Airbnb is once again celebrating New Zealand’s most welcoming, creative and thoughtful Hosts across six categories with our 2022 Host Awards program.

Explore below all the winners and finalists who go above and beyond for their guests and the benefits they bring to wider communities.

Susan’s Loft in Lake Okareka is part of her lakefront home that she refers to as a special place and is a bit of a secret. Susan wants the Loft to feel like a home away from home and goes above and beyond to ensure guests agree.

"What we’ve learnt over our time as Hosts is that it’s the small touches that make the biggest difference. Putting a real person behind the listing our guests have booked makes it feel more personable and comforting."
— Susan
Lake Okareka, Bay of Plenty

This 1974 Futuro House has been thoughtfully restored to its original condition with all the mod cons and rare vintage furniture, complete with a retro arcade games room. Shaped like a spaceship, this home evokes the feeling of being transported back in time and yet into the future all at once! No detail has been missed in this incredible stay.

"Our Area 51 Futuro House is an original Futuro house from 1974. I always knew I wanted to host guests at this property, because of the amazing experience I’ve personally had using Airbnb. People love to experience something truly unique and that is exactly what we offer."
— Nick
Ohoka, Canterbury

Nestled in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, Skylark Cabin is an escape designed to best soak in the awe-inspiring nature around you. Thoughtful, modern design and the chance to witness the starry night sky await visitors.

"Whether its star gazing through the skylight above the bed, soaking in the outdoor bath or going out for a day of nature-fuelled activities easily accessible from our base, every aspect of Skylark cabin has been considered to give our guests an unforgettable experience."
— Garry
Twizel, Canterbury

Becs recently spruced up her quaint cottage in 2021, creating an inviting abode for all her guests to relax in, nestled on her working beef farm. Thoughtful, homely touches have earned Becs the 2022 award of Best New Host within her first year of hosting.

"We welcome our guests with fresh cut flowers from our garden, a selection of homemade baking, a beautiful breakfast basket with locally sourced breads, homemade cereals, free range eggs, yoghurt, local milk, and of course fresh seasonal fruits."
— Becs
Auckland

The Hosts worked with award winning Queenstown architects, Kerr Ritchie, to craft Heavenly Escape. Nestled within the beauty of New Zealand’s native bush, every element has been designed to embrace both luxury and nature. This property was designed to work in harmony with the views of both Long Bay and the Coromandel Harbour, which it does exquisitely.

"With 360 degree views, ‘Wow! The View!’ is normally the first reaction we get from our guests. The 3.3m floor to ceiling living room windows embrace the beautiful coastline allowing guests to enjoy the changing tides outside.”
— Daniel
Wyuna Bay, Waikato

Arthur's Magical Experience in Palmerston North was born in 2020. He had an idea that it would be cool to curate a farm tour experience and share it with people around the world who were in lockdown due to the pandemic. Arthur pursued this idea as a ‘side gig’, which led him to become an Airbnb Experience Host.

"The live-streaming Experience is both entertaining and educational. For example, I share how I care for the farm animals, the impact of climate change on farming practices, and my life as an immigrant on a lifestyle farm in Country New Zealand."
— Arthur
Palmerston North