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 favorite
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, 199 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 favorite
A modern cabin is positioned harmoniously in a sprawling landscape, surrounded by gentle hills. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene, enhancing the natural beauty of the expansive valley and nearby mountains.
Cabin in Twizel
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 457 reviews

Skylark Cabin – Private Luxury Escape with Hot Tub

Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of the Mackenzie Region. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and the rugged, ethereal beauty of an expansive valley, this isn’t just a comfortable place to stay, it’s an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerising clarity of a starry night sky. Connect with nature and escape from the pace of daily life. Skylark Cabin is 10km to Twizel, 50-min to Mt Cook, 4hrs to Christchurch, & 3hrs to Queenstown.

Top guest favorite
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, 312 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 favorite
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.
Guesthouse in Little Akaloa
5 out of 5 average rating, 133 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 favorite
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
5 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviews

Black Mountain Rukuruku

Black Mountain is situated in the foot hills of the Kaikoura Seaward Ranges and 6km North of the Kaikoura township. The home is designed for short and long term stays, is very private and enjoys a rural aspect. Bedroom, living, dining, bath and deck all enjoy mountain and garden views and it is possible to see the ocean from the surrounds. On arrival you will find freshly some freshly prepared provisions - probably enough for a little breakfast for two on me for your first morning!

Top guest favorite
A modern cabin is depicted with an open, spacious deck surrounded by soft grasses and wildflowers. The inviting outdoor area includes comfortable seating and glimpses of the mountains in the background, creating a serene environment for relaxation.
Cabin in Glenorchy
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

Glenorchy Couples Retreat

Welcome to the Glenorchy Mountain Retreat (GMR), a boutique cabin nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of Glenorchy. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, unwind in style with a soak in the outdoor bath and immerse yourself in the serenity of your own private mountain haven. Situated at the headwaters of the stunning Lake Wakatipu and only a 40min scenic drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy offers world-class scenery and an array of memorable experiences for all.

Top guest favorite
A fire pit is set beside a tranquil pond, with flames flickering and casting a warm glow. Lush greenery surrounds the water, reflecting the calm surface, while stones outline the fire area, creating a cozy outdoor setting for relaxation.
Guesthouse in Kokatahi
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 809 reviews

The Nest at Hurunui Jacks (outdoor bath & firepit)

So much more than a place to sleep - toast marshmallows around a private fire, take a bike on the West Coast Wilderness trail, kayak on our little lake! The Nest is a stand alone self contained unit with outdoor bath/shower, close to but separate from the main house. Set on 15 acres of private land, Hurunui Jacks has the Nest and a glamping tent nestled in beautiful West Coast native bush. A small private lake, historic water race & the Kaniere River are on your doorstep.

Top guest favorite
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, 260 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 favorite
A red barn stands against a dramatic sky, with a rainbow arching above. The foreground features stone sculptures and manicured grass, while the background includes lush green hills, creating a serene rural landscape.
Farm stay in Cave
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 196 reviews

Delightful 1-bed barn with stunning mountain views

Come and enjoy a stay on our beautiful lavender and olive farm, with breathtaking mountain views. The Barn has 1 queen-sized bed, 1 sofa bed and private bathroom. There is a microwave, fridge and bbq, tea, coffee, crockery etc You can picnic in the gardens or say hello to the dogs, cats, sheep, & alpacas! Breakfast cereals, bread, jams, coffee, teas etc are provided . You can also treat yourself from our range of natural lavender products in our on-site shop.

Top guest favorite
The eco-cabin is situated near the edge of a tranquil lake, framed by hills in the background. The structure features large glass windows that reflect the surrounding landscape, with minimalistic landscaping showcasing native plants and a wooden deck creating a seamless connection with nature.
Cabin in Cromwell
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Beautiful eco retreat, wow views & outdoor bath

Take refuge at our cosy, tranquil and eco-cabin set in 9 hectares of classic Central Otago landscape. Rikoriko Retreat features stunning panoramic views of Lake Dunstan, Pisa mountains, and rock formations from the living area. Nordic influences include Danish lighting and fireplace, outdoor bath, solid timber flooring. Private, rural location close to vineyards and a walk to the lake. Only 8mins drive to Cromwell, 35mins to Wanaka, 50mins to Queenstown.

Top guest favorite
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 Purakauiti
5 out of 5 average rating, 314 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 favorite
Cabin in Franz Josef / Waiau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 303 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.

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