South Island is the larger of the two major islands that make up the nation of New Zealand. It is less populated compared to North Island, but the island is well known for its pristine landscapes and comfy urban centres. Whale watching in the coastal town of Kaikōura is an experience you shouldn’t miss out on. You can even swim with some of the resident dusky dolphins if you’d like to get up close and personal with Kaikōura’s natural splendour. Christchurch is the most populous city on the island and is within a three-hour drive from Kaikōura. Christchurch is known for its street art and murals that are sure to dazzle tourists. If you’d like to indulge in a nature retreat in South Island, you should opt for a farm stay for an immersive experience. For options, scroll down for the top farm stays 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 13, 2024.
1. Cosy farmhouse in Sawdon Station; Tekapo (from USD 125)
You are guaranteed to have a tranquil stay at this farmhouse in the historic Sawdon Station farm. Home to thousands of sheep, the working farm will surely provide valuable insights into life in South Island. The property is within a 10-minute drive of Lake Tekapo, where you can indulge in a relaxing day at one of its hot springs.
The home has a large dining area adjacent to the kitchen that can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. After a day spent out exploring the farm, you can draw yourself a warm bath in the claw foot tub for a relaxing evening.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Well stocked kitchen for cooking and eating Plenty of room for our own food and belongings Freezer packs and a freezer bag to use for picnicsThe bedrooms are not heated (one bedroom has a small wall-mounted heater); there are electric under-blankets and thick blanketsThe house was well equipped and most comfortable to stay inThe house is as described a cottageLovely warm homestead with everything provided right down to the fluffy warm sheets in the beds Lovely to have a soak in the claw foot bath after a day of skiingCleanliness:
Spacious light and cleanHost:
Nice tidy and quiet Spacious area for the kids to run play and have fun in the farmThe property is so well set up and the hosts amazing Looking forward to staying againWe felt at home from the time we arrived Regular and prompt communication with Sue our host helped us feel especially welcomed Would highly recommend to other familieswe had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back again to experience more farm activitiesThis renovated 1924 house is delightfulRead more reviewsLocation:
A wonderful property in a wonderful locationLocation is quiet and "out of town" but not by very far Suits us just fine being in the countrysideThe location on the farm and close to Lake Tekapo are greatLocation is great only minutes from tekapo townshipIt was lovely staying in a rural setting very quiet secluded and peaceful
2. The Shack; North Loburn (from USD 78)
This modern farmhouse sets itself apart from its brethren with its sleek and minimalist exteriors. But appearances can be deceptive as the interiors are exactly what you would expect from a typical farmhouse, and the spaces are bedecked in rustic decor and furnishings. The kitchen is simple but offers a stove that you can use to prepare quick meals.
The patio has al fresco dining amenities so that guests can enjoy their meals while relishing the views. Dogs are welcome on the premises at a nightly pet fee of 10 NZD (approx. 6 USD). Prior approval is also required if you’re planning to bring along pets.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsAmenities & Room:
lots of room for kids to explore and the outdoor seating was great
3. Oka Cottage; Wakefield (from USD 135)
This elegant farmhouse offers exceptional views of the mountains and a tranquil ambience. Guests will definitely love the shared outdoor pool available on the property, and you won’t ever have to go far if you desire a swim while staying here.
A barbeque grill is also available here, convenient if you’d like to organize a cookout. A washing machine is provided here so that guests can easily keep up with their laundry.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the property was clean and tidy and so comfy for all of usclean and well appointed and for those who like cats the possibility of meeting two charming catsclean and well appointed and for those who like cats the possibility of meeting two charming catsclean and well appointed and for those who like cats the possibility of meeting two charming catsclean and well appointed and for those who like cats the possibility of meeting two charming catsRead more reviewsHost:
owners most accommodating friendly and helpfulowners most accommodating friendly and helpfulowners most accommodating friendly and helpfulowners most accommodating friendly and helpfulowners are so friendly and helpful
4. Spring Creek Farmlet; Dunollie (from USD 53)
This comfy cottage is nestled on a 2-acre (0.8-hectare) estate, offering guests prime areas perfect for leisurely hikes. You can feed the farm animals such as ponies or ducks while staying here. The hosts even offer pony rides for an additional fee.
