South Island is a mesmerising destination in New Zealand that you’d love to explore. Nestled on the shores of the shimmering Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of South Island’s top attractions. The area boasts biking trails and lake cruises. Next, prepare to be awe-struck by the majestic beauty of Milford Sound, where you can enjoy kayaking, hiking and cruising, among other things. Then, immerse yourself in a coastal paradise at Abel Tasman National Park, a haven where golden sandy beaches meet lush emerald forests. At Lake Tekapo, you’ll find yourself immersed in a landscape that seems straight out of a dream. Here, the azure waters glistening under the radiant sunlight would impress you. To enjoy a pleasant stay on this lovely island, booking an Airbnb rental would be perfect. For options, read on for the best Airbnb vacation rentals in South Island, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Black's Hut; Te Anau (from USD 326)
This gorgeous cottage on Lake Te Anau’s shores invites you for a rejuvenating holiday in New Zealand. After having the provided breakfast, head to the deck and enjoy mesmerising views of Fiordland. The huge windows ensure you enjoy these views even when indoors.
Pamper yourself with a long soak in the hot tub and then prepare some grilled food in the barbeque area. Use the Samsung sound system to play your favourite songs. After an amazing day, enjoy a restful sleep on the comfy bed.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful comfortable home with *spectacular* views of fjordland mountainsbeds were great as was other furniturethe house is quite new ultra-modern and super comfortablethe kitchen was excellent and had everything we needed for preparing full mealsgorgeous house with everything we needed to make our stay super comfortableCleanliness:
a spotlessly clean and beautiful place to staythe house is beautifully designed and appointed and it was immaculately cleanwe absolutely loved our stay the house is very comfortable and spotlessly cleanthis house has beautiful fittings & fixtures well furnished and super cleanthe kitchen was well-stocked and the bathrooms were very cleanHost:
margy was an excellent host and very responsivemargy and suzie were fantastic hosts would definitely stay here againa very welcoming host with special little touches that were very thoughtful for on the move travellersmargy’s home was a magical experience- lovely setting beautifully designed home and incredibly welcoming hostswe did not want to leave margy is very friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
unbeatable location and fabulous placeit’s a great private location that is super close to townbrilliant house location and hostthis house is amazing it is in a great location easy 30 min walk to town along the lakeloved the place the location and margy is a great communicator
Superhost
2. The Lookout; Wānaka (from USD 166)
To indulge in a romantic vacation with your beloved, book this chalet perched atop a hill. Wake up to a charming view of the serene surroundings right from your bed. The huge glass doors open to a wide deck where you can enjoy your favourite drink while relishing the views.
The patio comes with a luxurious double bath so that guests spend an intimate time with their partner. The rental is tastefully decorated and features modern amenities, which makes it perfect for a well-deserved break.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
couch sofa was comfortable to sleep ongreat views cozy bed nice bathroom and excellent deckbeautiful and comfortable property with great viewsthe accommodation is beautifully built with a large spacious balcony - fantastic amount of roomthe apartment is so clean the view is amazing from the bed from the private terraceCleanliness:
everything was clean and workingoutdoor bath crisp clean linen amazing locationplace was very clean and tidy both inside and outvery calming clean and peaceful spot hidden between the hillsthe place is so clean and mag's is very helpfulHost:
host was responsive and helpful in giving us recommendations for activities and places to go tomags is a great host and communications were easymags was very helpful in advance accommodating a couple of special requeststhe host was amazing and was very accommodating gave some great tips which really made our holiday to wanakamags is an excellent host who has thought of everythingRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stop amazing accommodation close to wanakareally good location up on the hillbeautiful place to stay with tub outside really cutegreat location with amazing viewsthe lookout is about 5-6 mins from town an easy drive too far to walk
3. Classy cottage with gorgeous views; Queenstown (from USD 196)
This modern cottage is perfect for a memorable getaway with your closest people. A few minutes away lies the beach where you can enjoy swimming or sunbathing. Sit on the deck with a glass of wine and enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake and the mountains.
