The winners happen to be announced in Airbnb New Zealand's inaugural Host Awards.
An off-the-grid home with breathtaking mountain views and a nature-inspired treehouse on an island are the winners in Airbnb’s first New Zealand Host Awards.
Six categories were awarded, shining a simple on the local Kiwi hosts who're making unforgettable stays.
Ecoscape: Self-contained from the grid tiny home in Korito, Taranaki took home the Best Regional Stay award. Boasting one of the better views from the mighty Mount Taranaki, the cosy eco cabin features a hot tub and it is only Fifteen minutes from town.
“This tiny house has a raw functional beauty and embodies the regenerative tourism movement. An incredible illustration of sustainability and clearly the perfect getaway for nature lovers,” said Judge Meredith Callegari.
The Arohanui Cabin within the seaside capital of scotland- Mangawhai was a runner up for the best Regional Stay, an off-the-grid cluster of eco cabins offering guests a chance to disconnect in the busyness of life, and revel in quality time round the fire bowl and pizza oven.
Another runner up, The Raven’s Nest in Canterbury supplies a unique regional stick with their hobbit-inspired abode, handmade from reclaimed materials by hosts Izzy and Wayde.
The Away Treehouse on Waiheke Island was the very best Unique Stay winner, an idyllic octagonal treehouse offering a rejuvenating nature experience. “Guests talked about a feeling of peace, the stunning night sky and also the location – remote yet with all of Waiheke Island provides in your doorstep,” said judge Shelley Ferguson.
The Best Designed Stay award went to Studio Seventy Four in Wellington, an architecturally-designed studio that embraces understated elegance, having a remarkable outdoor bathtub for just about any luxurious twist.
“The design is understated however, you'll still feel a feeling of luxury from the materials, fit out and finishing touches. The exterior design is perfectly poised to consider advantage of the astounding 360 degree views, whilst soaking in the incredible outdoor tub!” said Ferguson.
Runner in the very best Design Stay was Pisa Cabin in Central Otago. Dark and moody to match the landscape, the attractive cabin boasts uninterrupted views of the majestic Pisa Ranges, a backyard bath and thoughtful touches with boardgames and old books.
The Alpine Cubes in Canterbury was another runner in the program. The trendy hideaway encapsulates casual luxury, with a high-spec kitchen, lush furnishings and french linens.
The Host of the season prize went to Angela Cossey from Christchurch, recognised for exceeding beyond and beyond on her guests at her Christchurch listing. “Angela used her extensive travels to see her choices at her listing,” said Callegari. “Her guests describe her as considerate, thoughtful, tasteful and generous.”
Queenstown’s Kaye Parker took home the town Contribution Award who launched a fund to help frontline charities during the pandemic, while the Most Magical Experience went to The Contemporary Jeweller on her wonderful jewellery-making workshops.
