There is nothing quite like spending time in a coastal town in New Zealand. Once a gold and coal mining town, Westport is now most loved as an outdoor activity hub. You’ll feel the energetic buzz on every beach, national park, and hiking trail in this neck of the woods.
Oh, and it’s also known for its iconic coastal road, which twists and turns over 100 km along the island. And that’s just scratching the surface…
The Airbnbs in Westport seem to match the town’s outdoorsy personality. And by this, I mean you won’t struggle to find some exceptional places to stay; from charming cottages and cabins to stylish apartments and lofts to the odd countryside barn, rentals in Westport don’t disappoint.
However, because of its small size, it can be tricky to find suitable accommodation. To make your search for the perfect home-away-from-home a bit easier, I’ve done the groundwork and put together fifteen of the best Airbnbs in Westport.
With under 4000 residents, Westport is not the biggest on the block. But what it lacks in size, it sure makes up for in local charm and hospitality. Let’s see what Airbnbs this town has to offer.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Westport
Cozy Cottage with Private Garden
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Travel crib and high chair
- > Eco-friendly toiletries
Rustic Cottage with Firepit
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Garden with firepit and BBQ
- > Pet-friendly property
Stylish Three-Bed Home by Carters Beach
- > $$$$
- > 6 Guests
- > Laundry facilities
- > Architectural exterior with golf course views
Comfortable Private Room with Ensuite Bathroom
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Shared lounge with fireplace
- > Tea and coffee facilities
Homey Seaside Cottage with Deck
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Modern kitchen
- > Walking distance to Westport CBD
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Westport
Let’s take a closer look at accommodation in Westport. First off, let me clarify one thing: Westport’s Airbnb game is strong. There are only a handful of motels and hotels here, so the most popular way to travel here is to stay in an Airbnb.
You’ll have plenty of options, whether you’re after a secluded countryside retreat or a beachfront bachelor pad with epic sunset views. But whenever I stay in New Zealand, I always opt for the classic bach (and you should too).
A bach is pretty much Kiwi slang for a holiday house, and these homes are ideal for a laid-back or activity-packed vacation.
There are also quaint cottages and cabins, some nestled in the bush, others by the beach. Choose wisely, depending on whether you want your wake-up track to be the sound of waves lapping against the sand or classic birdsong.
When it comes to amenities, you can bet on getting all the cozy comforts of home to make your trip to New Zealand even better.
In my opinion, this is what sets Airbnbs above hotels. Most properties will have a fully-equipped kitchen to whip up your own culinary creations, open-concept living and dining areas, and comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Within this list, there are Airbnbs that have hot tubs, access to swimming pools, and a fireplace for those chilly winter nights.
In a town that values the great outdoors, most Airbnbs around here have a small garden and terrace with BBQ facilities. Even apartments and lofts will usually have a small balcony with epic views.
What really sets these rentals in Westport apart are the unique touches added by your hosts. And by this, I mean eclectic art, stylish decor, and even beautiful gardens.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Westport
Charming, laid-back, and brimming with adventure, you’ll wonder why you never visited Westport earlier. With a range of options to suit every type of adventurer and budget, here is my list of the most epic Airbnbs to stay in Westport.
Cozy Cottage with Private Garden | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Westport
This small Airbnb in New Zealand combines a great location with all the convenient amenities you might need into a budget-friendly package. It’s also family-friendly, with a pack-away travel crib and high chair available on request.
Besides the obvious (and by this, I mean a kitchen, spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and a private terrace and back yard), this spot comes with some extra amenities that set it a cut above the rest.
Draw the room’s darkening shades for the perfect night’s rest, play your favorite tunes on the speakers, and dive into a world of books courtesy of your hosts.
Rustic Cottage with Firepit | Best Budget Airbnb in Westport
For a budget stay like no other, find yourself in this basic tiny home in the heart of Westport. This spot is pretty unique if you ask me.
