10 Top-Rated Cottages in South Island

May 1, 2023 Joeann Galban

Discover the best Cottages in South Island including Mountain Chalet Motels, Off The Beaten Track, Walnut Block Cottages, Hydrangea Cottages, Lake Tekapo Cottages, Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts, Birchwood Cottages, Tophouse Mountainview Cottages, Bay Cottages Motel, Dylans Country Cottages.
Things to do in South Island

1. Mountain Chalet Motels

Wairepo Road Canterbury, Twizel 7901 New Zealand
Excellent
32%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 412 reviews

Mountain Chalet Motels

Mountain Chalets is situated in Twizel, 40 minutes’ drive from Mount Cook, on State Highway 8 between Christchurch and Queenstown. This picturesque site is on the doorstep to some of New Zealand’s finest scenery. Located in the Mackenzie Country.

Pet friendly

Reviewed By usdey1

We were travelling with a dog these guys are dog friendly and they were great. (So is my dog) the room was clean warm and close to everything. Could of had milk but that was the worst I could come up with.I would highly recommend staying here if you are on a budget or are travelling with pets

2. Off The Beaten Track

30 Fairfax Street, Murchison 7007 New Zealand
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Off The Beaten Track

Off The Beaten Track offers 2 x fully self-contained Cabins and 1 x Studio flat, affordable accommodation within two minutes walk of Murchison’s local cafes, shops, and Buller River. Listen to river and songs of native birds from your own private deck nestled amongst beautiful gardens. Lie in a hammock or relax with an evening BBQ, before or after your days Adventures. Full bike hire and workshop facilities on site . www.otbtamurchison.co.nz for more details .

one night stay in the falcon house

Reviewed By D2509RLadrianl

Good off road accommodation Short walk on pebble path our the house Great communication with owner/manage to find keys Very clean/tidy roomy space very quiet area all cooking equipment cutlery easy to find Had selection of DVD's to watch

3. Walnut Block Cottages

43 Blicks Lane, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 178 reviews

Walnut Block Cottages

Two luxurious one bedroom cottages set amongst the vines, Walnut Block Cottages offer a haven of seclusion and comfort in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

Amazing getaway!

Reviewed By NZMidds

A truly magical place to spend some time. The cottage is located in the vineyard so when your in bed you look out directly at vines. You can also loose yourself walking through the grapes- which is great fun. It has a lounge and well equipped kitchen. The cottage is clean and very well maintained with all the thinks you might expect. I’d highly recommend Walnut Block for your next getaway. It’s a romantic spot, out of town that makes you feel like you’ve had a very special escape. Taxis to and from town are quick and easy.

4. Hydrangea Cottages

Main Rd, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 369 reviews

Hydrangea Cottages

Situated above a quiet bay with stunning sea views towards the Pancake Rocks, and just a short walk or 1 minute drive from Punakaiki’s visitor centre and eating places, Hydrangea Cottages has 7 uniquely-designed stylish character cottages, to enable you to relax and unwind, surrounded by native rainforest and limestone outcrops. With self-contained studio, 1-bedroom and 2 and 3 bedroom seaside house equipped for comfort for up to 10 people, Hydrangea Cottages is Punakaiki’s best accomodation for those seeking secluded peace, sunset views, and going to sleep with the sound of the sea.

Cozy cottage on the cottage

Reviewed By Diane H

Arrived in a west coast downpour! The cottage was warm and cozy, loads of space for a couple. The kitchenette had everything we needed for a great night in. Bathroom was spacious and well heated with a heat lamp, the deck would have been great in the sunshine!

5. Lake Tekapo Cottages

12 Sealy Street PO Box 133, Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
Excellent
30%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 138 reviews

Lake Tekapo Cottages

This place was new a long time ago

Reviewed By Kiwiseley

Functionally, this place worked well for us. It was a little chilly but had a heat pump which solved that issue. It had full cooking facilities and plenty of space and a nice shower. We had comfortable stay. Yes, it's dated, but so am I.

6. Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts

305 Redwood Road Mapua, Appleby, Richmond 7081 New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 44 reviews

Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts

Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts is situated on 25 acres of land on the the Waimea Plains. It offers 360 degree views of the mountains, Richmond Ranges and Waimea Estuary. Minutes to rivers, beaches, kayaking, fishing, swimming, wineries and arts and crafts. Situated perfectly between Richmond and Mapua and 2 kms off the highway that takes you to the Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson City is a 20 minutes drive. We offer two accommodation types - Appleby House by the room, three room types available,beautifully appointed rooms with everything you could need and Rabbit Island Huts -six small spaces of luxury, a mix of hotel, glamping and traditional kiwi camping. Three huts with ensuites, three with shared facilities. Added December 2017 our Glamping Tent - luxury camping. Enjoy outdoor fires and BBQ areas - Rabbit Island Huts has a outdoor bath & shower area. Book the downstairs apartment at AH for your own private outdoor bath. We also take group bookings, contact us.

Unique boutique accommodation

Reviewed By RosR105

We have really enjoyed our 3 night stay at Rabbit Island Huts. They are very comfortable and well equipped set in a beautiful peaceful setting. Different hut options available and we chose a hut with an ensuite bathroom and a TV. There is a very well equipped communal kitchen cabin which also has delicious complimentary bread, jams, tea, coffee and this week - feijoas. Another separate lounge cabin has comfy sofas and blankets plus books and games. We made use of the private outside bath and new sauna. Bliss when the weather was a bit damp!

7. Birchwood Cottages

208 Milford Road, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9600 New Zealand
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Birchwood Cottages

Great self-contained accommodation in Te Anau

Reviewed By DanO68

We stayed at Birchwood on our way out of Milford Sound. Located just a few minutes from the town center, it has great access just off the main Milford road. The cottage was clean, spacious, and comfortable and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this quiet little town. Highly recommended to all other travelers.

8. Tophouse Mountainview Cottages

68 Tophouse Road, Saint Arnaud 7072 New Zealand
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Tophouse Mountainview Cottages

Great overnight stay

Reviewed By 262robynd

This was a lovely little surprise. Older style cottages but very clean and comfortable. Great views and such a warm and friendly welcome from the owners. Would definitely stay again. Three new baby alpacas were also new arrivals and were very cute.

9. Bay Cottages Motel

29a South Bay Parade, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Bay Cottages Motel

We are a small motel consisting of 5 cottages, mainly suitable for couples. We are located right at the Pacific Ocean away from the hustle and bustle of the township (5 mins away by car). You will experience peace and quiet, enjoy the birdsong when you wake up and the sound of the waves of the ocean. Ideal starting point for many walks and cycle tracks (bicycles available). Come and check us out. We are sure you are going to enjoy your stay with us. Free Wi-Fi.

Comfortable, clean and friendly hosts

Reviewed By Ludo7447

Phoned late in the day as driving from Picton and trying to find a bed for the night. Gus was very helpful and not concerned about my late arrival- despite an All Black test underway! Room was immaculate, bed was very comfy and plenty of niceties like teas, coffee and bathroom sachets. I appreciated the efforts to encourage recycling by guests. Very quiet overnight and a lovely beach outside when I left early in the morning. Would definitely recommend for somewhere a short drive to town that nice and quiet.

10. Dylans Country Cottages

268 Postmans Road, Kaikoura 7371 New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Dylans Country Cottages

Dylans Country Cottages are approximately 7 kms from the Kaikoura township, 2.5 kms from SH1 on the edge of the dairy flats. You are surrounded by the peace of the countryside with views to both the mountains and the ocean. Your own private, self contained cottage set amidst the extensive flower and display gardens of Lavendyl . The cottages each has it's own private balcony, accessed from the bedroom, with views over the gardens to Mt Fyffe. Many of the internal features are handcrafted from Macrocarpa grown one the farm. French Doors open from the lounge to the garden, bringing the indoor/outdoor experience New Zealand is famous for. There is a selection of books to read and guests are invited to take away an unfinished tale at a nominal cost or in exchange for another. We also provide a small selection of card and board games in the cottage and guests may also borrow from our games library. Our friendly sheep like to be hand fed and petted.

Dirty, Expensive and Just too much for the owner

Reviewed By More2c

We paid top dollar for what we thought was going to be a lovely weekend....we were so disappointed! The website is very misleading! It was dirty, the kitchen cupboards smelt old and damp, the wee cooker was grotty. The bathroom you have to squeeze past a hand basin and part of the shower door to get in The dust and mank behind the head board to get the bed side lamps to work...we didn't even try. The duvet hadn't been washed in a long long time... Little things like new dish brush, new linen/robes or just give it a real good clean will help!

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