5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© Bay Motel
5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island

7 Best Family Accommodations on Stewart Island 👪 [2024]

© Bay Motel

Where to Find Child-Friendly Accommodation on Stewart Island

Whether you’ve come to New Zealand’s southernmost populated island to check out the natural sights or simply want a relaxing family retreat away from the hustle and bustle, there’s a place for the whole family to stay! While holiday homes are the most abundant style of family accommodation on Stewart Island, you’ll also find the odd motel and backpacker hostel that welcomes families too. Check them out in this list of the best Stewart Island accommodations for families!

For more family trip-planning advice, take a look at The Guide to Stewart Island for Families and the 10 Things to Do in Stewart Island with Kids.

1. Kaka Retreat Motel

Nestled in native bush just a five to 10-minute walk from Oban town centre, Kaka Retreat Motel provides an idyllic stay for families. You have plenty of choices when it comes to room options at this well-presented motel, including studios sleeping up to four and multi-bedroom cottages with all the essential facilities at your fingertips. Cottages have a well-equipped kitchenette, where you can enjoy dining in your open-plan lounge or out on your private verandah while watching the cheeky kaka parrots. Ferry transfers to the lodge are also included. See more like this in the 5 Best Motels in Stewart Island.

Check Kaka Retreat Motel out:

5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© Kaka Retreat Motel

2. Stewart Island Backpackers

For families on a budget, take a look at the Stewart Island Backpackers. There are private three-bed and four-bed rooms available, which are all single beds but at least plenty enough space for families. While rates are pretty reasonable, there are reduced rates for children up to 16 years old and children under five can stay for free. Tent sites are also available if you want to experience a family camping trip. Whatever you decide, you’ll have access to a communal bathroom, kitchen and lounge facilities, as well as a laundry room. For more backpacker options, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill & Stewart Island.

Check Stewart Island Backpackers out:

5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© Stewart Island Backpackers

3. Bay Motel

For families looking for two-bedroom self-contained accommodation, Bay Motel has just the room available! The tranquil motel is just a short walk from Oban town centre. The family-friendly accommodation includes free WiFi, electric blankets, an ensuite, radiator heating, a kitchenette with a stovetop, microwave and drink-making facilities. Cots and high chairs are available if you need them. What’s more, there’s also a barbecue on-site should you want to cook up your “catch of the day”.

Check Bay Motel out:

5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© Bay Motel

4. Kererū House

Centrally located in Oban, Kererū House is a four-bedroom holiday rental just a two-minute walk from Oban’s shops, restaurants and ferry terminal. Up to 12 guests can sleep in the home, which includes facilities that families may need like a portacot and highchair. The home has two modern bathrooms, as well as areas ideal for socialising, from the open-plan lounge and kitchen to the outside deck with a barbecue. With central heating, you’ll keep warm in winter, while additional facilities make it all too easy, like a washing machine, tea and coffee, and a TV with a DVD player (DVDs can be hired from the library or Four Square). For much more holiday homes, many of which are suitable for families, check out the 10 Best Holiday Homes on Stewart Island.

Check Kererū House out:

5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© Kereru House

5. South Sea Hotel

The waterfront hotel that greets visitors when they first arrive on the ferry is not only the local pub but offers affordable hotel and motel rooms. The main hotel rooms of the South Sea Hotel boast a traditional flare, reflecting an old-school New Zealand hotel style of a selection of double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms and breakfast-making facilities. It also has a communal lounge with excellent views of Halfmoon Bay. If you prefer more of your own space, then there are nine motel units adjacent to the main building, which include an ensuite bathroom and breakfast-making facilities. Families of three will find space to share a room, while families of four may have to book two separate rooms. See more like this in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Stewart Island.

Check South Sea Hotel out:

5 Best Family Accommodation on Stewart Island© South Sea Hotel

6. Argyle Apartments

Sleek, stylish and so close to town, Argyle Apartments is an irresistible prospect! The views of Halfmoon Bay and Oban are absorbed through the large ranch slider windows of this holiday apartment’s open-plan lounge and kitchen, which is well-equipped with a full oven. There’s also a spacious bathroom with a shower and two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with two singles, ideal for a family of four.

Check Argyle Apartments out:

5 Best Family Accommodations on Stewart Island 👪 [2023]© Argyle Apartments

7. New House with Sea Views Stewart Island/Rakiura

One of the newest holiday homes on Stewart Island, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday home sits on a ridge with sea views on both sides. The architecturally designed home boasts stylish open-plan living with a kitchen, a heat pump to keep you warm (guests are not permitted to use the fireplace), and the sound of native birds surrounding the property to keep a smile on your face. Free pick-up is available on request. However, we recommend guests rent a car for this out-of-town stay.

Check New House out:

5 Best Family Accommodations on Stewart Island 👪 [2023]© New House with Sea Views Stewart Island/Rakiura

More About Family Accommodations on Stewart Island

That’s it for our list of the best family accommodations on Stewart Island. For more tips to help plan the perfect island excursion, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Stewart Island for Families.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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