
Luxury rentals in South Island
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Top-rated luxury holiday rentals in South Island
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Kahua Villa in Peaceful & Private Jacks Point
Immerse yourself in luxurious elegance and peaceful privacy as you unwind in the hot tub, soaking in uninterrupted views of the Remarkables and the night sky. The chalet offers a cozy indoor/outdoor fire snug, wood burner, TV den, and BBQ, perfect for relaxation. With 3 bedrooms, including master with an ensuite, and a grand bathroom featuring a bath and rain shower, comfort is at the forefront. The kitchen, dining, and three living areas create a space so inviting, you’ll never want to leave.

Matariki Residence
Matariki Residence is nestled on Queenstown Hill, only a 5 minute walk from the main town. It boasts uninterrupted panoramic views of the area including the town itself, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. With six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two lounge areas, a formal dining space and a media room, Matariki is perfect for those wanting a spacious, private base from which to explore the stunning Queenstown region. Matariki Residence is a large, luxurious property in Queenstown, NZ.

The Longhouse - Beachfront Luxury Accommodation
The Longhouse is a beachfront paradise offering breathtaking views of Karitane Beach and the stunning Otago coastline in New Zealand's South Island. This historic retreat accommodates up to 12 guests, perfect for family getaways or group escapes. Experience sustainable luxury with laid-back ambiance, soak in the spa, relax by the firepit, or rejuvenate in our infrared sauna. Just 30 minutes from Dunedin, The Longhouse is your ideal sanctuary for adventure, connection, and relaxation.

Luxurious Escape: Breathtaking Views Await
Indulge in sophisticated luxury at this architecturally striking, light-filled sanctuary nestled above a serene lakefront. Designed with clean lines, natural textures, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, this contemporary hideaway offers panoramic views of the mountains and water from every room. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a special occasion, or a restful escape with friends or family, this property delivers unforgettable luxury in a private, tranquil setting.

Lakeside on Park Street by MajorDomo
A brand new, architecturally designed home situated with panoramic lake views & a short, flat 10 minute walk into central Queenstown. A 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom property with expansive outdoor entertaining areas including a deck, patio and private spa pool. Please note: There is ongoing construction on the neighbouring property which is due to continue until late 2026. We kindly ask that you read through the Additional House Rules section prior to confirming a booking.

Willow Waters | Lakeside luxury living
This exceptional stand-alone home is an elegant waterfront retreat in Kelvin Heights, offering stunning views at the Frankton Arm end of Lake Wakatipu. Celebrated for its award-winning architecture, Willow Waters features four bedrooms, fantastic outdoor entertaining, and a spa pool in a serene lakeside setting, just 15 minutes from Queenstown. Boasting all day sunshine, two living spaces and a spa pool, this is a fabulous place for your holiday.

Tuhura Retreat - Luxury Alpine Accommodation
Mt Cardrona Station Resort welcomes you to Tuhura Retreat. If you are looking for privacy, architectural design, and a refined alpine setting, this beautifully appointed home is the perfect choice for your stay. With seamless indoor and outdoor living, expansive mountain and valley views, and thoughtful high-end finishes, Tuhura Retreat is ideal for executive retreats, business travel, or adult groups seeking a premium alpine experience.

Lakehouse 1 – Parking, AC, Fireplace, Lake Views
Lakehouse 1 – Lake Views, Parking, AC & Fireplace Relax in this split-level luxury villa with sweeping lake and mountain views, just three minutes from Queenstown’s lakefront and restaurants. Enjoy air-conditioning, a cozy fireplace, private balcony and modern open-plan living. Perfect summer base for couples, families or small groups to explore wine tours, lake adventures, biking trails, golf and Queenstown’s vibrant dining scene.

Luxury Away - Manaia Views-HotTub-FreeParking-BBQ
Perched high on Queenstown Hill, this newly renovated 5-star villa pairs dramatic lake-and-mountain panoramas with effortless access to town. Just a 10-minute walk from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, you can soak in the private hot tub on the front view terrace, fire up the BBQ in the sheltered rear courtyard, and unwind in design-led interiors—perfectly positioned for ski fields, wineries, and alpine trails.

NEW! 10 The Terrace | Lake Views | Hot Tub
Under new management! Experience refined alpine living in this beautifully appointed four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home, where sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains are on display from almost every room. Ideally located just a short walk from Queenstown’s lakefront and vibrant centre, it offers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquillity.

