20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Te Anau 🛎️ [2024]

Where to Find the Best Hotels and Alternative Accommodations in Te Anau

With spectacular scenic flights, mind-blowing cruises through the fiords, magnificent glowworm caves and countless hikes, Fiordland National Park is well worth sticking around for a while. One of the most popular bases for such a trip is in the town of Te Anau, located on the edge of a majestic lake of the same name. The town has a huge variety of hotels, motels, hostels, holiday parks and B&Bs. We go through some of our top picks for accommodations in this list of the best hotels and places to stay in Te Anau.

While you’re here, get inspired for activities in the area with our 15 Best Things to Do in Fiordland.

1. Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau – The Best Hotel in Te Anau

One of the limited options for hotels in Te Anau, Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau by Millennium Hotels is the one most worth considering. The “Standard Room” and “Superior Room” are very flexible, both ideal for couples, small groups and families. The rooms have all the standard expected amenities in well-appointed rooms. During your stay, make use of the on-site restaurant serving Kiwi specialities along with tremendous lake views. What’s more, the hotel is as close to the lake as you can get, plus only a short walk from the town centre.

Check the Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau out:

2. Distinction Luxmore Hotel – Te Anau Hotel with Spa Suites

Distinction Luxmore Hotel is a 180-room complex conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau. The hotel offers something for everyone, from couples seeking a bit of pampering in the “Deluxe Suites” with a spa bath and super king beds to families looking for accessible and/or affordable rooms. Enjoy the convenience of two eateries; one cafe and one restaurant famous for its carvery meals.

Check the Distinction Luxmore Hotel out:

3. Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas – Te Anau Hotel with a Pool

Another one from Distinction, enjoy breathtaking lake views, colourful gardens and relaxation at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas. The lakefront four-star hotel boasts 112 rooms including villas and deluxe suites. While some rooms provide the basics for the budget-conscious traveller, others provide luxurious extras like a spa bath to ease those pains from the hiking trails. Alternatively, unwind with a massage, in the spa pool, sauna or swimming pool.

Check the Distinction Te Anau Hotel out:

Distinction Te Anau Hotel on Booking.com
Distinction Te Anau Hotel on Trip.com
Distinction Te Anau Hotel on Expedia

4. Radfords on the Lake – Upscale Holiday Apartments in Te Anau

An eco-friendly escape awaits at this hotel/motel hybrid. Radfords on the Lake has superbly-appointed apartments and suites for couples, small groups and families, each featuring a small kitchenette, Sky TV, free WiFi, plunger coffee and other hot drinks. Staying at the hotel means you’ll also have access to free bike hire and free use of the laundry facilities. Hire a DVD and the money is donated to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary! For more motel-style accommodation, see our 20 Best Motels in Te Anau.

Check Radfords on the Lake out:

5. Aden Motel – Popular (& Pet-Friendly) Accommodation in Te Anau

Another fantastic and affordable motel in Te Anau, Aden Motel provides self-contained motel units from budget twin or single rooms to full apartments. There’s plenty of space for families with a kids’ playground, spacious gardens and a barbecue area while being only 15 minutes walk from the town centre. Plus, stay entertained and connected with free WiFi and satellite TV in each room. Pets are welcome in some rooms too.

Check Aden Motel out:

20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Te Anau 🛎️ [2023]

6. Lakefront Lodge – Self-Contained Accommodation in Te Anau

Modern, stylish and close to the lake, the Lakefront Lodge is an excellent choice of hotel in Te Anau – although it’s another accommodation in the style of a motel. The “Studio Units” are ideal for couples, while the collection of one-bedroom motel units is the best choice for families or small groups sleeping four people across a queen and two single beds. Each unit has a convenient kitchenette, as well as WiFi and Sky TV to enjoy. There’s even the option to upgrade to a “Standard One Bedroom” with a spa bath.

Check Lakefront Lodge out:

7. Fiordland Lodge – Luxury Accommodation in Te Anau

This timber lodge is one of your more luxurious offerings in Te Anau, featuring 10 rooms and two stand-alone cabins. Each room boasts commanding views over Lake Te Anau. The “Executive Suites” and “Deluxe Lodge Rooms” are ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion, while families and groups will find ample space in the “Two-Bedroom Lodge Studio” or “Owners Residence”. See more hotels like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Te Anau.

Check Fiordland Lodge out:

8. Loch Vista Lake View Villa Accommodation – Luxury B&B in Te Anau

B&B meets hotel at the Loch Vista Lake View Villa Accommodation. The B&B is set on four acres of land overlooking the stunning Lake Te Anau, best enjoyed from the breakfast bar while indulging in your included continental breakfast. Enjoy local hospitality and rooms with hotel-style amenities including an ensuite bathroom and breathtaking views. Plus, you’re already on your way to Milford Sound when you stay at this rural B&B on the Milford Highway 5km (3 miles) outside of Te Anau.

Check Loch Vista Lake View Villa Accommodation out:

9. Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels – Cheap Accommodation in Te Anau

Another type of accommodation Te Anau is not lacking is holiday parks. If you’re on a budget, they are well worth considering, especially the Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park with camping sites, backpacker hostel, cabins and motel rooms. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be able to benefit from the extensive array of holiday park amenities, from a sauna/spa pool to a children’s playground. Free WiFi is also available. See more holiday parks in our list of 6 Best Holiday Parks in Te Anau.