Enjoy the delightful views even while lounging on the sofa in the living area thanks to the large windows. You can prepare tasty meals in the kitchen equipped with essential appliances.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we loved fiona's cottage it's cosy the view the beds are so comfortable the kitchengood stay in a “vintage” setting apartmentthe property is super comfortable warm and very homelyCleanliness:
home is spotlessly clean; spacious; lovely firm mattresses; well equipped kitchenHost:
owner is gracious and accommodatingwonderful easy host everything you needvery clean and a great host who was quick to answer any questions we hadgreat communication with the host tooRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and everything you needamazing location close to queenstown but far enough away from the hustle and bustleperfect location for going to remarkableslovely view conveniently located to shops and restaurants; able to walk to 5 mile shopping centre around lakelovely walk around the lake with easy access close to home
4. Skylark Cabin; Twizel (from USD 407)
Embark on a serene journey to South Island and stay at this secluded cabin surrounded by beautiful rolling plains. Soak in the outdoor hot tub any time of the day and take in the mesmerising views.
You can also admire the views from the deck. The cabin offers a kitchen so that you don’t have to travel far away for meals. Arriving by car? You’ll definitely appreciate the free parking on the premises.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was super comfortable and had a view above of the starsloved the sky light as we were stargazing in bedthe cabin is beautiful and the kitchen was fully stockedCleanliness:
the place was clean well designed with amazing viewsHost:
gary you are such a great host toothe host gave ample provisions with thoughtful welcome treatsgarry is a wonderful and accommodating hostgarry is a very thoughtful and responsive host who couldn't be more helpfulgary was super friendly and always quick to respondRead more reviewsLocation:
a stunning cabin and locationplace is exactly as described wonderful location and relaxing atmosphereplease note the restaurants and shops in general in twizel tend to close earlybeautifully kept property in a stunning locationwe would definitely come back and recommend this place
5. Charming chalet with indoor fireplace; Arthur's Pass (from USD 119)
Nature enthusiasts would love to stay at this superb chalet located in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park. They can enjoy hiking in the vicinity and explore nature’s best gifts.
At night, you can read a magazine by the indoor fireplace and keep yourself warm. The chalet is conveniently located and local restaurants and stores are only a two-minute walk away. Begin your day with the provided breakfast and use the WiFi to know more about the region.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the electric blankets were much appreciated as was the fan heater in the bathroomthe living room had lots of windows and we loved the view from the living roomelectric blankets on all the beds was a nice touch tooa super comfy super king bed was fantastic toothe bed was super comfortableCleanliness:
the bed was clean and reasonably comfortablecozy clean and comfortable homethe house was clean and well-stockedcomfortable warm clean and well stockedextremely comfortable and cleanHost:
amanda is the best hostamanda is a friendly host who tries to accommodate her guestsamanda has been really helpful and had great suggestions for walksvery good communication with the hostgreat host good communication and easy to follow instructionsRead more reviewsLocation:
it was lovely to be close to the avalanche peak walkgreat wee place great locationspacious accommodation in a very good locationamanda’s place is located in a quaint village surrounded by many wonderful hiking trailsa great place to stay in a great location
6. Paweaka; Mount Hutt (from USD 499)
Have a delightful getaway surrounded by your loved ones at this elegant waterfront home that is perfect for a family of six. Sitting on the back of Mount Hutt, it comes with a private hot tub for guests to destress their tired muscles.
Here, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountains, rivers and lakes around you while sipping your favourite drink. The outdoor deck is perfect for enjoying a memorable barbecue dinner with your loved ones. You also get access to a wooden dock on a private lake for your recreation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there are beautiful views from every room and a fireplaceso easy to relax and be comfortable and the hot tub on the deck was an awesome additionrobert was a very friendly and communicative host who quickly dealt with a necessary repair in a bathroomCleanliness:
the house is very spacious although a little old but it has its own charmHost:
responsive and welcoming hostone of a kind i highly recommend a stay cheers brettbeautiful property and wonderfully welcoming hostsrobert went above and beyond and was a brilliant hostgreat hosts and a great place to stayRead more reviewsLocation:
stunning location whatever the seasonidyllic location for some r&ramazing place in a great locationwhat an amazing location and a well setup spacious houseabsolutely beautiful location and gorgeous house thats warm and inviting
7. Beautiful home with huge balcony; Hanmer Springs (from USD 146)
Create cherished memories at this chic house in Hanmer Springs. Whip up a quick breakfast in the huge open-plan kitchen for your hungry kids and then sip some hot coffee on the large balcony. Here, you can also enjoy some gorgeous views of the pretty surroundings while lounging on a swing chair.
