
Luxury rentals in Te Waipounamu / South Island
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Top-rated luxury vacation rentals in Te Waipounamu / South Island
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The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa Two
Soak up the Beauty of The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa Two, a private property that offers you stunning views, comfort, and style. This middle floor apartment overlooks the peaceful Lake Hayes and mountain vista. The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa Two can accommodate up to 10 guests, and is perfect for any occasion. The property has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two lounge areas. It also has an open plan kitchen, dining, and living area. The 3 mains bedrooms have a Super King bed, which can be split, and an ensuite bathroom. There is also a children’s room with bunk beds. The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa Two is located just a 15-minute drive from Queenstown, where you can explore the town’s attractions and activities. Enjoy the world-class restaurants in the surrounding area or book a private chef and let the dinner come to you. Grab some popcorn and get cosy in the cinema with the family. Want some private time? Let the children make the movie choice as you enjoy a bottle of wine for two on the terrace. You can also visit the nearby Arrowtown or Gibbston Valley for some history and wine tasting. The Elms at Lake Hayes Villa Two is a lakeside luxury that combines beauty, convenience, and privacy all in one location. BEDROOM & BATHROOM • Bedroom 1 - Primary: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone steam shower and bathtub, Dual vanity, Walk-in closet, Television, Direct access to balcony, View of Lake Hayes • Bedroom 2: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone steam shower • Bedroom 3: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone steam shower • Bedroom 4 - Bunk Room: 2 Twin over double size bunk beds, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone steam shower, Television STAFF & SERVICES Extra cost (advance notice may be required): • Activities and excursions • More under “Add-on services” below

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 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.

Falconridge by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes
Falconridge is a truly spectacular home, gracefully positioned in the exclusive enclave of The Preserve at Jacks Point. It offers breath-taking unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkable Mountains and lush grounds of the prestigious Jacks Point Golf course.
Popular amenities for Te Waipounamu / South Island luxury vacation rentals
Other great luxury vacation rentals in Te Waipounamu / 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

Ti Tihi by Sotheby's Luxury Rental Homes

Korimako - A Luxe Sunrise Lane Gorgeous Retreat

Aroha on Florence by Sotheby's 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.
Destinations to explore
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- Things to do New Zealand
- Nature and outdoors New Zealand
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- Art and culture New Zealand
- Food and drink New Zealand
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