Family-friendly holiday rentals in South Island

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Top-rated family-friendly rentals in South Island

Guests agree: These family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Top Guest favourite
A modern architectural home is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains. Large glass panels provide a view into the open lounge area, while greenery surrounds the property, blending nature with contemporary design.
Home in Arrow Junction
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 279 reviews

Architectural home at Arrow

We welcome you to come and stay in a beautiful piece of paradise! Our architecturally designed little home by award winning architect, Anna-Marie Chin is nestled against beautiful exposed schist rock in a stunning landscape. There are 3 acres of land to roam on and the views from the land are stunning! The lounge has north facing high angled windows allowing all day sun and provides stunning views of the hills beyond and the gorgeous Central Otago landscape. From the west sliding doors and the built in window seat you have stunning views of the Remarkables. The Queenstown trail is right outside your door so it is a fabulous location for walking and biking. Come and stay and see for yourself!

Top Guest favourite
A private hot tub is seen in the foreground, surrounded by lush greenery and a well-kept lawn. The charming cottage in the background is softly illuminated from its windows, highlighting the welcoming outdoor space as twilight begins to settle.
Cottage in Fairlie
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews

Cricklewood Farmstay, Alpaca walk and hot tub

Just under 10 minutes from Fairlie, 40 min from Lake Tekapo and only 1.5 hr from MT Cook, is our super cute historic Farmers cottage. Watch and pet our friendly animals from the cottage and experience some of the best star gazing in New Zealand from our beautiful hot tub. During your stay we offer a free animal tour of 1 hour, whereby you will visit some of our friendly animals incl bottle feeding our pet lambs (Aug-Dec), an Alpaca walk 🦙, and our friendly horses, cats, dogs and chickens 🥰

Superhost
The living area features a light-colored sofa facing a wall-mounted television. Large glass doors provide stunning views of the surrounding hills and harbor. A small coffee table sits on a light area rug, and a ceiling fan facilitates airflow while natural light fills the space.
Home in Diamond Harbour
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Black Diamond

Kick back and relax in this calm, stylish space at the end of a private laneway. Accessed by external steps, the house is split into two pods connected by an external deck. Lofty ceilings and timber walls create a warm bach-like interior with large ceiling fans in each room and a log burner fire. Glass sliders open out to dramatic views of the harbour and hills. Enjoy a drink or BBQ on the large deck or unwind with a hot outdoor bath. Just a 5-minute walk from the local supermarket and brew bar.

Top Guest favourite
A country cabin is nestled among rolling hills, featuring a modern design with large windows that provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The outdoor area includes a small patio with seating, blending harmoniously into the natural environment.
Hut in Lake Hāwea
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 308 reviews

Hawea Country Hut Beautiful mountain cabin

Take it easy at this unique country cabin. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. Soak in the outside bath. Close to Lake Hāwea hiking and biking trails. Boating and Cardrona and treble cone ski fields. The township of Wanaka with its many award winning restaurants and cafes is only 20km away. The cabin is warm and cozy, sunny, wood burner & heat pump. location is nestled between Grandview and Lake Hāwea station. We have no light pollution making for incredible stargazing.

Top Guest favourite
The cabin's exterior is illuminated at dusk, showcasing large glass windows and a wooden façade. The surrounding landscape features low vegetation, while a dramatic cloud formation highlights the sky above, enhancing the cabin's serene setting.
Cabin in Hopkins Valley
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviews

The Temple Cabin (North Point) Wilderness Comfort

Outdoor Adventure Awaits! Now offering Horse Treks!! The Temple Cabins (North Point) is at the head of Lake Ohau right at the beginning of the Hopkins Valley. It's a very special part of the NZ Alps. This cabin features a skylight for stargazing from the loft! Situated on a classic New Zealand high country station, the cabin gives it's guests access to one of the truly remote areas of the Southern Alps Enjoy horse riding from our farm, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and much more

Top Guest favourite
A panoramic view captures the rolling green hills meeting the serene coastline at dusk. The soft colors of sunset illuminate the landscape, with ocean waves gently lapping at the shore and a secluded dwelling nestled among the native bushland.
Guesthouse in Little Akaloa
5 out of 5 average rating, 132 reviews

Secluded modern rural retreat with coastal views

'Big Hill Luxury Retreat' - a bespoke luxury rural escape nestled amongst native New Zealand bushland, stunning Banks Peninsula farmland and dramatic coastline. With views across the Pacific Ocean and a private walking track to your own secluded beach. The elevation and isolation of Big Hill provides a unique contrast of total solitude and unparallel panoramic views - rural New Zealand at its best. 90 mins to Christchurch and 35 mins to Akaroa, close enough to explore - a world away to escape.

