Te Anau

Photo of Te Anau
Credit: flickr user paul bica
Photo of Te Anau
Credit: Flickr user Poliocretes
Photo of Te Anau
Credit: Commons Wikimedia user Olywyer
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About Te Anau

Translated as ‘Place of the Swirling Waters’ in Maori, Te Anau sits on the eastern shores of Lake Te Anau in the South Island’s magnificent Fiordland region. Small and scenic, the town has become increasingly popular in recent years as a base for outdoorsy travellers looking to discover the Fiordland National Park or hike the Kepler Track. Accommodation options, as a result, are wide-ranging, with lovely lodges dotted around town and in the surrounding countryside. Intimate and often owner-run, the best places to stay in Te Anau promise a warm welcome and beautiful views.

Nature enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in the Fiordland National Park. Drive the 118-kilometre road from Te Anau to majestic Milford Sound for mesmerising views, before taking a cruise, kayaking or trekking and mountain biking amidst otherworldly landscapes of craggy hills and mountains. Doubtful Sound is another highlight, as is the famed 60-km Kepler Track. Families will adore the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and the Glow Worm Caves, whilst chances to go jet boating and sailing on Lake Te Anau are not to be missed. Heli-tours and horse rides come highly recommended, too.

You’ll find an appealing buzz in the centre of town, with great cafés and eateries aplenty — all easily accessible from the best places to stay in Te Anau!

The Best Places to Stay in Te Anau

For a Central Stay

  • The Cinema Suites offers a cosy base in the heart of Te Anau. Set above the Fiordland Cinema, this stylish pad can sleep up to five guests, and is appealingly located for on-foot explorations of the town. Movie buffs will love being just steps from the cinema!

For Couples

  • Prospect Lodge promises a laid-back retreat with beautiful views from two guestrooms. Friendly hosts Ross and Joan pride themselves on offering generous breakfasts, homemade treats and delicious dinners upon request. A very private, architecturally striking, modern spot for romantic couples.
  • Dunluce B&B is a modern lodge set in 1.5 acres on the edge of Te Anau. Ten minutes from the lake, this is a great spot for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds: access to town and a relaxed country retreat. Adults only.
  • High Leys Lodge sits within five acres of lush gardens overlooking Patience Bay, to the north of Te Anau. With just three spacious contemporary rooms, this is an intimate choice for keen cyclists, ramblers and explorers. One for quiet couples.

For Families or Groups

  • Fiordland Lodge has 10 rooms and two standalone cabins, perfect for families or groups looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Fiordland National Park. Views towards Te Anau Lake are spectacular, there's delicious food onsite and myriad outdoorsy activities for guests of all ages.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to nearby Te Anau-Manapouri Airport, or to Queenstown Airport, two hours' drive from Te Anau. Alternatively, there are regular buses to Queenstown from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Wanaka and the West Coast, and on to Te Anau from there.
  • New Zealand is famously wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the summer months for the best hiking, cycling and boating weather, but do be aware that this is the busiest time of year in Te Anau.

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The best hotels in Te Anau

High Leys Lodge
High Leys Lodge

Te Anau (Patience Bay, Te Anau)

Set in 5 acres of luscious and verdant gardens, the High Leys Lodge is a modern, crisp and well presented yet cosy escape for adults. Share in a luxury lounge that encourages guests to get to know each other whilst taking in the sumptuous views of Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park.

  • Romantic Break - The small, intimate setting allows couples plenty of quiet and space, as well as opportunities to meet like minded travellers
  • Active Holiday - A prime property for active visitors to Te Anau, with easy access to the lake, cycle trails and mountain ranges
  • Back to Nature - Guests can immerse themselves in nature amongst the expansive gardens and surrounding Fiordland
  • Charming - Endearingly small, charmingly decorated and contained in peaceful surroundings
from CA$285 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Dunluce B&B
Dunluce B&B

Te Anau (Te Anau)

10 minutes walk from Lake Te Anau, Dunluce B&B is an attractive modern construction, nestled in 1.5 acres of neat gardens with mountain and lake views. The adult only property will appeal to couples with its comfortable goose-feather beds, plush and cosy room design, and glorious romantic vistas.

  • Country Escape - Offering great access to the quiet town of Te-Anau and sumptuous views of its impressive and wild mountain ranges and lakes
  • Romantic Break - This quiet, comfortable and adult only B&B is an ideal destination for a romantic and active escape in captivating scenery
  • Great walks - Both the grounds and local area offer excellent opportunities for gentle strolls and countryside walks
  • Birdwatching - Te-Anau boasts a bird sanctuary, birdwatching trails and a wealth of native bird species
from CA$363 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Prospect Lodge
Prospect Lodge

Te Anau (Te Anau)

An impressive yet welcoming piece of architecture just outside Te Anau. The home of Ross and Joan Cockburn offers 2 guest rooms, each comfortably furnished, with private patios, excellent views and home cooked hot breakfasts. A cosy and comfortable base from which to explore Fiordland National Park.

  • Back to Nature - With views of the unspoiled national park from the windows, guests are immersed in nature from the moment they arrive
  • Country Escape - Escape from the hustle and bustle and relax in the South Island countryside in this charming and comfortable B&B
  • Active Holiday - Guests can hike, cycle and swim (if they're feeling adventurous) in the property's scenic surroundings
  • Sights nearby - Fiordland National Park offers some of the world's most impressive scenery
from CA$560 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Cinema Suites
The Cinema Suites

Te Anau (Te Anau)

A cosy retreat in the heart of Te Anau sleeping up to 5 guests. Taking design cues from the leafy surroundings, locally crafted furnishings complement the homely but modern open lounge area. Added luxuries include Egyptian cotton linens and a bottle of complimentary wine. A chic home-away-from-home.

  • Active Holiday - Take a ride with Fiordland Helicopters, visit the Milford Sound and trek through the beautiful South Island wilderness
  • Quirky - A little bit different, this property conjoins two large bedrooms into a very spacious suite above the local cinema
  • Hotel Entertainment - Pop downstairs for a free showing of local film, The Ata Whenua Fiordland Experience
  • Sights nearby - Famed for it's natural beauty, the Fiordland Sound fjord and the Livingston and Eglinton mountain ranges are in easy reach
from CA$658 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fiordland Lodge
Fiordland Lodge

Te Anau (Te Anau)

Ten rooms in a charming lodge & two self-contained loft-style log cabins with views to Lake Te Anau. Rooms are clad in muted natural colours and textures reflect the landscape, and have outdoor seating areas. Next to Fiordland National Park, with great walking trails, adventurous activities & food.

  • Great walks - Follow a private guide on nature walks through some of the 500km of trails criss-crossing the Fiordland National Park area
  • Other Activities - Marvel at the Te Anau Glow-Worm Caves, take to the skies with a heli tour or take a private cruise on Doubtful Sound
  • Back to Nature - A beautiful lodge from which to explore the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park & to enjoy outdoor activities
  • Families - Families or groups can book a charming log cabin for the ultimate escape
from CA$712 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia