glamping’s geodesic dome is for you. Set on a working farm near the Mangaoraka River, a short drive from central New Plymouth, this is a romantic winter getaway like no other.
Amenities-wise, everything you need is provided from kitchen and bathroom to BBQ. Warm up in the outdoor bath, cook s’mores over the brazier or huddle up in the dome with its in-built fire and electric blankets. Cosy.
Piha, Auckland | 2 guests | 1 bedroom Misty Mountain Hut
Cosy up in this tiny Misty Mountain Hut surrounded by kauri and rimu forest. One for nature lovers, enjoy a soak in the outdoor bath then dry off around the outdoor fire, toasting s’mores under the stars.
Forage in the vegetable garden and, if you’re feeling like an explore, Piha and Karekare beaches are just a 10-minute drive away. If you’re looking for a peaceful stay amongst the trees, this could be the one.
Karekare, Auckland | 6 guests | 4 beds Ahu Ahu
Wrap yourself in luxury at Ahu Ahu, a private retreat that’s a five-minute walk from Karekare Beach. Designed by award-winning New Zealand architect Andrew Patterson and chosen by Neil Finn and Crowded House as the setting for recording their Together Alone album, you’ll be living your best life at this next-level abode.
This Airbnb offers three spacious bedrooms, a shiny new kitchen, alfresco dining and entertaining areas, plus all the modern tech making for an utterly gorgeous stay.
Nelson | 2 guests | 1 bedroom The Boot
In a nursery rhyme come to life, your next winter escape could be in a boot. Yes, you read correctly. Complete with a private courtyard and not one, but two, large open fireplaces (inside and outdoors) this is surely one of the cosiest Airbnbs around.
The Boot offers a luxurious bed, a shower built for two, and lots of homemade treats, with a local cafe a stone’s throw away for brunch, dining, platters and more. Set against a mountain backdrop, the 2.4-hectare property is yours to explore.
Greytown | 4 guests | 2 beds Longforde Cottage
This charming self-contained cottage can be found at the end of one of the most beautiful streets in Greytown (an hour outside of Wellington). Styled with French doors, sash windows and old polished floors, Longforde Cottage is all about relaxed rural vibes.
Enjoy a complimentary loaf of local bakery bread, spreads and plunger coffee, and early risers can make use of the vintage-style cruiser bikes provided and pop along to The French Bakery for freshly baked croissants. Delightful.
The Best Airbnbs With Fireplaces In The South Island
Queenstown, Otago | 8 guests | 4 bedrooms Ataahua Penthouse
Fancy waking to a breathtaking view of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables? Just 10 minutes from the airport and town centre Ataahua Penthouse makes for an idyllic winter retreat or next-level base after walking one of the nearby Great Walks.
Features include a huge wrap around deck, gas fire, heat pump, panel heaters and electric blankets (a godsend for the chronically cold) as well as a fully equipped kitchen, free-standing bath, double garage and Netflix, and the owners can even sort you out with bits and pieces for tiny tots.
Punakaiki, West Coast | 2 guests | 1 bedroom Woodpecker Bay Bach
For a thrilling stay, book into Woodpecker Bay Bach, a rustic studio-style Airbnb right next to the crashing ocean. With nature lapping at your doorstep you could spy seals, penguins and dolphins swimming by. Pass the time kayaking up the Pororari River, visiting the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks or hiking in Paparoa National Park.
Fast Wi-Fi, Netflix and Bluetooth speakers bring a touch of modernity to this beachfront stay and in true bach style, access to the toilet via a short garden path. A portion of every booking is donated to the West Coast Penguin Trust.
Mt Lyford, Canterbury | 2 guests | 1 bedroom Totara Lodge
Live your log cabin fantasy in the cosy, ski chalet-reminiscent Totara Lodge. Surrounded by native bush, and with mountain views, adventure can take any form, from skiing and hiking to mountain biking and stargazing in the outdoor bathtub.
Care has been put into the interiors with everything you need from kitchen appliances and laundry facilities to board games, books, a Smart TV and, of course, a toasty fireplace.
Staveley, Canterbury | 2 guests | 1 bedroom Red Cottages Staveley
Red Cottages Staveley comes with everything you’d expect of a stellar winter retreat—large fire, outdoor bathtubs and prime star-viewing—but it also comes with its own theatre in a converted woolshed, complete with comfy couches and cosy blankets.
Not to mention, the restored historical cottage includes a garden, covered deck and BBQ area. With views of Mount Somers, Mount Winterslow and Mount Hutt, and just 10 minutes from the Mount Hutt Ski Area access road you can marvel at the snowy peaks from afar or get amongst some seriously fun snowsports.
Ben Oahu, Canterbury | 5 guests | 1 bedroom High Country Cabin
Inspired by Backcountry huts, High Country Cabin is a gorgeous rustic-yet-stylish Airbnb in the heart of the Southern Alps. If you’re looking for a screen-free getaway you’ll be delighted to know that there’s no TV here—just you, a log burner, mountain ranges and the stars. Bliss.
Fair Trade Certified plunger coffee is provided, along with a kitchen and cooking basics. Feel free to wander the surrounding 10-acre property or a 15-minute drive will get you to Twizel where you can get amongst snow sports, tramping, mountain biking, hunting and fishing.
Table Mound, Otago | 6 guests | 2 bedrooms Cascade Creek
Off-the-grid retreat Cascade Creek boasts twin outdoor bathtubs so you can live it up in luxury, side by side. Tucked away on a sheep and beef farm, this Airbnb enjoys an abundance of native bird life.
Spend the day exploring nearby walking tracks or curl up in front of the large, roaring fire. Breakfast is provided and the full kitchen will no doubt meet all your other cooking needs.
Main image credit: Ataahua Penthouse | Airbnb
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