Cottage holiday rentals in South Island

Find and book unique cottages on Airbnb

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 favourite
The original stone cottage is framed by a spacious garden, featuring a neatly trimmed lawn and outdoor dining set with wooden chairs. The mountainous landscape serves as a backdrop, highlighting the natural surroundings and creating a serene atmosphere.
Cottage in Gibbston
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 256 reviews

Heart of Gold in Gibbston Valley

Original Historic Goldminers Stone Cottage located on the Gibbston River, bike and walking trail with easy access to local wineries. Featured in the latest edition of the NZ Lonely Planet guide - This award winning beautifully restored original Goldminers cottage dates back to 1874. Set in the heart of Gibbston Valley with 360 degree views of the Nevis Bluff, Mt Rosa and Waitiri station the cottage provides a peaceful and relaxing base to explore the surrounding area. The cottage interior is an open plan studio layout with a cosy sitting area at one end with a partly screened bedrrom area at the other end, with an adjacent separate bathroom. The bathroom is spacious with separate shower and bath. The bedroom area features a queen bed and you walk through to the lounge, dining and kitchenette area. The kitchen features a stove top and microwave combo oven. Fridge, kettle and toaster. The cottage is great for 2 guests, but can sleep 2 additional guests on the sofa bed in the sitting area, as this converts to a double bed and full linen is supplied. Cuddle up in front of the warm cosy fire, relax and unwind. Walking distance to 3 local wineries and walking trails to Nevis Bluff, Mt Rosa and Coal Pit Road. Situated directly on the new Gibbston River Trail you can bike to the Gibbston Tavern, Peregrine Winery, Gibbston Valley winery and AJ Hacket Bungy bridge. Then continue directly onto the Queenstown Trails to Arrowtown and Queenstown from the door. Easy access to the Gibbston Valley station new Rabbit Ridge bike trails recently opened. Gibbston is 10 minutes drive to Arrowtown and 20 minutes to Queenstown Airport. Cromwell and Bannockburn are 20mins drive. Wanaka is 40mins either via the Crown Range or by going through Cromwell. The cottage is easy access to all activities in and around Queenstown and very handy to the many ski fields in both Queenstown and Wanaka in the winter. Set in its own garden on our 6 acre property where we built a Strawbale house you are welcome to visit the horses, collect eggs from our chickens and pat our sheep. Help yourself to our seasonal produce from the garden. Bikes are available for use to explore the trails Firewood is supplied Outdoor furniture and a BBQ are provided for outdoor living *Linen supplied and included with rental. *Visitors to clean-up and leave the property as found.

Top guest favourite
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, 246 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 favourite
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 favourite
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
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 240 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, 926 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.

Top guest favourite
A wooden bench is positioned in the foreground, overlooking a serene pond bordered by lush greenery. Flanking the bench are planters with vibrant flowers. In the background, the cottage with a dark roof is visible, surrounded by tall grasses and sun loungers.
Cottage in Akaroa
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

The Herb Farm Cottage - An Idyllic Rustic Retreat

The Herb Farm Cottage is a world of it's own in rural Grehan Valley. Here in the country garden stream side setting of the former Herb Farm (New Zealand's first opened in 1976) you will find the original cottage with the ground floor studio/bed sitting room and adjoining parlour. Relax and enjoy the special setting of flowers, wishing well, native bird life, frogs, friendly free range chooks, ducks on the pond and a great night sky. All just a 15 minute stroll to the village and seaside.

Top guest favourite
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, 642 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 favourite
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, 459 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 favourite
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, 829 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 favourite
Cottage in Lyttelton
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 240 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 favourite
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, 893 reviews

Stargazing & Hot Tub: Near Tekapo & Mt Cook!

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 beautiful 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 favourite
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
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 356 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.

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