Breakfast is provided here and includes fresh bread, farm-fresh honey, free-range eggs, and fresh milk, so guests can indulge in a healthy start to their days. A grill is also provided here if you’re craving some barbeque.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The only slight negative was the distance to the toilet and bathroomseemed the poor goat was stranded on the one sideToo far put of town for us didn't have bathroom in same room as bedsOr separate sitting area and due to freezing wet weatherit was So nice to eat eggs from the farm with little egg cooking gadget in room that we loved and wake up to fresh breadThe accomodation was warm and cosy and at night we listened to the rain and the frogs talking to each other in the creekCleanliness:
Very clean and warm Enjoyed the produce for breakfastHost:
Great with all the animals for the kids and the comfortable studioVery homey feel Love the farm life surroundingsmade the night before just for usWe were really impressed with how nicely furnished and fitted outAnd especially our kids loved the very friendly family dog and the goat and everythingRead more reviewsLocation:
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and it's location was not far from Greymouth to walks and to local beachesLovely little sleep out in a farm settingNice walks nearby Not to far away from Pancake Rocks or the nice little town Hokitika (and the national kiwi centre)Very rural but still very close to the Greymouth town centre which was very convenientProperty is nice and clean Location is a bit out of the way and awkward
5. Well-equipped rental with a fireplace; Snowdon (from USD 138)
If you’re looking forward to a week of golfing, you’ll be delighted to know that this farmhouse is located near the Fable Terrace Downs Resort. The rental is also close to ski fields such as the Porters Alpine Resort and Mount Olympus.
The rental offers a log fire indoors, so the entire group can keep warm in the living area on chilly nights. The children are bound to have a fun time in the sandpit provided on the grounds. A washing machine and dryer are also available here.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
a quiet rural spot with awesome sceneryvery spacious and cleanHost:
plenty of room and good hostsgreat host rooms kitchen fireplace outdoor seating this place has it allRead more reviewsLocation:
easy to get to mthutt approx 40 mins away and close to methven
6. Hilltop farmhouse with stunning views; Lower Dashwood (from USD 84)
If you want to wake up to stunning views, you should definitely book this simple rental perched atop a hill that offers exceptional scenery. You can relish views of the mountains from the yard or the patio, and the large windows in the house allow you to enjoy the views even while relaxing indoors.
A barbeque grill is available on the patio, delightful if you want to have a fun evening. The kitchen is well equipped and even has a Nespresso coffee machine with coffee pods for brewing that perfect cup.
7. Shepherd’s Hut; Twizel
If you’d like to stargaze while relaxing on your bed, opt for this rental that has a sleeping area with two skylights above the queen bed. The studio accommodation is compact and offers a kitchenette and a breakfast bar that can seat one.
Two bathtubs are provided on the patio, so you can watch the stars come out while having a romantic soak with your significant other. If you’d like to indulge in a day of hiking, you can put on your trekking boots and explore the 75 acres (30.3 hectares) of farmland.
Twizel, Canterbury, New Zealand
208.9 km (129.9 mi) from Orana Wildlife ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we had a lovely stay in this cottage it’s cozy and perfectly sized for 2 peoplereally comfortable bed and warm on a winters nightcabin was very comfortable and warm with everything we neededvery comfortable bed super cozyan amazing farmstay we loved feeding the animals and stargazing from bedCleanliness:
the hut is clean and very cosyHost:
amazing hosts they are very helpfulthank you ange for being a wonderful hosta wonderful place to stay and hosts to matchthe setting was absolutely beautiful and the hosts were so thoughtfulangela was a great host and the farm stay was a unique relaxing placeRead more reviewsLocation:
such a great experience super convenient location to get to mtvery cosy and comfortable hut in an amazing locationgreat spot in a great location - super cosy and a guaranteed unique experience
8. Tiromoana; Owaka (from USD 225)
This imposing and spacious home offers magnificent views of the coast and the rolling hills. It offers a large kitchen with a myriad of amenities, including a large stove and a breakfast bar. There’s also a dining table right beside it that can accommodate up to six guests. The living area is spacious and comes with three cosy sofas, so the entire group can hang out and socialize here.
