Airbnb Host Awards 2025

Seafield View, Napier, NZ
Hosted by Jo

Seafield View is a nurturing retreat designed for deep rest and quiet joy. Built with comfort in mind, the two-bedroom home features queen beds with feather pillows, a sun-drenched lounge with a window seat for tui birdwatching and a full kitchen stocked with extras, like Jo’s homemade bread and a breakfast pack of local treats. Guests rave about the outdoor bath, perfect for sunset soaks and the peaceful privacy of the rural setting. With mountain-bike trails, e-bike hire and a charming Book Exchange, Jo’s haven blends luxury with warmth, offering a restorative base for exploring Hawke’s Bay wineries, coastlines and cycle trails.

Nest Treehouse, Canterbury, NZ
Hosted by Elizabeth and Andy

Nest is a one-of-a-kind luxury treehouse escape tucked deep in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Hand-built, these creative sanctuaries are a celebration of childhood wonder and bold creativity; featuring swing bridges, glass balustrades and panoramic valley views. The treehouse is uniquely designed with outdoor bathtubs, barrel saunas, fireplaces and star-gazing tubs that turn every moment into magic. Guests rave about the treasure hunts, homemade cookies and the immersive layout that invites reconnection with nature and each other. Boutique, off-grid, and brimming with heart, it’s a design-forward stay that captures the imagination.

Tuki Views House, Havelock North, NZ
Hosted by Diane

Tuki Views is a peaceful family retreat with uninterrupted views of Te Mata Peak and the Tuki Tuki River. Set within the Black Barn Subdivision, this spacious home features a resort-style 12-metre pool, spa, tennis court and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Guests love the multiple lounge areas, flexible bedroom layout and tranquil garden spaces perfect for play and relaxation. Just minutes from wineries, beaches and Havelock North village, the property is ideal for families or groups seeking privacy with easy access to local attractions. 

The Black Yurt, Ōakura, NZ
Hosted by Ekaterina and Wes

The Black Yurt is a secluded glamping retreat tucked into the rewilded hills of coastal Taranaki. Surrounded by native bush, birdsong and a gentle stream, this modern yurt offers a deep connection to nature without sacrificing comfort. Guests enjoy queen bedding, a cosy wood-fired interior and cozy  eco touches, from locally sourced products to driftwood heating and zero single-use plastics. Just a short walk from the beach and Mount Taranaki’s trails, it’s a haven for hikers, romantics and anyone seeking quiet renewal. With edible gardens, a sauna and an EV charger in the works, The Black Yurt is a regenerative escape shaped by care for the land and love for the wild.

Kiana Emi Photography


Hightide River Escape, Hokitika, NZ
Hosted by Kim and Shane

Hightide River Escape is a romantic off-grid cabin nestled on the banks of the Hokitika River, just a short walk from town yet worlds away in atmosphere. Designed for couples and nature lovers, this cosy retreat features a queen bed with ensuite, a fully equipped kitchen, and a snug lounge perfect for fireside reading. Outside, guests can soak in a wood-fired cedar bathtub under the stars, paddle the river in provided canoes, or gather around the fire pit for marshmallows and moonlit stories. With panoramic views of the Alps, ocean, and river from the nearby bridge, Hightide offers a rare blend of wild West Coast beauty and elevated comfort. 

City Views at Whareora, Christchurch, NZ
Hosted by Jo and Lance

City Views at Whareora is a private, top-floor guest suite nestled in lush bushland just 5.5km from Christchurch’s city centre. This semi-detached hillside apartment offers a peaceful escape with expansive views stretching from city to sea. The queen room features a luxe five-metre granite bathroom with double rain showers and a spa bath overlooking the skyline. Guests enjoy a cosy lounge, kitchenette, Smart TV, and hundreds of DVDs, plus a well-stocked guest kitchen downstairs for self-catering. With generous breakfast supplies, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and heartfelt extras like airport pickups and homemade guidebooks, Jo and Lance bring decades of nursing care into every detail.

Explore the hosts from Australia who set the standard for great stays. See the 2025 winners here.