Luxury Lakeview Retreat Close to Ski Field
Family-friendly 5-bedroom home in Kelvin Heights with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy private lake access with jetty, a spacious outdoor area, and a cozy, warm interior. Just 10 mins to the airport, 2 mins to the golf course, 3 mins to Deer Park Heights, close to shops, and only 15 mins to the nearest ski field. Perfect for relaxing family stays.

Hebron (re-listed)
Hebron is an exquisite home offering breath-taking views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and the surrounding mountains from every window. It is nestled within the prestigious Jacks Point Preserve which boasts an award-winning 18 hole golf course as well as numerous walking and bike trails in addition to the Jacks Point Clubhouse Restaurant.
Popular amenities for South Island luxury holiday rentals
Other great luxury holiday rentals in South Island

Solara House, 3BR, Hot Tub, Fireplace, BBQ & Sauna

Brookbank Villa – Luxury Lakefront w/ BBQ & Views

Wye Creek Residence Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes

Baywaters Retreat by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes

Elevated Tranquility, Luxe Lakeview Horizons

Atanga | Showstopper Views | Spa Pool

Bellbrae by MajorDomo - Spa Pool & Private Sauna

Hideaway on Warren by Sothebys Luxury Rental Homes
All about Te Waipounamu / South Island
Planning a vacation in the South Island
Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer otherworldly beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. Its craggy mountain ranges, huge clear water lakes, and lush national parks transport the visitor into another realm altogether. No wonder that film director Peter Jackson spent over 270 days shooting principal photography for his Lord of the Rings films here. This southern hemisphere jewel is the perfect location for families, friends or honeymooners looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience nature in all its wild glory. Not that fine wine tours and five-star cuisine can’t be on the agenda too, plus the comfort of a modern, luxury home. What more could you ask for?
High octane activities
If you like your vacations with a side order of adrenaline pumping outdoor activity, the South Island is the place for you. The city of Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping and there are several awe-inspiring vistas where you can do just that; namely the Kawarau Bridge Bungy (the world’s first bungee site), which has a 43-meter drop, or the Nevis Highwire, with a recorded 8.5 second fall, and The Ledge, a freestyle bungee accessed by a skyline gondola with a 154 ft drop.
Mountain climbing is also popular with guided tours taking place across six mountains for varying levels of ability. For those who prefer something a little more sedate, a two-hour boat ride on the Lake Wakatipu on the Yvalda, the former boat of Winston Churchill, departs daily. Or in the summer months, there are world class golf courses nearby, too.
Wine tasting tours
Staying in the South Island, lovers of New World wines will find themselves in the epicenter for exceptionally great vintages. Since the mid-eighties, some of the best white and red wines have been produced here, most notably the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir blends. Pinot Noir is the most produced red with Central Otago, the most southerly major vineyard area, developing many award-winning variations. When visiting this area, a trip to the organic and biodynamic Rippon Vineyard, loved for its wines and views of the southern Alps is an absolute must.
Indulge in great food
Incredible natural beauty
The South Island isn’t as densely populated as the North Island, which allows the natural beauty of this remote location to take center stage. Hiring a car and heading off on road trip is a great way to explore this beautiful part of the world. A visit to Christchurch, known as the garden city of New Zealand, reveals lush botanical gardens and communal parks to relax in. The Westland National Park is a must-see, spanning the peaks of the Southern Alps to the coastline, with glaciers and rainforests just some of the natural attractions to walk through. This region also boasts of having some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world, making an excursion to the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary a vacation essential. Make Kaikoura, a small town set within the sanctuary, your base. Its mountains offer a beautiful backdrop to the sights you are going to see. Be sure to look out for Southern Fur Seals and Dolphins.
Where to stay – South Island Vacation Rentals
New Zealand’s South Island has much to offer and experience and the best way to do just that is to rent one of the Queenstown luxury villas. Queenstown is one of the most vibrant towns within this region and the luxury chalets and apartments available are all situated on the banks of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, with the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range close by. All chalets have floor to ceiling windows and large terraces to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the incredible view. As summertime in the southern hemisphere is from December through to March, most have barbeque areas, outside fireplaces, and hot tubs to enjoy the balmy weather.
During the colder months (June-August), this area becomes a popular destination for skiers, as the Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski slopes are close by. It’s during this period that some of the chalet’s saunas, wine cellars, and bathroom Jacuzzis come into their own. Relaxation and total comfort are guaranteed whatever the temperature.
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