Airbnb reveals New Zealand Host Award winners for 2024

The best of New Zealand’s Airbnb hosts have been recognised as part of the platform’s annual Host Awards.

Celebrating the top hosts and listings on offer across the country, the Airbnb Host Awards shine a spotlight on Kiwi hosts for the incredible work they do for visitors and the benefits they bring to their wider communities. 

With categories such as Best Design Stay, Best Nature Stay and this year’s newly created, Best Family Friendly Stay, winners range from a handcrafted cabin with views of rolling farmland and a peep of Mt. Kario, to a glass pod perched high above the Kahutara River with a vast outlook across the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, as well as a stunning family ‘spa’ home with views out to Kapiti Island.

This year’s coveted Host of the Year award went to North Island’s Jenni and Craig who offer a stunning private studio getaway in Tamahere with a cosy, homely environment and unique personal touches. Known for its cleanliness and comfort, the studio provides a welcoming retreat where guests can relax and unwind. Hosting on Airbnb has even allowed Jenni and Craig to fund their own travels.

Wellington residents Ryan and Ying-Min have taken home the trophy for Best New Host for their thoughtfully designed guesthouse in Wellington, offering an architectural take on a cabin in the woods. The property aims to provide guests with a restful and rejuvenating experience, featuring an infrared sauna with garden views.

This year’s Best Nature Stay was awarded to Kent and Nicola’s handcrafted secluded timber cabin with views of Mount Karioi and rolling farmland. This off-grid cabin offers modern comforts powered by solar energy with features like an outdoor bath and copper rain head shower.

Across the six categories this year, finalists have hailed from across the nation. The winners all offer something original to suit different styles and budgets – whether travelling solo or in groups. 

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for New Zealand, said: “Local hosts are the backbone of the Airbnb community and it’s an honour to recognise those who go the extra mile. 

“Airbnb hosts create unique, welcoming spaces that are filled with thoughtful touches, providing memorable experiences for guests. 

“It’s inspiring to see how these hosts promote local culture and contribute to their communities. Hosting is not just about sharing a special place – it’s also a means to support local businesses and generate additional income. 

“With group bookings accounting for over 80 percent of trips on Airbnb, there are great options amongst the winning listings for families and friends to plan the perfect stay for any occasion.”

Winning hosts were selected based on extensive Airbnb data, guest scores and reviews with oversight from a panel of judges including Susan Wheeldon and Host Advisory Board members, Felicity Stevens and Sarah Huang.

Please find the full list of award finalists at www.airbnb.com.au/hostawards24nz

2024 AIRBNB HOST AWARDS WINNERS

BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY STAY – recognising hosts who have gone above and beyond to ensure families have an amazing stay

WINNER: The Big Bach, Paraparaumu, North Island 

ABOUT THE LISTING: The Big Bach, hosted by Kelly McAvinue, is an expansive, family-oriented retreat that accommodates up to 23 people across nine rooms, making it perfect for multigenerational families. With amenities like portacots, a high chair, children’s books, games and even a boat integrated into the deck, there are endless entertainment options. The property also features outdoor games, a games room with table tennis and air hockey, water sports equipment, a heated spa pool and beachfront access. Guests enjoy various outdoor spaces including multiple decks with dining areas, a BBQ and an outdoor kitchen. Exceptional reviews highlight the well-equipped kitchen, ample space for gatherings and numerous relaxation spots, making the Big Bach an ideal destination for a memorable family holiday.

“Everything is right there for adults and kids to both relax and be entertained. Once you arrive you don’t need to leave. The Bach is large enough to accommodate three generations of family – kids, parents and grandparents so everyone can stay in one place..” – Host, Kelly

JUDGE SUSAN WHEELDON: “Kelly has put a lot of thought into setting up her home to provide a range of activities for children of all ages to enjoy when on holiday, no matter the weather. From wooden train sets to a boat in the garden, a cubby house to play in and kayaks to take out on the ocean, she ensures her guests feel welcome and her home is well maintained and very well stocked so her guests want for nothing.” 

BEST NEW HOST – recognising new hosts who have gone above and beyond to ensure guests have an amazing stay

WINNER: The Wellnest guesthouse, Wellington, North Island 

ABOUT THE HOST: Ryan Shields and Ying-Min Chu, have created a thoughtfully designed guesthouse in Wellington, offering an architectural take on a cabin in the woods. The property aims to provide guests with a restful and rejuvenating experience featuring an infrared sauna with garden views, curated city guides and a dedicated Instagram account to excite guests about their stay.

“We’ve had a lot of people say it’s the best Airbnb they’ve ever stayed in. That’s been really touching. Guests also consistently appreciate the design details. They love that it has a beautiful outlook to native forest. We also have a lot of comments appreciating the sauna as an added bonus.” – Hosts, Ryan and Ying-Min

JUDGE SUSAN WHEELDON: “Ryan and Ying-Min are the very definition of what the perfect Airbnb experience should be like. They provide a beautiful, tranquil, well-designed home that makes the most of its special setting and top it off by considered furnishings and a wide range of amenities.”