It’s a simple room with one queen and one single bed, both fitted with quality linens. The bathroom is shared with the main house, but you will have your own entrance.
While this budget-friendly Westport Airbnb doesn’t have a kitchen, it does include a firepit and BBQ, which you can use to grill your favorite dishes. When you aren’t adventuring around Westport, spend some time in the sunny garden with a cup of coffee.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
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 REIStylish Three-Bed Home by Carters Beach | Over-The-Top Luxury Airbnb in Westport
Within moments of arriving at this gorgeous home, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. Just a five-minute stroll from the beach, this house elegantly blends modern style with a homey interior, all while showing off incredible golf course views from every window.
Ideal for families or groups of friends, the house has three bedrooms, laundry facilities, and a kitchen so well equipped it will have you Googling your favorite recipes.
After a family meal at the dining table, spend some quality time around a board game before diving under the covers of your luxurious bed. Is this paradise, or what?
Psst…
Comfortable Private Room with Ensuite Bathroom | Perfect Westport Airbnb for Solo Travelers
Private rooms in shared houses are the new B&B. Seriously, there is no better way to experience a place than by staying in a local home. And this sunny spot is no exception.
Featuring a comfortable queen bed and a private bathroom just for you, this room is one of the best Airbnbs in Westport for solo travelers in New Zealand.
Indulge in unlimited tea and coffee, and take your pick from hundreds of books in the shared living space. And there’s also a garden with plenty of spots to relax and even a vegetable patch from which you can harvest seasonal vegetables and herbs!
Homey Seaside Cottage with Deck | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb in Westport for Digital Nomads
Westport is a dream come true for digital nomads. Enjoy a swim at Carters Beach before you start your work day, and head off on a cycling trail after you shut your laptop. Really, this coastal spot couldn’t be better located, just a few hundred meters from the sea.
You can set up your mobile office from the deck overlooking the sea or inside at the dining counter or the couch. Between meetings, feel free to cook up a storm in the kitchen, fully fitted with all the appliances and utensils a Michelin chef might need.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
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 Westport
Oh, but there’s more. Read on for ten more of the best Airbnbs in Westport.
Stunning Two-Bed Apartment Overlooking Estuary
If you have even a small interest in the wonderful life of birds, you’ve hit the jackpot. Set right on the edge of the Orowaiti estuary; you can literally bird watch from the comfort of your own private porch.
But it’s not only suitable for bird watchers. Surfers, cyclists, kayakers, and runners will also be blown away by the epic waves and trails nearby.
The studio has been refurbished with modern interiors, including a new kitchen and bathroom. Oh, and it’s suitable for long-term rentals, too. Score!
Studio Bach by the Sea
Picture yourself waking up to the sound of waves lapping against the sand. You roll out of bed and brew a pot of coffee to enjoy on your sunny porch. You then stroll across the road for a wake-up dip in the ocean, all before 8 am.
This cozy bach in New Zealand is spacious, conveniently located, and well-equipped. Oh, and its super affordable price doesn’t hurt, either. The interior at this Airbnb in Westport is simple but comfortable, and the private terrace has a dining table and plenty of beautifully cared-for plants.
Contemporary Loft in Town Center
This condo is as close to city living as you’ll get in Westport. Located in the heart of the tiny town, it is close to cafes and supermarkets. But it’s also perfectly located for mountain bikers, just a short cycle from New Zealand’s most famous bike tracks.
There are a few apartments for rent here, all of which have been recently built with modern kitchen and bathroom fittings, contemporary joinery, and simple furnishing.
Each home has an open-concept living space with a kitchenette and a private bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and balcony.
Kawatiri Cabin with Breakfast Included
Set far away from any traffic, this cabin is fully equipped with (almost) all the comforts of home. It has a kitchenette and dining area with a wood-burning fireplace, as well as a covered porch with space to eat and relax. While there is no stove or oven, you’ll just be a short drive from the best restaurants in Westport.
