Luxury rentals in Te Waipounamu / South Island

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated luxury vacation rentals in Te Waipounamu / South Island

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Villa in Queenstown

Remarkable Lake House

Floor-to-ceiling windows capture soaring mountain and lake views at this modern Queenstown villa on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. A double-sided stone fireplace sets a comforting tone indoors, while in the courtyard lounge, another fireplace creates the perfect spot to keep warm while star gazing. Nearby, you’ll find exciting nightlife in town and fantastic hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park. Copyright © Luxury Retreats. All rights reserved. BEDROOM & BATHROOM • Bedroom 1 - Primary: King size bed, Ensuite bathroom with stand-alone shower, Walk-in closet, Television, Balcony, Mountain view • Bedroom 2: King size bed, Shared access to hallway bathroom with Bedroom 3, Stand-alone shower & bathtub, Television, Mountain view • Bedroom 3: Queen size bed, Shared access to hallway bathroom with Bedroom 2, Stand-alone shower & bathtub, Television, Mountain view STAFF & SERVICES Extra Cost (advance notice may be required): • Activities and excursions • More under “Add-on services” below

Sep 3 – 10

$1,196 per night

Home in Karitane

The Longhouse Tirimoana

The Longhouse Tirimoana Whare Roa is a historic coastal property that sits proudly overlooking karitane beach and the spectacular otago coastline on the SOUTH ISLAND, NZ. Our accommodations for up to 12 persons, offer a barefoot lux vibe- a seaside coastal atmosphere with a perfect mix of new and vintage, with authenticity and history at it’s heart. We are a sustainable coastal retreat. just 30 minutes out of Dunedin - we are a home away from home where you can explore, connect & reset.

Sep 2 – 9

$806 per night

Villa in Queenstown

Lake Hayes Retreat

Experience the tranquility and beauty of Lake Hayes Retreat, a villa that offers you a private and luxurious stay in one of the most scenic locations in New Zealand. This spacious and elegant property is only a short drive from Queenstown and Arrowtown, where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: adventure and culture.

Jan 25 – Feb 1

$3,886 per night

Popular amenities for Te Waipounamu / South Island luxury vacation rentals

All about Te Waipounamu / South Island

Planning a South Island Vacation? We’re here to help!

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.

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 theQueenstown Luxury Villas from Luxury Retreats. 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.

Destinations to explore