Let’s talk a bit about Tauranga. There are few metropolitan cities that honor outdoor adventure in everyday life, and this is one of them. Tauranga is one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand – and it’s not hard to see why.
Picture this: a laid-back city surrounded by wild coastlines, waterfall cascading mountains, and even the odd active volcano. Tauranga is a hub for hikers, sailors, divers, beach-goers, and surfers. It’s like nature’s playground. Seriously, if you’re into adventure and great views, you’ve got to check this spot out.
In a place like this one, having a kitchen and a little extra space is an absolute game-changer. That’s why I recommend booking a self-catering Airbnb in Tauranga.
And with an outdoorsy culture as strong as this one, you can bet that rentals in Tauranga don’t disappoint. Think of cozy cabins, family homes, beach retreats, campsites, sleek apartments, and affordable guest suites. You name it, they’ve (probably) got it.
Scouring the internet for the perfect hotel or apartment can be a pain. But worry not, because I’ve done the legwork for you. Take a look through this list of the best self-catering Airbnbs in Tauranga.
Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Tauranga
Contemporary Studio with Garden Views
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Double-height ceilings and glass walls
- > Next door to a famous restaurant
Affordable Guest Studio with Garden
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Sunny garden with BBQ
- > Two minutes walk from the beach
Opulent Four-Bed Architectural Home
- > $$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Luxurious linens and toiletries
- > Architectural masterpiece
Comfortable Private Room with Breakfast Included
- > $$
- > 1-2 Guests
- > Private bathroom
- > Small shared deck
Stylish Apartment with Pool
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Spacious work desk
- > Balcony with city views
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Tauranga
The great outdoors isn’t just the backdrop of Tauranga; it’s the beating heart of the city. And this will make sense once you see the volcanic islands, mountains, and some of the best beaches in New Zealand surrounding this city.
Simply put: life here is totally intertwined with the ocean and landscape.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Whether you’re looking for a big-ol house to fit your whole family in, a cozy cottage for two, a chic apartment, or a fancy beach house, there’s an array of exceptional Airbnbs to enhance your trip to New Zealand.
Call me a downer, but I did find a lack of unique outdoorsy accommodation here, with only a few bungalows, tiny homes, and remote farm stays on offer. Maybe it’s just me, but I would love to see a few more rustic beach cottages and off-grid mountain retreats in the mix.
On the plus side, you can expect outstanding quality from the best Airbnbs in Tauranga. I’m talking about brand-new or refurbished homes fitted with high-quality joinery and tons of natural light.
Gardens are popular, with just about every Airbnb boasting a terrace, garden, or, at the very least, a patio. After exploring the area’s natural hotspots, return to your Airbnb to light up the BBQ and relax with a glass of wine under the setting sun.
You can expect pretty darn great views from many of these places to stay in Tauranga, too. Whether looking out across their own garden or gazing over the ocean, views aren’t hard to come by here. The town is also relatively small. So, even if you aren’t blessed with a view, you’ll likely just be a quick drive from one.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Tauranga
Buckle up, folks, because here is my list of the best, most beautiful, perfectly situated, and well-equipped Airbnbs in this coastal New Zealand city.
Contemporary Studio with Garden Views | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Tauranga
It’s not often you find a place that feels like it’s in a private forest when it’s actually right in the heart of a busy city.
Set in a lush part of the Bethlehem neighborhood of Tauranga, this is an exceptional place to stay in New Zealand. Double-height ceilings, bespoke lighting, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls make this one of the most unique in the area.
But it’s not just cool to look at; it’s also super practical, fitted with all the amenities you might wish for in a rental in Tauranga. Take, for instance, the free parking, a spacious dining table that can double as a work desk, and a kitchen to prepare your favorite meals.
Affordable Guest Studio with Garden | Best Budget Airbnb in Tauranga
This spot isn’t just great for budget backpackers; in my opinion, it’s one of the most stunning Airbnbs out there. Set in a private guesthouse on the host’s property, this studio is just a two-minute walk from the beach and close to the local shopping mall.
It’s decorated with neutral interiors, wooden floors, and white-washed walls and is flooded with natural light.
