South Island exhibits a pure natural landscape and is the larger of the two prominent islands in the country. Also known as ‘Te wai pounamu,’ the island is filled with picturesque glaciers, lakes and mountains. It is an ideal destination for the avid adventurer looking for some rugged wilderness to make memories, unlike the Northern Island, which is famous for its geothermal wonders and a more significant share of Maori culture. Don’t be carried away by the words ‘rugged wilderness,’ this region is packed with luxury accommodations, amid incredible forests, rivers, and landscapes perfect for family or romantic getaways. For a luxurious experience, read on this list of the top Airbnb Luxe accommodations in South Island, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to bespoke experiences as well as luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Stunning family-friendly abode (from USD 1178)
The lake house is a breathtaking retreat that offers a perfect blend of comfort and luxury with a courtyard lounge area featuring a warm and inviting fireplace that invites you to relax. Upon entering, guests will discover a remarkable selection of contemporary conveniences, including a cutting-edge smart TV and lightning-fast WiFi readily available for use. For those traveling with young children, the place to stay offers a convenient crib and high chair to ensure the safety and comfort of your little ones.
Utilize the gas grill for your next barbecue gathering. In addition, the garage has enough room to house a maximum of two vehicles, ensuring that your automobiles are well-protected and out of harm’s way. For those who love the breathtaking views of the lake, the balcony offers an ideal vantage point to observe the serene waters.
2. Remarkable villa with panoramic Lake Hayes views (from USD 3829)
Those who have been to Lake Hayes will know the true beauty of this glass-like lake, and this villa offers a panoramic view of it on a silver platter. This accommodation is all about opulence as it has everything you’d expect from a top-notch villa. The large windows, for instance, will not only give you stunning lake and mountain views but will also allow plenty of sunlight in, providing you with bright and inviting interiors.
The stylish design is complemented with high-end furnishings to make your stay as cozy as possible. It has four bedrooms to accommodate up to ten guests and features great amenities including a modern kitchen, WiFi, smart TVs, heated floors, air-conditioning, a fireplace, and more.
3. Luxurious home with stunning views (from USD 1588)
Offering one of the most luxurious stays in Queenstown, this magnificent home is your gateway to a relaxing vacation with your family or friends. It’s nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, which offers unparalleled mountain and water views. You can fully enjoy the stunning views both indoors and outdoors, thanks to the large windows and the outdoor deck fronting the water. You also get to enjoy top-notch amenities like a lap pool, spa, hot tub, sauna, gym, and high-end kitchen equipment.
This beautiful home features four spacious and fully furnished bedrooms that can sleep up to seven guests in total comfort.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds and linens are incredibly comfortableCleanliness:
the beds were very comfortable and everything was very clean and welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
fantastic location and a amazing housebeautiful location with breathtaking view of lake wakatipubeautiful place close to town amazing view
4. Rustic log cabin with modern amenities (from USD 1339)
Make the most of your vacation to South Island, New Zealand, by booking a stay in this amazing log cabin. The vacation rental offers a combination of the rugged charm of a true log cabin and the convenience of a modern home.
It can sleep up to ten people and features high-end amenities like two fully equipped kitchens with a breakfast bar, WiFi, smart TVs, a sound system, a pool table in the game room, and more. You will also be surrounded by mountain views, offering you the most relaxing vacation ever.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsLocation:
the walk to town may not be such an easy one for somea beautiful house excellent facilities in a quiet area
5. An architectural beauty with expansive mountain views (from USD 516)
Location, views, amenities, and space—these are all the aspects you’d definitely check when booking a vacation rental and this is what this architectural beauty can offer you but on a higher level. Location-wise, the property is perfectly situated to give you quick access to the town and many attractions.
The stunning views of the surrounding mountains will seem like you’re in paradise. Amenities include a private sauna and a hot tub, the perfect way to unwind and detoxify. As for space, it has five bedrooms to sleep up to ten people.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great place wonderful kitchen and deck areabrilliant place lovely log fire in the living room that heated the whole house during the cold winter nightsbeautiful and comfortable home with amazing out door spaceCleanliness:
great place to stay clean and tidyhouse was lovely and clean and in a really handy locationHost:
sally was a wonderful hostsally was a very responsive and accommodating hostgreat value for money and excellent communication from the ownersRead more reviewsLocation:
really good location - very close to town via car and walking distance to a lovely resturantwalking distance from a great wee cafe/barclose to the lake and to town and so relaxinga great stay high quality linens and bath products convenient locationgreat house location and amenities
6. Remarkable Ledena (from USD 5302)
Ladena is a tastefully decorated villa which overlooks the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu and sits close to Queenstown Gardens. Everything about this house is focused on beauty and luxury – from the hot tub in the modern concrete cave to the wooden decks with glass balustrades and steel support beams. The ten-bedroom home boasts an elevator, a wine cellar and a double-sided fireplace to ensure maximum relaxation and upscale living. Extra services on request include car rental, housekeeping, a chef, a spa and more.