This home is conveniently located and is only a few minutes away from the town. Moreover, the lounge with huge glass doors is the perfect spot for watching TV. Kids would love to sleep on the bunk beds provided in one of the bedrooms.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
two living areas huge kitchen plus two deck areaslovely place to stay great views comfortable beds and lots of spacegreat house for a family with 4 beds for kids and a spare room as necessarywonderful house - quick walk down to the town & hot poolslove the linen on our bedCleanliness:
extremely clean furnished wellhouse was clean and comfortablelovely spacious and clean propertyfantastic clean house with good linen and bedsabsolutely amazing place clean and spacious enough for my whole familyHost:
lovely hosts beautiful place we will be backchris is a brilliant hostchris is an extremely pleasant host as wellcommunication from host was also fantasticchris very helpful - we would definitely stay there again next time in hanmerRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to the actioneasy 10 minute walk into villagegreat location with an easy walk into townwe did manage a couple of walks close to town which we enjoyedhamner springs is a lovely place
8. Tiroroa; Curio Bay (from USD 194)
Embark on a tranquil holiday with your loved ones and stay at this charming barn-style property nestled on a hill. The beautiful cliffs of Blue Cod Bay and a beach perfect for sunbathing or swimming are just a short walk away.
Kids would be delighted to find four alpacas in the rear paddock, and they can click pictures with them. In the evening, enjoy lounging on the deck and taking in the marvellous views around you.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
book it if you value stunning views peaceful surroundings clean and comfortable livingCleanliness:
awesome stay private clean and well appointedit is so spacious so clean so beautiful and so peacefulit was warm clean and nicely styledHost:
fantastic location wonderful house very nice hosts we can highly recommend this placeRead more reviewsLocation:
what a great location and outlooka beautiful location and a beautiful houseplace was ideal for our last minute get away perfect in every wayfabulous place for a family weekend awaywhat a gorgeous place i was actually speechless when i first walked in
9. Cute seafront home with wraparound deck; Riverton / Aparima (from USD 163)
Enjoy an oceanfront vacation with your best friends at this stunning home. With excellent views of Taramea Bay, the rental is sure to provide a memorable stay. All the bedrooms offer sea views.
The wraparound deck is the perfect place for drinking coffee or wine while enjoying the gorgeous views. Prepare your favourite seasonal snacks in the kitchen or head to the nearby restaurant if you feel lazy. Note that the property has no fencing and is thus unsuitable for toddlers and young children.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful panoramic views from nearly all roomsdeck with bean bags and outside table to enjoy views and bbq and paddle boards in garagevery comfortable place to stay with a great view across the bay and super handy to the beachthe decor is simple but very charming and the rooms are fantastic great views and very comfortable bedsvery comfortable stay with everything you needCleanliness:
very clean we would love to stay there again sometimehouse had everything we needed and was very clean and tidythe house was very clean and had all that you needed for your staygorgeous place to stay in riverton super clean lovely comfortable beds with lovely linenshot showers well equipped and sparkling clean kitchenRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location and very spaciouseasy walk to the villagefantastic location right on the beachbrilliant location we had a wonderful time would absolutely come backexcellent location so handy to the beach
10. Elegant villa with huge lawn; Nelson (from USD 117)
Recharge and unwind at this stylish villa located centrally for your convenience. Its white walls, wooden furniture and plants make it look straight out of Pinterest. With its open spaces and high ceilings, the villa looks spacious and bright.
Kids would love to play on the huge fenced lawn while you relax on the deck with your beloved. Guests can also use books and board games provided here to have fun on their vacation. As heating and air conditioning are available here, you and your family will be comfy here, no matter the season.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is nicely renovated and the wifi works really well (video calls streaming etcthanks for the fresh bed and bubbles on arrivalthe rooms are very comfortable and they are all very quietplenty ofroom for the four of us and very comfortable bedsCleanliness:
awesome modern warm and very clean spaceeverything was super clean and very homelyvery clean and tidy lots of characterwonderful space clean and thoughtful finishingsthe house is clean and warm with the heat pump and double glazingHost:
amanda was a very efficient host and the fresh bread was an awesome touchhosts are very easy to communicate withsuper host and lovely place to stayRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a very convenient location with an easy walk to towneasy to walk to towngreat place easy walk to cbdgreat little place close to town centreamanda's house is in a really central location which is great
Get ready to be mesmerised by South Island's beauty
Indulge your senses, unleash your spirit of adventure and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring attractions of South Island, New Zealand. To embark on a journey of a lifetime, check out the above best Airbnb vacation rentals in South Island, New Zealand, for stays.
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