Family-friendly vacation rentals in Te Waipounamu / South Island

Danseys Pass Lavender Farm Retreat (shepherds hut)

Enjoy a unique stay at our little Lavender Farm nestled in the Kakanui Ranges. Sitting adjacent to the main house, you'll find comfort in your self-contained shepherd's hut, complete with a private outdoor bath and shower. Take the mountain e-bikes for a tour around the surrounding countryside, jump into one of the waterholes on the property. At the end of the day, unwind in your private 4-person spa opposite the rustic wood-fired sauna, or simply relax by the outdoor fireplace under the stars.

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.

Hawea Country Hut Beautiful mountain cabin

Take it easy at this unique country cabin. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. Soak in the outside bath. Close to Lake Hāwea hiking and biking trails. Boating and Cardrona and treble cone ski fields. The township of Wanaka with its many award winning restaurants and cafes is only 20km away. The cabin is warm and cozy, sunny, wood burner & heat pump. location is nestled between Grandview and Lake Hāwea station. We have no light pollution making for incredible stargazing.

Secluded modern rural retreat with coastal views

'Big Hill Luxury Retreat' - a bespoke luxury rural escape nestled amongst native New Zealand bushland, stunning Banks Peninsula farmland and dramatic coastline. With views across the Pacific Ocean and a private walking track to your own secluded beach. The elevation and isolation of Big Hill provides a unique contrast of total solitude and unparallel panoramic views - rural New Zealand at its best. 90 mins to Christchurch and 35 mins to Akaroa, close enough to explore - a world away to escape.

Relax & Escape | Incredible Views & Outdoor Bath

We invite you to relax and recharge in our well appointed, tiny home (12m2)- a cosy escape! Nestled in Cass Bay, expansive views of Lyttelton Harbour, outdoor bath- gas hot water- to star gaze, luxury bed, full ensuite, deck with outdoor bar. With easy access to coastal walking tracks, 500m walk to the beach, 5 mins from Lyttelton & 20 mins to Christchurch central this space is the perfect getaway spot. We have created the holiday space we always search for, come and enjoy it Summer or Winter!

Mariners Cabin: Your seaside escape

Mariners Cabin is a modern and minimalist retreat situated in picturesque Cass Bay, perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a serene escape. This cabin (13 square meters in size) is suspended in the trees, offers the best proximity to beach views, an outdoor bath, barbecue, and a romantic outdoor dining area. It also features an authentic wood burner, ensuring warmth and coziness during chilly nights, while the comfortable double bed provides a restful night's sleep.

The Nest at Hurunui Jacks (outdoor bath & firepit)

So much more than a place to sleep - toast marshmallows around a private fire, take a bike on the West Coast Wilderness trail, kayak on our little lake! The Nest is a stand alone self contained unit with outdoor bath/shower, close to but separate from the main house. Set on 15 acres of private land, Hurunui Jacks has the Nest and a glamping tent nestled in beautiful West Coast native bush. A small private lake, historic water race & the Kaniere River are on your doorstep.

Hillside Retreat & Woodstoked Hot Tub

This unique place has a style all its own. Come and enjoy some peace and quiet admiring the outstanding views of Mount Benger in your own wood stoked stainless steel hot tub. The hot tub will be filled with fresh water and heated on request. There are several outstanding cafes locally along with the beautiful Clutha Gold Cycle trail. The Millers Flat Tavern is open for meals Pinders Pond is a local swimming attraction. Highland Bike hire in Roxburgh has ebikes for hire.

The Temple Cabin (Steeple Peak) Wilderness Comfort

Outdoor Adventure Awaits! Now offering Horse Treks! The Temple Cabins Steeple Peak is located at The Temple, at the head of Lake Ohau right at the beginning of the Hopkins Valley. A remote area well known in the outdoors community. Situated on a classic New Zealand high country station, the cabin gives it's guests access to one of the truly remote areas of the Southern Alps. Enjoy horse riding from our farm, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and much much more.

Te Ara Cottage Tranquil Retreat

Beautiful charming cottage with fantastic view. The cottage has a queen bed, a sitting room, shower, bath and toilet with own deck. Not self-contained but has a gas cooker, bbq set, microwave, mini fridge, kettle and toaster. Tea/Plunger coffee are provided. There is a walking track below the cottage and also more walks around here. We are located in Diamond Harbour, 20min walk to jetty that you can catch a ferry to Lyttelton, only 10min ride, beautiful journey.

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.

Luxury Wilderness Cabin on Private Lake

Luxury off-grid cabin in absolute wilderness 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.