Blog

So you have booked a trip to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Queenstown New Zealand. The next step to make your trip the most memorable trip ever is to sort your accommodation. Before Airbnb, this used to be a chore, scrolling through lists of mundane hotels that all looked the same. (Would you like a standard room or a standard twin room? Am I right?) Then along came  Airbnb Queenstown and suddenly booking accommodation for trips became as exciting as the trip themselves. No more boring beige hotel rooms! 

Why I love Airbnb 

I’ve stayed in 40+ Airbnbs all over the world. From a treehouse in Bali to a farmhouse in Iceland, I just love the perks and home comforts of Airbnbs. I love that I can book somewhere with an actual kitchen so that I can cook whatever I want for dinner. I always book somewhere with a nice garden and bonus points if it has a great view! I love the choice of space that comes with an Airbnb, instead of being crammed into one room for a week with the family we can have our own rooms and relax in our own ways, whether it’s tv in one room and quietly reading a book in another or the family sunbathing in the garden while I take a jetlagged nap in the bedroom!

Airbnbs usually have personal touches like board games and bookshelves and I have stayed in places that even have bikes and kayaks included, this makes such a huge difference to your holiday as it adds a whole other activity which you might not have done otherwise. 

As most AirBnBs tend to be someone’s house or apartment, parking is usually included. When you arrive at your destination after a flight with a big heavy suitcase, then parking right at your accommodation is a big perk. This is also true for the level of privacy, with Airbnb you get to choose. Book an entire house to yourself or just a room and join the family for a few days.

As a photographer, I often photograph brides at their AirBnB as they get ready for their wedding that day. You can choose somewhere with your event in mind to make sure you have exactly the views and location you want for your photos.

Where to stay:

I honestly think there is no better way to travel than to stay in AirBnBs… and the AirBnBs in Queenstown and Frankton are exceptional.

If you are coming to the Queenstown area and looking for Airbnbs to book then you are spoiled for choice! There are lots of different areas you can stay in: Queenstown, Frankton, Arrowtown, Arthurs Point, and Kelvin Heights to name a few. I have taken all the hard work out of planning where to stay for you, as a Queenstown local I know all the best areas so read on below to book your awesome Queenstown Airbnb. 

Best Airbnb Queenstown – Near Town 

If you want to be in the center of all the action then a Queenstown AirBnB is the one for you. Choose accommodation slightly higher up on one of the hills surrounding the town for some of the best views that you will ever experience. Stroll down into town for coffee before jumping on a jet boat at the wharf or have a cocktail on a rooftop bar before walking back to your accommodation for the night.

You will not run out of restaurants to try in Queenstown and the food here is as amazing as the views!

My Favourite places to eat in Queenstown are:

Flame: NZ and South African style meat and fish dishes, make sure to order the mushroom sauce!

Tanoshi: A Japanese restaurant with exceptional tapas-style dishes and yummy sake, the friendliest staff in all of Queenstown!

Margos: located on Mall Street, this funky Mexican restaurant is open all day for excellent tacos, nachos and fajitas,. The frozen margaritas are a must.

Must do’s while you are visiting Queenstown include taking the Gondola up to Skyline Queenstown where the views will blow you away, you can even do a Bungy jump while you are up there if you are brave enough!

Hiking and walking is a favourite past time for the locals due to the ample amount of trails we have here. Take a walk up Queenstown Hill for a different view of the town and lake or maybe conquer Ben Lomond if you brought your hiking shoes.

If all of that sounds too exhausting then why not book yourself into one of the local spas for some R&R. Body Sanctum is a beautiful spot to relax or maybe book a massage and hot pool at the Onsen Hot Pools and take advantage of their free shuttle.

Below you will find my curated list of amazing centrally located Queenstown Airbnb’s, perfect if you want to stay in the heart of the action.

Best Airbnb Frankton, Queenstown

One of the most convenient areas to stay in is Frankton. This is close to the airport and a short drive to all the other areas in Queenstown. It also has a beautiful walking and cycling track alongside the river that takes you straight into town or over to sunny Kelvin Heights, depending on which direction you want to walk. If walking isn’t your thing then why not jump on the water taxi at the pier and experience stunning Lake Wakatipu on your way to town. It is also perfect for a cheap taxi ride to and from the airport and has lots of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained.

Below you will find my curated list of the best Airbnb’s in Frankton.

Some of my favourite restaurants in Frankton:

Bombay Palace: for an exceptional Indian meal.

Franks Eatery: for unbelievably good pizza.

The Boatshed restaurant: situated right beside the lake for gorgeous views and good Kiwi food and drink for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

There are so many things to do in Frankton. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, and boats at the Frankton Marina. Choose how long you want to rent them for and take yourself on a guided tour of Queenstown from the water.

Go shopping for the day at 5mile and Queenstown Central shopping areas. No need to bring a packed lunch, there are multiple restaurants and cafes to please even the pickiest of eaters from teppanyaki to sushi to a smoothie bar.

Why not take a helicopter ride to see the area from the air, or you can opt to land on one of the mountains for the ultimate views of Queenstown. The helipads are just down the road from you in Frankton!