Family-friendly holiday 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.

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Top guest favourite
A wooden outdoor hot tub is positioned on a gravel area, offering a view of expansive green fields and distant mountains. A metal chimney rises beside the tub, while decorative wooden fencing and surrounding foliage enhance the natural setting.
Farm stay in Dovedale
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Dovedale Country Getaway – Tranquility & Farm Life

Escape to this peaceful one-bedroom farmhouse in Dovedale, Nelson-Tasman, nestled on a working farm. Enjoy morning birdsong, stunning mountain views, and a cosy retreat with everything you need for a relaxing getaway—including a private outdoor hot tub. Explore nearby walks, bike trails, wineries, and local cafés, or unwind on the deck and take in the tranquil surroundings. Perfect for a romantic escape or a rural retreat, this is your gateway to the best of New Zealand’s countryside & nature.

Superhost
The living area features a light-colored sofa facing a wall-mounted television. Large glass doors provide stunning views of the surrounding hills and harbor. A small coffee table sits on a light area rug, and a ceiling fan facilitates airflow while natural light fills the space.
Home in Diamond Harbour
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
A country cabin is nestled among rolling hills, featuring a modern design with large windows that provide expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The outdoor area includes a small patio with seating, blending harmoniously into the natural environment.
Hut in Lake Hāwea
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 307 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
A panoramic view captures the rolling green hills meeting the serene coastline at dusk. The soft colors of sunset illuminate the landscape, with ocean waves gently lapping at the shore and a secluded dwelling nestled among the native bushland.
Guest house in Little Akaloa
5 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
Hut in Diamond Harbour
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 309 reviews

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 gas burners, bbq set outside on the deck and microwave, mini fridge, kettle and toaster inside. 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

Top guest favourite
A refurbished shepherd's hut is featured, set against a backdrop of green grass and natural surroundings. A saddle hangs on a wooden fence in the foreground. Large windows provide views of the landscape, with steps leading up to the hut's entrance.
Farm stay in Scotts Gap
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 135 reviews

The Hitchin Rail - Eco Farmstay with stunning view

Looking for a place to get away from the modern life distractions. This refurbished shepherd's hut with its fantastic views over Fiordland and The Takitimu Mountains is the perfect retreat. Located on a working sheep and beef farm in Western Southland, self contained, solar lighting, gas shower, cooker, wood burner and a USB port for phones or tablets. A charming and calming opportunity to seek solitude with your favourite book or spend quality time with family and friends.

Top guest favourite
A charming outdoor seating area is presented with a small table and two white chairs. A bottle of wine and two glasses are arranged on the table, overlooking a landscaped view of rolling hills and rows of greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Guest house in Ettrick
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 335 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
The cabin features large glass windows, illuminating the interior with a warm glow as evening descends. The surrounding landscape showcases a rugged terrain with sparse vegetation and distant snow-capped mountains, providing a stark contrast to the cozy atmosphere within.
Cabin in Hopkins Valley
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
The interior of the Hobbit House features exposed wooden beams and natural earth walls. A cozy area is created by two double beds placed opposite each other. A wood stove is located near the entrance, with light filtering through the window and colorful decorative lights.
Earthen home in Motueka Valley
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 153 reviews

Pearse River Hobbit House bike trail, hike, fish

An overnight stay you will alway remember! Relax in this unique above ground Hobbit House. Lovingly hand-built. Sleeps 2 to 4 (two double beds). Wood heat. Outside kitchen with water tap. On-demand hot water. Custom antique style ice box. Propane cooker. Shower. Composting toilet. Hobbit House is located on a lifestyle block in beautiful Pearse Valley with lovely rural outlook, 1 kn walk to lovely waterfall, plus onsite tracks for Food and Medicine forest project.

Top guest favourite
Two glasses filled with red wine are placed on a wooden tray resting between twin outdoor claw-foot baths. A bottle of wine stands beside the glasses. The sun sets on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the surrounding landscape.
Guest house in Christchurch
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

The Vineyard Retreat Summerhill Heights Vineyard

Escape to the Vineyard Retreat, Romantic Glamping, just a short drive from Christchurch City. Imagine soaking in twin outdoor claw-foot baths, gazing at the Southern Alps as the sunset paints the sky with someone special by your side. This retreat offers tranquility and breathtaking views. Soak in the serenity of the Canterbury Plains and surrounding views. While our Tasting Experience takes a seasonal pause, you can still purchase our wines via messaging.

Top guest favourite
Cabin in Franz Josef / Waiau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 294 reviews

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.

Top guest favourite
A modern lodge is situated under a starlit sky, featuring a covered deck with gentle lighting. Expansive glass doors open to an inviting interior. Relaxation areas are visible, set against a tranquil landscape, enhancing the connection with nature.
Farm stay in Puketiro
5 out of 5 average rating, 246 reviews

Beresford Heights - The Catlins

Located at the top of Table Hill, 400m above sea level in the heart of The Catlins, Beresford Heights offers boutique accommodation with breath-taking views. This romantic retreat is an off the grid get-away for couples craving a luxurious peaceful escape from their busy lifestyles, in a private magical hideaway.

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