Top Guest favourite
A refurbished shepherd's hut is featured, set against a backdrop of green grass and natural surroundings. A saddle hangs on a wooden fence in the foreground. Large windows provide views of the landscape, with steps leading up to the hut's entrance.
Farm stay in Scotts Gap
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

The Hitchin Rail - Eco Farmstay with stunning view

Looking for a place to get away from the modern life distractions. This refurbished shepherd's hut with its fantastic views over Fiordland and The Takitimu Mountains is the perfect retreat. Located on a working sheep and beef farm in Western Southland, self contained, solar lighting, gas shower, cooker, wood burner and a USB port for phones or tablets. A charming and calming opportunity to seek solitude with your favourite book or spend quality time with family and friends.

Top Guest favourite
A modern cabin is depicted with an open, spacious deck surrounded by soft grasses and wildflowers. The inviting outdoor area includes comfortable seating and glimpses of the mountains in the background, creating a serene environment for relaxation.
Cabin in Glenorchy
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Glenorchy Couples Retreat

Welcome to the Glenorchy Mountain Retreat (GMR), a boutique cabin nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of Glenorchy. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, unwind in style with a soak in the outdoor bath and immerse yourself in the serenity of your own private mountain haven. Situated at the headwaters of the stunning Lake Wakatipu and only a 40min scenic drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy offers world-class scenery and an array of memorable experiences for all.

Top Guest favourite
A charming outdoor seating area is presented with a small table and two white chairs. A bottle of wine and two glasses are arranged on the table, overlooking a landscaped view of rolling hills and rows of greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Guesthouse in Ettrick
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 338 reviews

Hillside Retreat & Woodstoked Hot Tub

This unique place has a style all its own. Come and enjoy some peace and quiet admiring the outstanding views of Mount Benger in your own wood stoked stainless steel hot tub. The hot tub will be filled with fresh water and heated on request. There are several outstanding cafes locally along with the beautiful Clutha Gold Cycle trail. The Millers Flat Tavern is open for meals Pinders Pond is a local swimming attraction. Highland Bike hire in Roxburgh has ebikes for hire.

Top Guest favourite
A red barn stands against a dramatic sky, with a rainbow arching above. The foreground features stone sculptures and manicured grass, while the background includes lush green hills, creating a serene rural landscape.
Farm stay in Cave
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 191 reviews

Delightful 1-bed barn with stunning mountain views

Come and enjoy a stay on our beautiful lavender and olive farm, with breathtaking mountain views. The Barn has 1 queen-sized bed, 1 sofa bed and private bathroom. There is a microwave, fridge and bbq, tea, coffee, crockery etc You can picnic in the gardens or say hello to the dogs, cats, sheep, & alpacas! Breakfast cereals, bread, jams, coffee, teas etc are provided . You can also treat yourself from our range of natural lavender products in our on-site shop.

Top Guest favourite
Two wooden chairs are positioned on a wooden deck, facing a stunning coastal sunset. The horizon displays vibrant colors as the sun descends, with gentle waves visible in the distance. A lantern sits on a barrel between the chairs, providing a cozy ambiance.
Home in Purakauiti
5 out of 5 average rating, 311 reviews

Tahakopa Bay Retreat, Catlins, South Otago

Takahopa Bay Retreat is in the heart of the Catlins and offers sweeping panoramic coastal and established native Forest views. The Retreat was established by the Clark family who live on, and farm the surrounding land. The Clark's have been farming the 685 hectare coastal property in the Catlins for the last 25 years. Cameron and Michelle would love to share their secluded retreat with you to enjoy the privacy and peacefulness it provides.

Top Guest favourite
Cabin in Franz Josef / Waiau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 296 reviews

Luxury Wilderness Cabin on Private Lake

Luxury off-grid cabin in absolute wilderness nestled on the edge of a small lake fed by a pristine mountain stream a 3-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier village. Sensational views of snow-capped mountains, the lake, glacier, Fritz Falls & rainforest. Super King bed, sunsets, outdoor stone bath, cedar barrel sauna with panoramic window & nature's swimming pool on your doorstep. Experience luxury amidst nature.

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