Cottage vacation rentals in South Island

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Top-rated cottage rentals in South Island

Guests agree: these cottages are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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Top guest favorite
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, 243 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 🥰

Guest favorite
A charming two-story cottage is framed by lush vegetation, with large windows allowing natural light to fill the interior. The Southern Alps rise majestically in the background, capped with snow, creating a striking contrast against the warm tones of the cottage.
Cottage in Ōkārito
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 340 reviews

Beautiful cottage with mountain and sea views

Watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea from the deck of this beautiful character cottage, or walk out the door directly across to the beach, with stunning views back to the Southern Alps. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the Ōkārito Lagoon, surrounding National Park, native forest walks and bird life, including tui, kōtuku (white heron) and kiwi. Listen to the sound of the sea & the call of ruru NZ's native morepork owl. High quality linen, towels, Free Wi-Fi, fridge/freezer, tea and coffee included.

Top guest favorite
A spacious bedroom features an inviting king bed with soft linens, positioned near large windows that offer stunning elevated views of the surrounding landscape. Natural light filters in through elegant drapery, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the space.
Cottage in Queenstown
5 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

Moonlight Cottage; Private, luxury & romantic

Cosy, stylish, quiet, private & romantic. King bed with gorgeous elevated views, luxe linen, projector with Netflix via your device & unlimited fast wifi. Purpose built, luxurious, thoughtfully & architecturally designed, & a short drive down town. AirCon/ ceiling fan keeps you cool in summer. Wood fire for cosy romantic winter nights. Full kitchen, fridge/ freezer, dishwasher, oven, 4 burner induction cook top, pantry essentials & BBQ. Washing machine & tiled bathroom. Designed for a couple.

Superhost
An outdoor deck features a luxury hot tub overlooking a lake and mountains. Large glass doors provide seamless access between indoor and outdoor spaces. A wooden chair is positioned beside the tub, inviting relaxation in this serene setting.
Cottage in Lake Tekapo
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 924 reviews

Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat - Lake Tekapo

For those who fancy a luxury escape; Stargaze the Milky Way from your own luxury outdoor bath, then come inside to a toasty warm fire. Enjoy the comfort of a king size bed with luxury linen, looking directly through to the lake and mountains beyond. In the bathroom, relax in our freestanding bath or enjoy a rain shower for two. Take in unobstructed views of the lake and mountains from your lounge room by day, and cosy up on the couch or wool beanbag for a movie at night. This is paradise.

Guest favorite
A gravel driveway leads into a stunning valley embraced by snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky. Tall grass sways gently along the fence line, while lush greenery flanks both sides of the pathway, creating a serene natural landscape.
Cottage in Makarora
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 415 reviews

The Cottage at WildEarthLodge

Our charming cottage looks directly into the incredible Wilkin valley. This is a truly special private sanctuary in the wilderness for one to two people. From this fully self contained space you can explore the Mt Aspiring National park, Blue Pools, Isthmus Peak, Haast, Wanaka and Hawea. Settle in by the fire on the most comfortable couch and enjoy the view, the serenity and beauty of this place. Soak in the outdoor bath to star gaze on clear nights. The Cottage is an adults only space.

Top guest favorite
An outdoor spa pool is situated under a covered patio, offering serene views of lush farmland and distant mountains. Soft steam rises from the water, while a spacious lawn and outdoor seating area invite relaxation. The clear sky enhances the peaceful ambiance.
Cottage in Franz Josef Glacier
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 640 reviews

Lakeview Cottage with Spa Pool

Located on the edge of sprawling valley farmland with views of glistening Lake Mapourika, towering mountains and rainforest at the base of the New Zealand Southern Alps. Unwind in nature's embrace. Sink into an outdoor bean bag on the expansive lawn or take a long soak in the large spa pool whilst taking in the panoramic views and sensational sunsets! You are welcome to pick from the herb garden for your cooking. The cottage is located a 5-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier township.

