Family-friendly vacation 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 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, 248 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 🥰

Top guest favourite
The cabin's exterior is illuminated at dusk, showcasing large glass windows and a wooden façade. The surrounding landscape features low vegetation, while a dramatic cloud formation highlights the sky above, enhancing the cabin's serene setting.
Cabin in Hopkins Valley
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

The Temple Cabin (North Point) Wilderness Comfort

Outdoor Adventure Awaits! Now offering Horse Treks!! The Temple Cabins (North Point) is at the head of Lake Ohau right at the beginning of the Hopkins Valley. It's a very special part of the NZ Alps. This cabin features a skylight for stargazing from the loft! 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 more.

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, 191 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
Guesthouse in Little Akaloa
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 173 reviews

Luxury Ocean View Retreat | Private Beach

Big Hill Luxury Retreat Ocean views across the Pacific Private walking track to secluded beach Large two-person bath Adults-only romantic retreat 90 minutes from Christchurch Rural escape nestled amongst native bush, Banks Peninsula farmland and dramatic coastline. Its elevation and isolation provide complete privacy and panoramic ocean views. 90 mins to Christchurch and 35 mins to Akaroa—close enough to explore, yet a world away to escape. Experience seclusion and connect with nature.

Guest favourite
A spacious deck extends out from the house, featuring steps leading down to the lush green landscape. A hot tub is positioned on the deck, providing a view of the rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean in the background, under a clear blue sky.
Home in Dunedin, Karitane
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 325 reviews

An isolated retreat in a movie like setting.

See the curve of the planet while treating yourself to the best of N Z in a stylish designer house overlooking the Pacific ocean. Nestled among native trees, farmland and a landscaped kiwi styled backyard, is this charming home in a romantic location with a view that will take your breath away. If your looking to relax in comfort, in an isolated setting surrounded by the sea and rolling hills, with the odd Whale in winter and occasional Aurora, then this place will be perfect for you.

Top guest favourite
A modern dwelling is framed by lush gardens and a rocky path, with the scenic hills rising in the background. Soft lighting captures the building's sleek exterior, highlighting its vibrant entrances and large windows, while the surrounding flora adds natural texture.
Home in Kaikōura Ranges
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 257 reviews

Black Mountain Rukuruku

Black Mountain is nestled in the foothills of the Kaikōura Seaward Ranges, 6 km north of Kaikōura township. Designed for short and longer stays, the home is private, peaceful, and set in a beautiful rural landscape. The bedroom, living and dining spaces, bathroom, and deck enjoy mountain and garden views, with glimpses of the ocean from the grounds. On arrival, you’ll find a small selection of freshly prepared provisions — enough for a simple breakfast or two, with our compliments.

Top guest favourite
Cabin in Ben Ohau
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 398 reviews

Cosy alpine cabin near Mt Cook and Tekapo

Welcome to Ruataniwha Hut, an intimate wood fired cabin in the high country of the Southern Alps. Wake to coffee and mountain views. Spend your days exploring Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. Return to unwind under a blanket of stars. Set in an international dark sky reserve, the hut is built for couples and small families craving a simple escape. Ruataniwha Hut is the perfect base for your adventures. Mt Cook / Hooker Valley Track 50 min Tekapo 40 min Twizel 15 min

Top guest favourite
Two wooden chairs are positioned on a wooden deck, facing a stunning coastal sunset. The horizon displays vibrant colors as the sun descends, with gentle waves visible in the distance. A lantern sits on a barrel between the chairs, providing a cozy ambiance.
Home in Purakaunui
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 330 reviews

Tahakopa Bay Retreat, Catlins, South Otago

Takahopa Bay Retreat is in the heart of the Catlins and offers sweeping panoramic coastal and established native Forest views. The Retreat was established by the Clark family who live on, and farm the surrounding land. The Clark's have been farming the 685 hectare coastal property in the Catlins for the last 25 years. Cameron and Michelle would love to share their secluded retreat with you to enjoy the privacy and peacefulness it provides.

Top guest favourite
A spacious living area is presented with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rocky terrain. A plush, sectional sofa in soft tones is centered around a light-colored coffee table. Two comfortable armchairs provide additional seating, complemented by a compact dining set nearby.
Home in Ben Ohau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 127 reviews

Luxury Dark Sky Hideaway Cabin B - with Hot Tub

Dark Sky Hideaway is a secluded, luxury retreat set deep in the breathtaking Ben Ohau landscape. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and a vast rugged valley, it’s more than a place to stay - it’s a chance to slow down and reconnect. Soak under the stars in the private hot tub, in one of the world’s top dark sky reserves. Located just 15 mins from Twizel, 4 hrs from Christchurch, and 2.5 hrs from Queenstown.

Top guest favourite
Cabin in Franz Josef
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 365 reviews

Luxury Wilderness Cabin on Private Lake

Luxury off-grid cabin 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.

Guest favourite
A spa pool offers a relaxing spot with clear water, framed by lush greenery and native trees. A breathtaking view of the harbour and surrounding landscape is visible in the background, capturing the serenity of the natural setting.
Home in Robinsons Bay
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 666 reviews

Number One Archdalls, Robinsons Bay

Escape to our batch in beautiful Robinsons Bay in the stunning Akaroa Harbour. Amazing views. ●Spa with an amazing view ●Pet friendly ●2 bedrooms with Queen beds. ● Master bedroom with en suite and balcony. ●Harbour views. ●Surrounded by native trees ● 2 mins walk to a beach ● Short drive to Akaroa ●Native birds, Tui, Fantails

Top guest favourite
A night sky filled with stars illuminates the scene above a cottage, highlighting its silhouette against the vibrant colors of twilight. The warm glow from the windows softens the exterior, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the natural beauty.
Farm stay in Tarras
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 851 reviews

Warm, Cosy, Self-contained Cottage

This is not suburbia. Are you looking for a place to get away? Do want to be amazed by starry skies? Can you imagine waking up in the morning and opening the curtains to a stunning mountain vista. If you are getting tired of the bombardment of noise in the city, you will be astonished at the silence we offer.

Popular amenities for South Island family-friendly rentals

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