7. Eco-friendly abode on an extensive piece of land
Do you dream of waking up to the sounds of birds, the scent of the wild and scenic views of natural habitat? This eco-friendly and luxurious abode, sitting on a massive 55,000-hectare (135,908-acre) converted sheep station is a top-notch choice.
Mahu Whenua (Healing the Land) is set amid rivers, hills, forests and valleys widely used for bird-breeding and plant regeneration. The home features a cozy interior with entertainment facilities, an outdoor fireplace, a lounge area and a hot tub for some recreation time. There are extra services – including canapés, dinner drinks, a housekeeper, villa manager and a chef, which can be provided throughout your stay.
Treble Cone, Otago, New Zealand
8. Perfect family villa
This five-bedroom villa is ideal if you are planning a large-group vacation. The two-story villa is located in the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakitipu and provides terrific views of the Remarkables mountain range, the lake and Queenstown. Interestingly, Shimmerlake is also close to a sandy beachfront, golf course and walking and hiking trails.
In the interior, you will find a wide open-plan setting, packed with a fireplace, a well-equipped kitchen and lounge area, and a media room, all offering incredible views. The exterior also features a barbecue and a casual atmosphere for a relaxing timeout. Beautiful moments await you in this luxurious villa.
Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
9. Modern villa on Queenstown Hill
Bursting with beauty, this villa sits on majestic Queenstown Hill and offers breathtaking views of sparkling Lake Wakatipu. The entire home speaks of luxury – from the steel and glass structure offering picturesque views from every corner to the spacious balcony with a firepit and terraces for evening relaxation. The home boasts three deluxe bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and king beds and more. It is located less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from town and features optional add-on services, including childcare, a chef, driver and a butler.
Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
10. Lovely abode with picturesque views
This charming abode overlooks the mountains and lake and sits close to the top attractions in town. Perched on the northeast hillside of Lake Wakatipu, the home boasts lovely décor and a spacious open-plan concept. You will love the mountain-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture and modern amenities.
The villa is fitted with an alfresco dining area, a barbecue and a hot tub for recreational time. Also for your entertainment, there is a media room with iPod docking station and Sky TV. The Views also offers extra convenience services for an additional charge - including a chef, driver and childcare.
Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
11. Modern retreat, close to downtown
Regardless of your taste, you will love everything about this villa – including its decor, location and proximity to places of interest. This one-of-a-kind villa is perched on famous Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables and it’s only a few minutes away from the Wakatipu Yacht Club and downtown. The three-bedroom villa offers a fantastic view of the surrounding scenery from every window and the structure is outstanding. Spend some family time at the dining set in the beautiful garden, in the alfresco lounge with a firepit or in the open heated spa.
Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
12. Amazing hillside abode
Amazingly unique, this modern hillside accommodation is what you need for picturesque views of evergreens, snowcapped mountains and a luxurious holiday. Forty Two is designed with walls of glass and features an open-plan concept with a large dining area, a lounge area and a cozy atmosphere. Bask in the views alfresco, as you unwind in the wooden circular hot tub, or enjoy a barbecue on the back patio.
Also, the home is in close proximity to botanical gardens, shopping and skiing. There are extra services – including housekeeping, a chef, childcare, a driver and more.
Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand
13. Peaceful, contemporary villa
Get away from the bustling city and enjoy a peaceful vacation in this modern villa. You will love the eye-catching architecture, the stylish decor and furnishings of Kumanu. Admire the vast mountain views from the huge windows or relax under the birch trees for a beautiful time in the bubbling hot tub. Test your piano skills with the grand piano in the vaulted main room or gather around the stone-clad fireplace for a lovely evening. There is a 12-capacity dining area, an office, a media lounge and convenient services.
Arrow Junction, Otago, New Zealand
14. Award-winning, architectural masterpiece
Wake up to beautiful views of Lake Wanaka, lovely surrounding landscape and the mountains when you book this architectural masterpiece. Sitting on a 50-acre (20-hectare) piece of land, Te Kahu boasts award-winning décor. You will love the vanishing doors, wood-clad ceilings, heated floors and other eye-catching features. Your evening can’t get any better than relaxing in the private courtyard or next to the alfresco fireplace. Extras include housekeeping, childcare, a butler, driver and more.
Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
15. Incredible vintage house
Looking for a luxurious abode, close to popular outdoor sports areas? Look no further than this incredible, vintage house, located on the outskirts of Queenstown and retaining much of its old features. Surrounded by alpine charm, the home also features modern facilities amid its vintage design. You will love its fantastic open-plan setting, fireplace, exposed timber beams and high ceilings.
The interior has an ample cozy ambiance and there are relaxation spaces outdoors. Shotover Point also boasts an open fireplace, a hot tub, well-appointed kitchen and entertainment facilities.
Superhost
Accommodates: 6
16. Tranquil family abode
Enjoy a relaxing vacation with your family in this five-bedroom abode, surrounded by lush lawns, mountain views and private walking trails. The home is secluded, secure and features a petanque pitch, a tennis court and it’s close to myriad outdoor activities. The open-plan concept of the home is designed for fun moments with your family, featuring entertainment facilities, a gourmet kitchen, comfortable lounge and an imposing fireplace at the center.
The exterior of the home boasts an alfresco dining set and a gas fireplace. Each bedroom has a terrace with 360-degree views of the mountain. There are extra ad-on services, on request.
Accommodates: 12
17. Chic modern home by Lake Wanaka with mountain views
This beautiful home right by Lake Wanaka is the perfect getaway for your family. Its location beside the lake offers guests a fantastic view not just of the calm mirror-like body of water but of the surrounding mountains as well. You can fully appreciate these amazing sights both from inside and outside the home as it features a deck that overlooks the lake and floor-to-ceiling windows from which you can see the picturesque landscape.
The house has three bedrooms where up to six guests can enjoy a totally restful sleep. The fully equipped kitchen is great for those who want to whip up delicious meals. Heating and air-conditioning will keep occupants snug and cozy whatever the season.
Wanaka, Otago, New ZealandAccommodates: 6
18. Modish contemporary home with lake and mountain views
Imagine waking up to incredible views of lakes and mountains after the most restful sleep. This is what this luxury accommodation in South Island is all about—a beautiful and relaxing escape from all your daily stress. It’s on the shores of the scenic Lake Wakatipu with majestic snow-capped mountains providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. You will also be close to tons of thrilling outdoor activities such as fishing, horseback riding, hiking, sailing, and a lot more. World-class wineries, golf courses, art galleries, and shops are also nearby.
This modern chic home comes with four bedrooms to sleep up to eight people. It also features top-notch amenities like WiFi, smart TVs, a modern kitchen, a hot tub, and a whole lot more.
Glenorchy, Otago, New ZealandAccommodates: 8
19. Luxury farm stay in Lake Hayes, Otago
This beautiful farmhouse is your gateway to some of the most relaxing views in New Zealand. It’s on 15 acres (6 hectares) of orchard right beside the scenic Lake Hayes and near snow-capped mountains, providing you with a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views all over, making it one of the best places to stay in South Island.
It’s more than just the beautiful surroundings, though, as the house itself is something to be excited about. It’s wonderfully designed and furnished and features five cozy bedrooms to sleep up to ten guests in total comfort. The property also features top-notch amenities like an air-conditioning and heating system, an exercise room, TVs with streaming capabilities, wireless internet, a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a whole lot more.
Threepwood, Lake Hayes, Otago, New ZealandAccommodates: 10
20. Ultra-modern villa with fairway and mountain views
This luxurious villa, one of the unique accommodations in South Island, is more than just a place to sleep during your vacation. It’s truly a relaxing escape from your daily grinds. It is nestled next to a golf course with stunning views of the fairways and the surrounding mountains. Lake Wakatipu is close by, providing you with quick and easy access to tons of outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking, fishing, sightseeing, and more.
It’s fully furnished with everything you’ll need to ensure a relaxing stay, including six bedrooms to comfortably sleep up to twelve guests. Other amenities and facilities include WiFi, smart TVs, a media room, and a furnished outdoor area with a pool.
Arrowtown, Otago, New ZealandAccommodates: 12
Enjoy more than you dreamed of
South Island is a perfect spot for a recreational holiday, with its parks, reserves, trails, bustling city life and more. However you imagine your getaway to be, these top Airbnb Luxe accommodations in South Island, New Zealand, will offer even more. For more accommodation options, farm stays and resorts in South Island are also available.
Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb Luxe accommodations in South Island, New Zealand
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