Top guest favorite
An elevated luxury getaway is nestled among native bush, displaying a modern structure with large windows and a spacious deck. The exterior features earthy tones, and a gravel driveway is visible with a parked vehicle nearby, creating a serene, inviting environment.
Cottage in Fox River
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 456 reviews

Place for 2 with a sea view 1 Bedroom / W/ Hot Tub

Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. Spectacular elevated views will greet you on arrival, inviting you into our piece of paradise. This one-bedroom luxury getaway is a private, warm, and relaxing place to unwind. Surrounded by native bush and oceanic views over the Tasman, it's a perfect getaway to absorb the beauty of the West Coast and everything it has to offer. The stunning coast road is right at your doorstep and is regarded as one of the top 10 drives in the world.

Top guest favorite
A panoramic view of the coastline is visible through a large glass window. Rolling waves gently lap against the shore, while lush greenery frames the scene, creating a serene and natural environment.
Cottage in Cape Foulwind
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 828 reviews

Okari Cottage

Sunny private retreat with stunning coastal views . Look out to the waves from your bed with a deserted beach at the end of the driveway. Explore the local area beaches, surfing , river, seal colony and the Cape Foulwind walkway all within 2km . Good cell phone reception and wireless internet. The Cottage is very private, brand new and 50m from the main house. Full kitchen facilities with dishwasher and deck with BBQ and outside fire brazier. Smart TV with Netflix for lazy days.

Top guest favorite
Cottage in Lyttelton
5 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

The Daughter's Anchorage · Historic Cottage

You will love staying at this upscale historical port cottage with gorgeous harbour views. Unwind in style and enjoy the always changing vista of the picturesque port, harbour, and banks peninsula hills - perfect for a luxe Christchurch escape. Recognized in the Top 1% of Guest Favorite homes worldwide. Featured in Stay Awhile Magazine (2025) and the 'Find the Perfect Place' YouTube series. To see our latest updates & local Lyttelton highlights, search @the_daughters_anchorage.

Top guest favorite
A modern cottage is showcased under a vast starry sky, surrounded by natural terrain. Soft lighting highlights the exterior features and outdoor seating area, creating a serene atmosphere. A pathway leads to the entrance, enhancing the inviting and tranquil setting.
Cottage in Twizel
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 887 reviews

Stargazing & Hot Tub – Near Mt Cook & Tekapo!

The perfect place for people who love a peaceful countryside location with starry skies and beautiful views. Wake up to peace, quiet & birdsong, not traffic! Our cottage is on a tranquil 10-acre property in a dark sky reserve, and has amazing mountain views. It’s 17km from the town of Twizel, and offers both privacy & modern comforts. Visit Tekapo or Mt Cook then relax in a wood-fired hot tub under the stars. Very safe location. 50 mins to Mt Cook/Tekapo. 2.5 hrs to Queenstown.

Top guest favorite
A modern cottage stands against the backdrop of Lake Te Anau and mountainous terrain. The exterior showcases a sleek design with varying materials, surrounded by manicured landscaping and a gravel pathway leading to the entrance. The tranquil setting emphasizes the hut's private location.
Cottage in Te Anau
5 out of 5 average rating, 354 reviews

Black's Hut - Lakefront Cottage

Black's Hut sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau with expansive uninterrupted views of Fiordland. Built in 2022 with quality fixtures and furnishings, entertainment system and hot tub. Excellent unlimited wifi. Black's Hut has been specifically set up to accommodate adults with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Extremely private with extensive plantings. Bike track and reserve between the cottage and lake. Just a 15 minute walk along the lakefront to shops and cafes.

Top guest favorite
An outdoor space features two patterned chairs facing the stunning view of Lake Hāwea and distant mountains. A wooden dining table and umbrella provide additional seating options. Lush greenery and gently sloping grass complete the serene landscape under a clear blue sky.
Cottage in Lake Hawea, Wanaka
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 361 reviews

Lake View Earth Cottage

Lake View Earth Cottage sits 134 metres above Hawea township and overlooks Lake Hāwea and surrounding mountains with world-class 180° views. The hand-crafted earth home is nestled in native New Zealand bush and has rustic wooden beams throughout. The house comprises an open-plan living and dining area and outdoor dining, with spectacular views of the lake and mountains. Located up a rural gravel road, hidden away from suburban areas, the home is bound to make you say WOW.

Popular amenities for South Island cottage rentals

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