Step outside your comfortable studio straight onto your private terrace, which is fitted with an outdoor dining space and a BBQ. The guesthouse faces a private section of the garden, which makes it feel like a private sanctuary.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIOpulent Four-Bed Architectural Home | Over-The-Top Luxury Airbnb in Tauranga
At first glance, this luxurious Airbnb in New Zealand might be mistaken for a modern art museum. Clad with a contemporary wooden facade and rising three stories above the ground, this really is a masterpiece as far as residential buildings go.
The interior is just as impressive, with four bedrooms, a sunny kitchen that opens out into an open-plan living space, and a terrace overlooking the Mount and Kaimai Ranges.
But the house is just as practical as it is pretty – with a full laundry room, an elevator, and a kitchen with up-to-date appliances like an instant boiling water tap. As a coffee lover, you can imagine just how beneficial this is…
Psst…
Comfortable Private Room with Breakfast Included | Perfect Tauranga Airbnb for Solo Travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t have to mean sharing a stuffy dorm room with strangers. Instead, this private suite is one of the best Airbnbs in Tauranga for solo travelers.
Set in a shared house, the cozy room is comfortably decorated, featuring a private bathroom and double bed. What more could you ask for?
With the affordable nightly fee, solo travelers in New Zealand can benefit from a continental breakfast, private garden patio, separate shared living space, and free parking. On top of this, the room has a work desk serviced by super-fast Wi-Fi, making it suitable for digital nomads, too.
Stylish Apartment with Pool | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Brought to you by the trendy residential neighborhood of Matua, Tauranga, take a look at this modern one-bedroom condo overlooking the city.
Recently refurbished with high-quality joinery, lighting fittings, and more glass doors than walls, this spot is practically overflowing with natural light.
Catering especially to digital nomads, this Airbnb features a spacious central living space with a private work desk, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen, which opens out onto a sunny terrace overlooking Tauranga.
Heck, you could even get a dip in at the shared swimming pool (on request).
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Tauranga
And with that, let’s dive a little bit deeper into some more of the best Airbnbs in this nature paradise.
Gorgeous Three-Bed Beach House
There are a couple of really impressive Airbnbs in Tauranga, and this is one of them. Located in the prestigious beachside neighborhood of Mount Maunganui, the home is just across the street from the lapping water of the Bay of Plenty.
It’s a modern apartment with a classic flair, featuring warm wooden interiors, a wood-burning fireplace, and huge glass windows that open onto a sunny terrace.
Expect the best of the best here, from luxurious linens in the bedrooms to top-of-the-range appliances in the kitchen. With three spacious bedrooms and a sprawling central living space, you won’t find a better beach house for a family of six!
Coastal Studio with Pool Access
If coastal living is what you’re after, look no further than this beachy studio on Tauranga’s waterfront. The highlight of this cozy apartment is its views, which gaze out across the Waimapu Estuary.
But this spot doesn’t disappoint with location, either. It’s less than a ten-minute drive into the Tauranga CBD and fifteen minutes from the beach.
Fitted with a crib, high chair, baby bath, and children’s cutlery and crockery, you can bet this studio sits up there with the best family-friendly Airbnbs.
Oh, and my favorite feature has to be the kayaks and SUPs that you can use to explore the estuary at high tide.
Exceptional Four-Bed Home with Rooftop Deck
Tucked away along the golden beaches of Mount Maunganui, this beach house is one of the best Airbnbs in Tauranga for families in the area.
Not only is it quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach, but the home has all sorts of beachy amenities, including a hot tub and BBQ terrace.
As you walk inside this Tauranga Airbnb, you’ll be greeted with pale beach-house interiors with a modern city twist. A kitchen with all the utensils and appliances you could dream of set the stage for a family-style meal, which can be enjoyed under the stars or in the indoor dining space.
Modern Cottage with Garden
Simple living by the beach – this is what this modern cottage stands for. And let me tell you, we are here for it! Totally private from the main house, the cottage has its own huge covered deck and sprawling grassy lawn.
The interior has been furnished tastefully, with stylish countertops, warm wooden floors, and the comfiest bed in all of Tauranga. With plenty of closet space, a parking spot, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, and a BBQ, you can settle in and call this your home away from home.
The Ultimate Two-Bedroom Beach Pad
Is there anything better than a balcony with panoramic ocean views? I’ll answer for you – there isn’t. Located directly across from Mount Maunganui beach, acclaimed as New Zealand’s finest for seven years running, this luxury apartment is set in a building with all the resort facilities you could dream of.
