
Waterfront holiday rentals in South Island
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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.

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.

Stylish Seaview Villa perched above Akaroa
This beautifully renovated villa overlooking Children's Bay and the Akaroa township was the original farmhouse for the land surrounding her. While retaining the character of the villa, the house has been lovingly restored to create thoughtful sunny spaces in a home away from home. 5 minute stroll down the hill and you are in the village of Akaroa where you will find an abundance of fine local restaurants, unique shops and activities. Free Wifi, comfortable beds, 2 person spa, BBQ, Tv Streaming.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Popular amenities for waterfront rentals in South Island
Waterfront apartment rentals

Boutique French Apartment with a Sea View

Te Onepoto lodge Sumner, 151a TM road

Kikorangi | Lake View, BBQ, A/C & Free Parking

Te Ora (Life) at the Beach- Luxury Beach Retreat

Lakeside Escape

Waterfront 2-bedroom apartment with car park

The Beach Apartment Private Beach Access

Bay Rise Lakeside Apartment
Waterfront house rentals

Takutai Seaside Beach House 400m Pancake Rocks.

Straw bale house by the sea

Pukaki Lakeside House - Fantastic Views

Punakaiki Retreat

Paradise in the Marlborough Sounds

Beachfront Bliss - absolute beachfront stunner

The Kakanui Cube

Reef Murmur - Stargazing Sunrise Hideaway
Waterfront apartment rentals

"The Prospector on Miners"

Rata - Q1 Apartments, Apt 1

Lakeview Haven

Stream Side — Your Private Queenstown Sanctuary
Destinations to explore
- Apartment rentals South Island
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