The hot tub offers stunning views of the countryside and is the perfect spot to conclude the day.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is warm comfortable well stocked and has the most stunning viewsbeautiful large space that was so comfortable to live ina lovely house with great facilities and a stunning viewfantastic views that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a spa pool -idealbeautiful house gorgeous views hot tub comfy beds and awesome water pressureCleanliness:
it was spotlessly clean and the kitchen was really well appointedthe house was stunning and immaculately clean and tidyit was very clean and the kitchen is very well equippedmagnificent place - clean very relaxing & beautifulthe house is equipped with every single thing you need & is so clean & comfortableHost:
host v helpful with tourist infothank you tracey for being a great hostawesome accommodation in the catlins host was greatsuperb host with an excellent propertytracey is a wonderful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
fab location for catlins sightsamazing location better than any expectation close to many of the attractions in catlinsgreat accomodation in a beautiful locationcouldn’t recommend the place morethe place is very well stocked with everything you need for little getaway would definitely visit again
Superhost
9. Elegant home with large windows; Riverlands (from USD 122)
This modern home is sure to delight you with its floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of sunlight. The interiors feature chic yet simple decor punctuated by beautiful photographs and paintings. The rental has a private garden with a deck where you can relax and take in the fresh air.
The property is within a 10-minute drive of Blenheim Central where guests can go to sample diverse cuisines or for shopping.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place heated quickly and the beds so comfortablegreat place to stay with lovely touches and a great breakfast on the deckbeds are super comfy and so nice to wake up with the feeling of being amongst naturejoanna’s place was perfect for our staycation the bed was super comfy great communication and amenitieswell equipped including large comfortable bedsCleanliness:
enjoy the clean eco houseit is modern clean and cosyher place is clean warm and well equippedlovely clean accomodation with comfy bedsvery clean lots of nice touches and joanna is very easy to communicate withHost:
joanna was a great hostjo was kind enough to gift us some of her homemade jamjoanna is a fantastic host very welcomingjo was really accomodating and friendly so we felt at homereally loved our visit wonderful hosts and comfortable space - we’ll be backRead more reviewsLocation:
a wonderful place for a weekend breakvery quiet & tranquil making the short drive to town worthwhilethis place is stunning for a couple that just wants a breakit is such a treat to find a place with unique characterwe stayed just one night but enjoyed the quiet and being close to blenheim
10. The Raven's Nest; Springfield (from USD 125)
If you are an enthusiast of Tolkien’s vibrant world, you’ll definitely enjoy staying in this home modelled after a hobbit hole. The interiors are equipped with rustic decor and furnishings, staying true to the aesthetics of the Shire.
A homemade breakfast basket is provided here, so you can start your day right. Guests are welcome to explore the sheep and alpaca paddocks located on the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
not a lotr fan but still really enjoyed the attention to detail to the decori’m a lotr fan but not a total die-hard so i wasn’t sure what to expectthe breakfast was amazing and we loved all the little details inside and outside the cottagethe breakfast was amazing and had a wide array of foods to choose fromthe breakfast was as great as all the reviews said it wasCleanliness:
everything was super cleanHost:
the kindness and hospitality of our hosts izzy and wayde was unparalleled and the provided breakfasts were deliciousthe hosts are an extremely lovely coupleamazing attention to detail and the nicest hosts you could ask forcomfortable stay and friendly hostssuch great hosts they went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and relaxingRead more reviewsLocation:
super cute place great breakfast and a cool locationthanks so much for a providing at short notice an awesome location for a mini breaka wonderful place to spend a night or 2prefect for a relaxing stay doing nothing but also close enough to sone outdoor destinations like castle hillan amazing place to stay for a wee getaway
Escape into nature with the farm stays in South Island
South Island is a pristine region dotted with magnificent mountains, sunny coastlines, and lush forests. The best way to partake in the region’s natural bounty would be to stay on a farm. Book one of the above farm stays in South Island and ensure yourself a peaceful vacation.
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