Seriously, when you aren’t gazing across the sea from your private living room, you can use the outdoor pool, spa, gym, and sauna on the property.
The state-of-the-art kitchen is another big plus, with plenty of room to cook up a storm after a day on the beach. Now, this is living.
Unique Two-Bed Boatshed Home with Bay Views
I’ve stayed at many interesting apartments in my life, but none are as unique as this boat shed overlooking Tauranga Harbor.
As the name suggests, this Tauranga Airbnb is quite literally a boat shed turned modern luxury apartment, with a glass wall separating your living room from the boats.
It feels a bit like being in a museum but in the best way possible. And we haven’t even covered the best part, which is the 180-degree harbor and bridge views from the living space.
The entire space is decorated like the ultimate bachelor pad, with dark wooden accents, moody lighting, and modern furniture.
Resort-Living Apartment with Pool and Tennis Court
This resort-living apartment allows you to thrive in your own private home while taking advantage of shared amenities, including a pool, hot tub, and tennis court. Oh, and on top of that, it’s super affordable.
It features a spacious kitchen and living area fitted with top-of-the-range appliances and decorated with mid-century furnishings. The apartment sleeps four guests and includes a private work desk in the second bedroom.
How does this sound: you arrive home from a day on the beach to prepare your favorite meal. You enjoy dinner on your private balcony while your kids entertain themselves with the many toys, board games, and books provided by your hosts. It doesn’t get better than this!
Simple Cottage Overlooking Tauranga
Kick back and relax on the deck overlooking sprawling views across the Tauranga harbor to Mount Maunganui and the Kaimai ranges.
Remote and removed from the city, yet still just a short drive into the center of Tauranga, I would recommend this for anyone looking to slow down their travels and escape city life.
The interior is simple and stylish, with a modern fitted kitchen, clean bathroom, and laundry facilities. Add to that a private parking space and a private lawn just for you, and we have ourselves one of the best remote Airbnbs in Tauranga.
Charming Studio Guesthouse
At this studio, you’ll hardly believe you’re near, let alone in, the city of Tauranga at all. Maybe it’s because of the peaceful silence, the floral scents that waft through the air, or the eighty-year-old Californian redwoods, cedar trees, and orchards surrounding the property. Whatever it is, I’m a big fan.
The guesthouse is fully self-contained with a basic kitchenette, an indoor and outdoor dining area, and an ensuite bedroom with a queen-sized bed. As the sun sets beneath the mountain, grab a glass of wine and kick back on the deck, which is lit with moody string lighting.
Oceanside House with Three Bedrooms
This coastal home is all about style. Stylish interiors, stylish facilities, and stylish views. It was designed by architects with a passion for contemporary interiors, with an abundance of natural light and elegant minimalistic furnishing.
When it comes to downtime, choose from two outdoor patios and two gorgeous living rooms. The main living room and outdoor terrace even feature fireplaces.
And that’s not all. This apartment is also incredibly well located, a minute stroll from the beach and a five-minute walk into the charming downtown of The Mount.
FAQs About Airbnbs in Tauranga
Here’s what people usually ask me when they look for Airbnbs in Tauranga.
What To Pack For Tauranga
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Tauranga Travel Insurance
Do you need travel insurance? ABSOLUTELY! Before you head off on the trip of a lifetime, make sure one mistake can’t ruin it all. Get that travel insurance and enjoy the trip.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Airbnbs in Tauranga
Nestled along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. But let me tell you, it’s extra special for those who thrive on the rhythm of the ocean. With a booming fishing industry and surf scene, coastal living truly shines here.
To go with this way of coastal life, the best Airbnbs in Tauranga are tailor-made for beach bums, ocean enthusiasts, and, generally, the outdoorsy traveler.
Think of your Airbnb as your sanctuary. A base and home-from-home in Tauranga, where you can kick back after a long day at the beach, an adventurous day hiking a volcano, or spending some time in the bustling downtown waterfront area. It’s all about living your best outdoorsy life here!
If you’re still unsure which Airbnb to book, I’d lock in my top overall best-value Airbnb: Affordable Guest Studio with Garden. This Airbnb will set you up nicely in Tauranga (where you’ll likely fly into).
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our Backpacking New Zealand guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in New Zealand guide to plan your adventure.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of New Zealand.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip in South Island New Zealand.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
