
Waterfront holiday rentals in South Island
Find and book unique waterfront rentals on Airbnb
Top-rated waterfront rentals in South Island
Guests agree: these waterfront rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

Beautiful cottage with mountain and sea views
Watch the sunset over the Tasman Sea from the deck of this beautiful character cottage, or walk out the door directly across to the beach, with stunning views back to the Southern Alps. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the Ōkārito Lagoon, surrounding National Park, native forest walks and bird life, including tui, kōtuku (white heron) and kiwi. Listen to the sound of the sea & the call of ruru NZ's native morepork owl. High quality linen, towels, Free Wi-Fi, fridge/freezer, tea and coffee included.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 342 reviews
The Oceanview Suite
Discover the enchanting Mangamaunu Retreat, where breathtaking ocean and mountain views await you year-round. Nestled in a peaceful and secluded setting, our property offers some of the most spectacular vistas in Kaikōura. Wander through our five acres of gardens, featuring fruit orchards and sculpted native bush. Located on the Mangamaunu coastline, we’re just a two-minute stroll from the world-famous surf beach. Unwind and rejuvenate in one of New Zealand’s most stunning and unique locations.
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat - Lake Tekapo
For those who fancy a luxury escape; Stargaze the Milky Way from your own luxury outdoor bath, then come inside to a toasty warm fire. Enjoy the comfort of a king size bed with luxury linen, looking directly through to the lake and mountains beyond. In the bathroom, relax in our freestanding bath or enjoy a rain shower for two. Take in unobstructed views of the lake and mountains from your lounge room by day, and cosy up on the couch or wool beanbag for a movie at night. This is paradise.
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 931 reviews
Pure Lakefront, Corner Peak Cottage
Uninterrupted lake views await your next very special getaway. This retreat is a perfect blend of luxe and retro in an architecturally designed 1960's Cottage nestled in outstanding natural beauty. There is nothing between you and the spectacular lake view apart from some deep breaths, a wine and some down time. This is the best view in Lake Hawea! The Cottage sits at the front of the property with a fenced off and completely separate Corner Peak Studio at the back of the property.
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 197 reviews
Eco Lux Mapua | Views, Outdoor Bath & Fire
Pohutukawa Farm is an Eco Lux loft stay overlooking the Mapua Inlet. Industrial bones, soaring ceilings and huge windows meet warm, relaxed comfort and breathtaking views. Soak in the outdoor bath, light the outdoor fire, cook something delicious or simply slow down and watch the inlet change with the tide. Set on peaceful farmland with friendly animals, it’s private, playful and a little romantic — made for long mornings, golden evenings, good food, good wine and staying awhile.
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 347 reviews
Church Bay Hideaway - Beach Access & Sea Views
Escape to our cosy seaside retreat, just 30 minutes from Christchurch. Wake to breathtaking ocean views, wander down to the secluded beach and jetty, and soak up all-day sun from this north-facing haven. Perfect for couples or families, this peaceful escape is surrounded by native NZ trees and birdsong. Enjoy the perfect balance of seclusion and convenience, with local amenities just a 2-minute drive away. Explore the coastline, relax on the deck, or simply do nothing at all.
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews
Black's Hut - Lakefront Cottage
Black's Hut sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau with expansive uninterrupted views of Fiordland. Built in 2022 with quality fixtures and furnishings, entertainment system and hot tub. Excellent unlimited wifi. Black's Hut has been specifically set up to accommodate adults with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Extremely private with extensive plantings. Bike track and reserve between the cottage and lake. Just a 15 minute walk along the lakefront to shops and cafes.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 358 reviews
Spectacular views at Wainui Waterfront Haven
Step into a world where sparkling Akaroa Harbour is just steps away — Pīwakawaka Retreat, a sun-drenched haven where everyday worries drift away. Our waterfront sanctuary offers both relaxation and adventure: explore rock pools, swim at the sandy beach, fish on the harbour, or simply unwind on the deck as the sun sets. Whether exploring Banks Peninsula or watching the light shift over Purple Peak, our place, is the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature.
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews
Mountain View Abode - Spectacular Views In Twizel
Mountain View Abode is a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with sweeping views of the Southern alps, on the edge of the picturesque high country town of Twizel. Set on 2 acres overlooking a private pond towards snow covered peaks, it’s also a stone's throw to the town square and shops, restaurants and cafes. Our home is situated in an exclusive position directly on the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, and is a perfect base for exploring Mount Cook National Park.
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 377 reviews
Wairua Moana ~ Spirit of the Sea
Spirit of the Sea is a thoughtfully redesigned and newly renovated seaside cottage with exceptional coastal views from all rooms, a large sunny outdoor deck area, and modern fittings. A short walk to Kaka Point's two beaches and village centre. Spirit of the Sea is a private yet central coastal escape designed as a couples retreat, not ideal for small children as there are a number of hazards such as steep unfenced cliff and a busy road.
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 104 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.
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 367 reviews
Drifting Sands - Beachfront Retreat Jacuzzi & Fire
Where the majestic Southern Alps meet the wild West Coast, Drifting Sands offers something truly extraordinary, a rare ocean-to-alps escape that captures the raw beauty of New Zealand's untamed coastline. With dramatic mountain peaks as your backdrop and endless beach stretching from your doorstep, this isn't just accommodation - it's your gateway to adventure. One night is never enough.
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 266 reviewsPopular amenities for waterfront rentals in South Island
Waterfront apartment rentals

Te Onepoto lodge Sumner, 151a TM road
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 345 reviews
Boutique French Apartment with a Sea View
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews
Te Ora (Life) at the Beach- Luxury Beach Retreat
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews
Kikorangi | Lake View, BBQ, A/C & Free Parking
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 324 reviews
Waterfront 2-bedroom apartment with car park
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 420 reviews
The Beach Apartment Private Beach Access
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 363 reviews
Lakeside Escape
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 523 reviews
Idyllic Beachfront Stay ᐧ Bayview 170 | Apt. Two
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviewsWaterfront house rentals

Pukaki Lakeside House - Fantastic Views
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews
Takutai Seaside Beach House 400m Pancake Rocks.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews
Punakaiki Retreat
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviews
Paradise in the Marlborough Sounds
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews
Beachfront Bliss - absolute beachfront stunner
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 126 reviews
Hidden Paradise in Christchurch
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews
Reef Murmur - Stargazing Sunrise Hideaway
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviews
The Kakanui Cube
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 312 reviewsWaterfront apartment rentals

"The Prospector on Miners"
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews
Luxury 2-Bed Apartment, Lake and Mountain Views
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews
Rata - Q1 Apartments, Apt 1
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews
Lakeview Haven
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews
Stream Side — Your Private Queenstown Sanctuary
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