
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.

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.
LocationFamilyGetting around
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 342 reviews
Catlins Coastal Hideaway, The Catlins, South Otago
Explore a new, off-grid Airbnb on the Catlins coast. This modern, sustainable accommodation offers panoramic coastal, and native forest views. Newly built, it provides a secluded retreat where you can enjoy peace and tranquility while listening to birdsong. The hot tub on the deck adds a touch of luxury, allowing you to unwind surrounded by nature. Experience comfort and environmental harmony in this eco-friendly getaway, perfectly situated to connect you with the natural beauty of the Catlins.
LocationComfortIndoor spaces
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 100 reviews
Cosy Cottage Overlooking Lake Pukaki
Situated in a sheltered cove by the shores of Lake Pukaki, our cottage offers peace, quiet and privacy. With breathtaking views of the lake and the beautiful Mackenzie basin countryside, it is the perfect place a special getaway. Only 35 minutes drive to Aoraki Mt Cook, 30 minutes from lake Tekapo and 13 minutes to twizel Pukaki lakeside getaway cottage is completely self contained, with wi-fi and all linen is provided. A truly stunning setting with abundant fresh air and wide open space.
ValueLocationWalkability
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 136 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.
FamilyLocationLong stay
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 931 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.
FamilyLocationWifi
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 154 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.
LocationFamilyParks
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 418 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.
FamilyValueLong stay
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 643 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.
ValueLocationHot tub
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 469 reviews
Tranquil Cottage • Dark Sky Stargazing • Hot Tub
The perfect place for people who love a peaceful countryside location with star-filled skies and amazing views! Enjoy the peace, quiet & birdsong, not traffic. Our cottage is on a beautiful 10-acre property in a dark sky reserve, and has stunning 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.
FamilyValueAmenities
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 897 reviews
Blackwood Cottage
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway looking out over Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland. Relax on the deck and enjoy the view. Situated on a ten acre block just 5 minutes drive from Te Anau on your way to Milford Sound. A great place to stop on your journey whether you have been hiking through the hills or seeing the sights. Our cute but modern cottage (built 2019) is well equipped with a full kitchen and all the comforts of home. Come and enjoy the serenity!
ValueFamilyCheckout
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 183 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.
LocationValueAccess
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 831 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.
FamilyLocationLong stay
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 244 reviewsPopular amenities for cottage rentals in South Island
Cottage rentals with a hot tub

Teapot Cottage - a step back in time
ValueFamilyHospitality
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 380 reviews
Kowhai Cottage | Rustic Stargazing Retreat
LocationValueGrill
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 540 reviews
Kepler Mountain View Alpaca Cottage
LocationFamilyHiking
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 357 reviews
Rollesby
LocationFamilyCheck-in
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 195 reviews
Brookhaven cottage with Luxury Outdoor Tub
LocationFamilyComfort
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews
Beautiful Kereru Cottage..... everything on offer
FamilyValueRiver
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 288 reviews
The Pohutukawa Cottage...Tranquil and Unusual
FamilyLocationView
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 384 reviews
Private Cottage with Spa & Amazing Lake Views
LocationValueHospitality
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 380 reviewsPet-friendly cottage rentals

*Star-Gazing* from your Pillow!
ValueFamilyDecor
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 876 reviews
Chrystalls Beach
ValueFamilyGetting around
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews
Uninterrupted ocean views - private beach access
LocationFamilyWifi
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 223 reviews
Wander Lodge - Cosy cottage in the forest.
LocationFamilyCleanliness
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 384 reviews
Snowshoe Cottage. Alpine Lake and Mountain views
FamilyValueQuiet
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviews
Character Harbour Retreat
LocationFamilyLayout
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 198 reviews
A secluded treasure close to town and bay.
FamilyLocationCheck-in
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 255 reviews
The Blackhouse Cottage
ValueFamilyHospitality
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviewsPrivate cottage rentals

Fiords Cottage, Manapouri, Te Wahipounamu
FamilyLocationBack garden
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 453 reviews
"Cherry Cottage" A touch of class in Cromwell
LocationFamilyHospitality
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews
Okarito Cottage - Tigh Na Mara
LocationFamilyComfort
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 220 reviews
Hidden Holiday Cottage
FamilyValueWalkability
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews
Makarora Valley Cottage
LocationFamilyPool
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 228 reviews
Replenishing Retreat - 450m from Pancake Rocks.
LocationValueIndoor spaces
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews
Steeples Cottage, with Ocean Views
LocationFamilyBack garden
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 387 reviews
Renovated Downtown Full Kitchen & EV Charger
LocationFamilyOutdoor spaces
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviewsDestinations to explore
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