
Family-friendly vacation rentals in South Island
Find and book unique family-friendly homes on Airbnb
Top-rated family-friendly rentals in South Island
Guests agree: these family-friendly homes are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

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 🥰

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.

High Country Cabin. Country getaway near Twizel.
High Country Cabin is a stylishly decorated cabin in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Inspired by the Backcountry huts throughout the area, it provides a rustic country-style experience. Situated 15 minutes outside of Twizel in the heart of the Mackenzie, it has direct access to all of the natural amenities that the area is world famous for including snow sports, mountaineering, hiking & tramping, mountain-biking, hunting & fishing among many other activities.

Luxury Ocean View Retreat | Private Beach
Big Hill Luxury Retreat Ocean views across the Pacific Private walking track to secluded beach Large two-person bath Adults-only romantic retreat 90 minutes from Christchurch Rural escape nestled amongst native bush, Banks Peninsula farmland and dramatic coastline. Its elevation and isolation provide complete privacy and panoramic ocean views. 90 mins to Christchurch and 35 mins to Akaroa—close enough to explore, yet a world away to escape. Experience seclusion and connect with nature.

THE BIRD'S NEST - Secluded getaway!
The Birds Nest is a secluded and boutique cabin nestled amongst the tree tops and away from other houses. This luxury hideaway provides the peace and quiet of nature, whilst maintaining close proximity to all that the city and suburbs has to offer. Some highlights include relaxing in our private hot tub watching the sun set, strolls along the banks of the Heathcote river, and afternoon gelato just around the corner. Find us on social media to see a video tour: birdsnestchristchurch

An isolated retreat in a movie like setting.
See the curve of the planet while treating yourself to the best of N Z in a stylish designer house overlooking the Pacific ocean. Nestled among native trees, farmland and a landscaped kiwi styled backyard, is this charming home in a romantic location with a view that will take your breath away. If your looking to relax in comfort, in an isolated setting surrounded by the sea and rolling hills, with the odd Whale in winter and occasional Aurora, then this place will be perfect for you.

Black Mountain Rukuruku
Black Mountain is nestled in the foothills of the Kaikōura Seaward Ranges, 6 km north of Kaikōura township. Designed for short and longer stays, the home is private, peaceful, and set in a beautiful rural landscape. The bedroom, living and dining spaces, bathroom, and deck enjoy mountain and garden views, with glimpses of the ocean from the grounds. On arrival, you’ll find a small selection of freshly prepared provisions — enough for a simple breakfast or two, with our compliments.

Omaka Valley Hut
Omaka Valley Hut is nestled in the Marlborough hill country, 20 minutes from Blenheim, New Zealand. This hut offers you a secluded and private retreat to relax, unwind and recharge in the country. Wake up to stunning views overlooking farmland, vineyards and the southern valleys. Explore the local world class wineries, sample delightful local produce, take a trip to the Marlborough Sounds, or bring your mountain bike or walking shoes and trial the track located behind the hut!

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.

Kahikatea House
Escape to our stunning modern home situated right next to beautiful Lake Manapouri. This tranquil retreat offers the perfect blend of luxury and nature, with expansive windows that invite the beauty of the outdoors inside. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway, our lakeside haven is the perfect base for your South Island experience. Book your stay today and immerse yourself in the beauty of Fiordland!

Luxury Dark Sky Hideaway Cabin A - with Hot Tub
Dark Sky Hideaway is a secluded, luxury retreat set deep in the breathtaking Ben Ohau landscape. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and a vast rugged valley, it’s more than a place to stay - it’s a chance to slow down and reconnect. Soak under the stars in the private hot tub, in one of the world’s top dark sky reserves. Located just 15 mins from Twizel, 4 hrs from Christchurch, and 2.5 hrs from Queenstown.

Luxury Wilderness Cabin on Private Lake
Luxury off-grid cabin 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.
Popular amenities for South Island family-friendly rentals
Family-friendly home rentals with a hot tub

Relax & Escape | Incredible Views & Outdoor Bath

Romantic Retreat | Hot tub | Sauna | Peak View

Skylark Cabin – Private Luxury Escape with Hot Tub

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

Hillside Retreat & Woodstoked Hot Tub

Ocean View Bach

Twizel Ecostays. Romantic retreat.

Hightide River Escape - w/Outdoor Bath.
Family- and pet-friendly home rentals

The Kakanui Cube

Drifting Sands - Beachfront Retreat Jacuzzi & Fire

Valley Views hot tub - soak in the stars

Te Onepoto lodge Sumner, 151a TM road

Straw bale house by the sea

Peel Forest Hanger Hut

The Daughter's Anchorage · Historic Cottage

'Kanuka cottage'
Family-friendly home rentals with a pool

Hill top luxury guest unit with superb sea views

Fiery Peak Eco-Retreat with Logfire & Hot Tub

Stylish New - The Arrow Nest

The Vicarage Barn

Water & Moutain view from private hot tub spa pool

Tawhitinui: Peaceful Retreat with Stunning Views

LUXURY HOME WITH LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Large, private 5 bedroom homestead with pool
Destinations to explore
- Condo rentals South Island
- Ski-in/ski-out rentals South Island
- Rentals with an accessible height bed South Island
- Hotel rooms South Island
- Vacation home rentals South Island
- Boutique hotels South Island
- Dome rentals South Island
- Rentals with breakfast South Island
- Villa rentals South Island
- Rentals with pools South Island
- Earth house rentals South Island
- Pet-friendly rentals South Island
- Bed and breakfasts South Island
- Holiday park rentals South Island
- Farmstay rentals South Island
- Cabin rentals South Island
- Cottage rentals South Island
- Apartment rentals South Island
- RV rentals South Island
- Hostel rentals South Island
- Luxury rentals South Island
- Townhouse rentals South Island
- Rentals with beach access South Island
- Serviced apartment rentals South Island
- Yurt rentals South Island
- Beachfront rentals South Island
- House rentals South Island
- Rentals with lake access South Island
- Rentals with a sauna South Island
- Rentals with a hot tub South Island
- Loft rentals South Island
- Private suite rentals South Island
- Rentals with a kayak South Island
- Rentals with an accessible height toilet South Island
- Waterfront rentals South Island
- Barn rentals South Island
- Nature eco lodge rentals South Island
- Guesthouse rentals South Island
- Tiny house rentals South Island
- Chalet rentals South Island
- Family-friendly rentals New Zealand
- Things to do South Island
- Nature and outdoors South Island
- Food and drink South Island
- Sightseeing South Island
- Sports activities South Island
- Tours South Island
- Things to do New Zealand
- Nature and outdoors New Zealand
- Food and drink New Zealand
- Sports activities New Zealand
- Tours New Zealand
- Art and culture New Zealand
- Sightseeing New Zealand
- Family travel hub Tips and inspiration
- Family budget travel Get there for less
- Vacation ideas for any budget Make it special without making it spendy
- Travel Europe on a budget How to take the kids to Europe for less
- Outdoor adventure Explore nature with the family
- Bucket list national parks Must-see parks for family travel
- Kid-friendly state parks Check out these family-friendly hikes