Laid out like a bachelor’s apartment, the bedroom and living space are all in one room. There is plenty of storage space for your possessions and even off-street parking for your car.
Sunny and Modern Apartment
If you’re looking for a Westport Airbnb that feels just like home but with a touch of West Coast magic, I’ve got the spot for you. It’s affordable, modern, and designed to make you feel right at home.
With one bedroom, an open-concept living and dining space, and a full kitchen, you’ll be settled within minutes.
Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony before exploring New Zealand’s national parks and beaches. When you return, cook up a home-cooked meal and get competitive with one of the board games provided by your hosts.
Self-catering Studio Apartment on Golf Course
Set in one of the most modern buildings in Westport, this rental unit in Carters Beach is located right on the lawns of one of the area’s top golf courses.
This unit is laid out like a simple hotel room, with a kitchenette, a place to dine, and a comfortable bed. It’s perfect for couples and includes off-street parking and access to laundry facilities.
Start your day with a simple breakfast on the deck as you gaze across the Kawatiri golf course. Then, take advantage of the beachside location and walk five minutes to Carters Beach for a swim.
Basic Two-Bed Bach with Full Kitchen
With two bedrooms and free parking, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Westport for traveling families on the move along the South Island coastal roadway. The unit is small and simple but self-contained, with everything you might need for a quick stopover.
Cook up a storm on the gas BBQ, and take some beach towels, cricket bats, frisbee, and boogieboards to Carters Beach for a fun day in the sun. After the sun sets, why not gather around the living room for a movie night?
Bespoke Barn with Remote Feel
If there’s one really unique place to stay in New Zealand, this would be it. Set just east of the town along the Orowaiti Lagoon on a road aptly named ‘Utopia Road,’ this is your opportunity to sleep in a barn.
But this is no home for livestock; it has been beautifully refurnished with cozy interiors. I’m talking wooden floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and a terrace with seemingly neverending views across the countryside.
It has a full kitchen and bathroom, equipped with linens, towels, and a Wi-Fi connection that gives the barn a modern edge.
Quirky Beach-Side Bach with Parking
You can’t get much closer to Carter Beach than this accommodation. Located just across the road from the coastline, the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep at Carters Beach Accommodation.
Other than its epic location, the space is decorated with quirky interiors like colorful walls and furnishings. It’s also spacious and well equipped, with a small kitchenette to heat up meals, dining space, and a living area.
If you’re skeptical about the lack of cooking facilities, worry not: there is a restaurant down the road where you can grab a bite.
Charming Chalet with BBQ
One of the best Airbnbs in Westport for traveling couples on a bit of a budget, this affordable accommodation offers all the ingredients of a relaxing getaway. Each chalet is self-contained and private, with a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave.
Take it easy on the porch, which has a BBQ overlooking the property gardens. But the best part about this accommodation has to be its isolated location just outside of Westport. You won’t find a better place to stargaze on a clear night!
FAQs about Airbnbs in Westport
Curious about the best places to stay in Westport? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any of your own, feel free to drop it in the comments below!
What to Pack for Westport
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 Westport Travel Insurance
Get good travel insurance for New Zealand. You never know what can happen, and we want you safe, not hundreds of dollars in debt and unable to get home safely.
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 Westport
So there you have it: 15 of the best Airbnbs in Westport, handed to you on a platter. I only wish I had this document when I first visited the town!
Westport is one of those places where when you visit, you wonder why you never visited earlier. The small coastal haven is laid-back and overflowing with opportunities for adventure.
It’s the perfect destination for those craving a break from the city. Trust me when I say that staying in an Airbnb is the best way to experience Westport like a real local.
And when it comes to rentals in Westport, you’ve got a bit of everything, really – from sleek apartments and condos to charming cottages tucked away in the bush to family-friendly beach houses. Take your pick!
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.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of New Zealand.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
