Luxury rentals in South Island
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Top-rated luxury holiday rentals in South Island
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The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa One
Villa One is in a premium private luxury accommodation complex that overlooks the stunning Lake Hayes. It is part of The Elms complex, which consists of three adjoining villas, each with its own unique interior design, character, and charm. Villa One is located on the lowest level, offering additional outdoor space. It has three bedrooms, each with its own en suite. The master suite has a beautiful view of the lake. It also has two living areas, one of which can be closed off with a curtain for privacy. Villa One has a lovely sun terrace with a private spa pool, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the mountains. It is also close to many attractions, such as the Amisfield vineyard, the Gibbston wine region, and the historic town of Arrowtown. You can also access the walking trail around the lake from the property. BEDROOM & BATHROOM • Bedroom 1 - Primary: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone shower • Bedroom 2: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone shower • Bedroom 3: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone shower
Matakauri House by MajorDomo - Stylish 4 Bedroom
Welcome to Matakauri House - a private, spacious villa with sweeping views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables. Just 5 minutes' drive from the centre of town, Matakauri House is perfectly placed to make the most of Queenstown. This four-bedroom retreat features stylish interiors, two living areas with fireplaces and a wet bar. Lounge in the walled garden by the outdoor fire, fire up the BBQ, or sink into the year-round heated plunge pool and watch the sun drop behind the mountains.
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. The whole place to yourself - just you and your people.
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.
Ti Tihi by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
Spanning over three levels, the in-house lift conveniently connects all three floors. As you enter through the glass doors to the top floor be welcomed by the spacious open plan living, kitchen and dining area. This area offers the perfect space to host the entire family. With expansive floor to ceiling windows wrapping around the home and doors opening out onto the terraces expect magnificent views from every seat in the house. un with the whole family at this stylish place.
Edinburgh Heights by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
Welcome to 5 Edinburgh, an exquisite residence located on the slopes of Queenstown Hill, offering unparalleled views and a lifestyle that embraces both elegance and comfort. This splendid four-bedroom home perfectly encapsulates the essence of contemporary living amidst the stunning backdrop of mountains and the serene Lake Wakatipu. With multiple outdoor spaces and well-appointed interiors, this property is an oasis of tranquillity, waiting to be discovered.
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.
Atanga | Showstopper Views | Grand Circle Position
A luxurious four-bedroom Queenstown Hill retreat, perfectly positioned for unbeatable views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains from every room in the house. Recently renovated, Atanga is modern and luxurious, split over three levels with open plan living, two outdoor spaces, a spa pool, plus an entire level dedicated to the gorgeous master suite. This elevated home is a true Queenstown beauty with a convenient location to town.
Teitei Home
Teitei Home is perfectly positioned overlooking the iconic Lake Wanaka and out to the stunning Treble Cone ski field. This stylish, contemporary villa offers an inviting, open-plan layout, complete with extensive glazing that maximises its stunning location overlooking the Southern Alps. In the cooler months soak in the captivating snow-covered mountains all lite up on a cold winter’s night.
Elevated Tranquility, Luxe Lakeview Horizons
Kia Ora & Welcome to Your Brand-New Queenstown Retreat! Indulge in luxury and breathtaking scenery at this modern lakeview escape—perfect for families or large groups. Nestled just 5 minutes from Queenstown’s town centre, this spacious four-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains from the comfort of your private spa and balcony.
The Rose – Luxury Escape with Fireplace & Views
Please note that this home is in close proximity to an ongoing construction project. Please inquire with a the host for more information. Welcome to The Rose – a stylish mountain retreat designed for comfort and relaxation. With warm, modern interiors and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect base for your next getaway.
The Lake House by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
The Lake House is a spectacular retreat offering complete privacy within the exclusive, gated Jack’s Point Preserve. Set on the renowned Jack’s Point Golf Course, the home is just a 5-minute drive to the Clubhouse and its amenities, with walking and cycling trails right on your doorstep.
Popular amenities for South Island luxury holiday rentals
Other great luxury holiday rentals in South Island
Elevated Tranquility, Luxe Lakeview Horizons
Atanga | Showstopper Views | Grand Circle Position
Willow Waters | Lakeside luxury living
The Lake House by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
Teitei Home
180 Park | Lakefront Masterpiece
Ti Tihi by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
Korimako - A Luxe Sunrise Lane Gorgeous Retreat
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.
Destinations to explore
- Rentals with an accessible-height bed South Island
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- Dome rentals South Island
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- Chalet rentals South Island
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- Apartment rentals South Island
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- Private suite rentals South Island
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- Rentals with a hot tub South Island
- Bungalow rentals South Island
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- Barn rentals South Island
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- Rentals with outdoor seating South Island
- Rentals with a sauna South Island
- Rentals with beach access South Island
- Hostel rentals South Island
- Luxury rentals New Zealand
- Things to do South Island
- Sports activities South Island
- Nature and outdoors South Island
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- Things to do New Zealand
- Sports activities New Zealand
- Food and drink New Zealand
- Nature and outdoors New Zealand
- Art and culture New Zealand
- Sightseeing New Zealand
- Tours New Zealand