BEST DESIGN STAY – recognising the hosts who who have a unique and amazingly distinctive home

WINNER: Kahutara PurePod, Kaikoura, South Island

ABOUT THE LISTING: Stephanie Hassall’s PurePod offers an off-grid luxury experience inspired by the 100% Pure New Zealand imagery. Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the all-glass PurePod allows guests to fully immerse in the stunning landscape while enjoying the amenities of a 5 star hotel. The minimalist decor, transparent bedhead, and focus on sustainability enhance the guest experience. The PurePod also features a telescope for stargazing and a Weber BBQ for the quintessential New Zealand outdoor dining experience.

“The all glass, off-grid, luxury PurePod experience in a secluded and private slice of the New Zealand landscape was originally inspired by the beautiful 100% Pure New Zealand imagery used by Tourism New Zealand. We wanted to create a place where guests could experience the tranquillity, privacy and stunning landscapes shown in this imagery, while retaining all the mod-cons of a 5 star hotel room, and to do this in a sustainable way!” – Host, Stephanie

JUDGE FELICITY STEVENS: “The PurePod has been designed to give the ultimate experience of staying in nature and the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life. The pod is situated to make the most of the incredible surroundings and give guests the memorable experience of staying under the stars and in the bush. A truly magical experience.”

HOST OF THE YEAR – recognising hosts who have gone above and beyond this year 

WINNER: Cosy private studio, Tamahere, North Island

ABOUT THE HOST: Jenni and Craig Bell’s cosy, private studio offers guests a homely environment with personal touches like a welcome blackboard, games, books and magazines. Located on a quiet, semi-rural 2 acre property, guests can enjoy peace and privacy, along with a continental breakfast featuring homemade muesli. Known for its cleanliness and comfort, the studio provides a welcoming retreat where guests can chat with the hosts or relax undisturbed.

“Our aim is to provide a homely environment that is clean, tidy and welcoming. We supply a continental breakfast with homemade muesli which is a hit with most guests – and also offer to meet any dietary requests.” – Hosts, Jenni and Craig

JUDGE FELICITY STEVENS: “Jenni and Craig are amazing hosts who clearly love to delight and make sure their guests feel welcome in the guesthouse. They go out of their way to ensure heating and lighting is on if needed to welcome guests. Many guests comment on the beautiful quality of the breakfasts provided. A lot of thought has gone into the set up and location of the guesthouse and it offers guests a lovely tranquil private space to enjoy. No detail has been overlooked.”

BEST NATURE STAY – recognising hosts who showcase the best of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscape

WINNER: Akatea Hill, Raglan, North Island 

ABOUT THE LISTING: Kent Weston-Arnold and Nicola Todd’s handcrafted timber cabin, Akatea Hill, is a secluded retreat nestled in 7 acres of ancient native bush with views of Mount Karioi and rolling farmland. This off-grid cabin offers modern comforts powered by solar energy with features like an outdoor bath, copper rain head shower and locally sourced, repurposed materials that reflect the surrounding natural beauty. Guests can enjoy seasonal delights from spring flowers to stargazing on crisp autumn nights. The cabin’s thoughtful design and unique touches, like a bush loop path with informative signs and glow worms, create an unforgettable experience. 

“Guests can expect views of Mount Karioi and rolling farmland. From the beam over the living room repurposed from a local farm bridge, to the kitchen island with native rimu and puriri (textured by the burrows of the puriri moth), the natural beauty of the bush that surrounds the cabin is reflected in the interior. Our off-grid cabin has all the luxuries and comforts to exceed our guests’ expectations with modern gas heating and solar. Although there is a fully-equipped bathroom, our guests can relax in the outside bath or enjoy a toasty shower amongst the trees under the locally handmade copper rain shower head.” – Hosts, Kent and Nicola

JUDGE FELICITY STEVENS: “This property offers a truly unique experience, where the magic of the bush provides an ideal escape from the world. Nestled in nature, it invites guests to disconnect, unwind and feel completely at peace. Lovingly crafted, the home exudes warmth and hospitality, making every visitor feel instantly welcomed. With its very own bushwalk and thoughtfully designed spaces, every detail ensures an unforgettable stay for all who visit.”

BEST ROOM STAY – recognising the hosts who have a unique and amazingly distinctive room stay experience 

WINNER: Waterfront Paradise, Auckland, North Island  

ABOUT THE HOST Gerry and Jeannette Ter Veen offer a welcoming stay characterised by a beautiful location, friendly hospitality and delightful breakfasts with fabulous coffee. Guests often receive a warm greeting, sometimes accompanied by a glass of wine, and flexible arrival and departure times. The Ter Veens provide tips for guests’ days and enjoy learning about their lives, creating a home-like atmosphere. Hosting on Airbnb has even helped them to fund the construction of their 25 metre catamaran and enjoy lovely holidays.

“Our beautiful location is always coupled with a friendly welcome. If guests have an early start we’ll get up and give them coffee and a light breakfast. We are also available to chat and give tips for their day, if they don’t have plans. We aren’t strict about arrival and departure times either, as long as we are ready for the next booking, if we have one. We love to hear about where they are from and what life is like for them.” – Hosts, Gerry and Jeannette

JUDGE SUSAN WHEELDON: “Gerry and Jeanette are exceptional hosts who pour their heart into welcoming every guest with genuine warmth and care. Their hospitality consistently leaves a lasting impression, with visitors frequently praising their kindness, friendliness and willingness to go above and beyond. Their thoughtful attention ensures guests feel valued, creating a memorable and cherished experience that stays with them long after their visit.”