Check Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park out:

10. Annies on Milford – Stylish Holiday Apartments in Te Anau

The new kid on the block, Annies on Milford makes self-contained living a little more stylish with its range of superbly-appointed studios and apartments. Choose from studio suites for solo travellers or couples to two-bedroom apartments for groups, all well-positioned to make the most of the spacious grounds and mountain views. The grounds aren’t the only thing that’s spacious, as all of the rooms here are larger-than-the-average in Te Anau. For more self-contained options like this, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Te Anau.

Check Annies on Milford out:

Annies on Milford on Booking.com

11. Kepler Oaks Chalet – Family-Friendly Farmstay Near Te Anau

Get the countryside experience at this farmstay just an 8-minute drive from Te Anau. Kepler Oaks Chalet is located by the Te Anau Golf Course and five minutes’ walk from the Waiau River, making it the perfect place to escape. Your stay will be in a private chalet with a main room, a second bedroom with a twin or king set-up and a bathroom with a spa bath. Baby equipment, toys and bikes are also available for those travelling with little ones. See more suitable stays for families in Te Anau in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Te Anau.

Check Kepler Oaks Chalet out:

12. Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers – Hostel with Glamping in Te Anau

Another fantastic style of accommodation in Te Anau are the budget-friendly hostels, including Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers. Book a bed in one of the hostel’s large four-bed glamping tents or, you know, one of the standard but cheaper dorms in the main building. There are plenty of private rooms too, from cosy outdoor cabins to the hostel’s private double and triple rooms with the option of an ensuite bathroom. What’s more, the backpackers has a central location in town and communal facilities such as a movie room and indoor and outdoor kitchens. For more cheap options like this, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Te Anau.

Check Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers out:

13. Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments – Accommodation on Te Anau Lakefront

These contemporary apartments overlooking Lake Te Anau are some of the sleekest in town (or a 10-minute walk from town, should we say). With most studios being adults-only at Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments, it’s the ideal choice for couples or those looking for a more tranquil retreat. You have all of the essentials at your fingertips, including cooking facilities where you can choose to dine inside or out on your balcony or patio. Some of the “Deluxe” rooms also have a cute wee fish tank to mesmerise you throughout the night.

Check Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments out:

14. Dunluce Boutique Accommodation – The Best Accommodation in Te Anau for Couples

Speaking of couple-friendly stays, how about one of the four exclusive rooms of this boutique bed and breakfast in Te Anau? Each of the rooms at the Dunluce Boutique Accommodation is named after the mountain ranges seen from every room and features either a king, super king or twin bed set-up. Watch the sun set behind the mountains from your private deck then enjoy the cosiness of your room with luxuries like underfloor heating. The stay also includes breakfast, a complimentary glass of New Zealand wine and a refreshment area with homemade treats and drinks. For more stays with couple-friendly rooms, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Te Anau.

Check Dunluce Boutique Accommodation out:

15. Fergus Hideaway – The Best Holiday Home in Te Anau

If your perfect idea of accommodation in Te Anau is a holiday home, then check out Fergus Hideaway! This three-bedroom two-bathroom property is a very popular choice in Te Anau (book quickly) with modern open-plan living including a spacious kitchen with all the fixings. Dine inside or out on the sun-soak deck and garden. Then, you’re only a short walk (or ride with the bikes provided) from town for supplies or to access Te Anau’s wonderful tours.

Check Fergus Hideaway out:

Fergus Hideaway on Booking.com

16. ASURE Explorer Motel & Apartments – Holiday Accommodation in Te Anau

Ease into holiday mode among the picturesque park-like ground of ASURE Explorer Motel & Apartments. You can’t go too wrong here with 16 attractive and modernly uplifted studios and apartments and something to suit families, couples and even groups of three. All kitchens are well-equipped and feature welcome additions like a coffee plunger and rice cooker, while summer days are best spent in the undercover barbecue area where there’s plenty of space to relax in the expansive gardens.

Check ASURE Explorer Motel & Apartments out:

17. Tasman Holiday Parks – Te Anau – Te Anau Accommodation with Hot Tubs and Sauna

Another fantastic holiday park choice in Te Anau is Tasman Holiday Parks – Te Anau. From campsites to apartments, there’s something for everyone. The cabins and units provide the best value for couples, groups and families with access to communal facilities, such as a kitchen, bathrooms and free gas barbecues. Note that cooking equipment needs to be provided or hired unless you are staying in a “Family Cabin”. Other drawcards include the hot tubs overlooking Lake Te Anau, the “Hobbiton-inspired” sauna, games room and a children’s playground.

Check Tasman Holiday Parks – Te Anau out:

18. Anchorage Motel Apartments – Te Anau Motel with Hot Tubs and Two-Bedroom Accommodation

An environmentally-conscious motel with 14 units, Anchorage Motel Apartments is an excellent choice of motel in Te Anau. As part of the Southland Sustainable Tourism Project, the motel has practices to conserve water and reduce energy and waste. All accommodation at the motel is self-contained including a “Studio” with a kitchenette (and perhaps a luxurious outdoor cedar hot tub), while the “One- and Two-Bedroom Units” have more space for groups and families. The location is moments away from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and the lakefront.

Check Anchorage Motel Apartments out:

19. Barnyard Backpackers – Backpacker Accommodation Near Te Anau

Those who are on a tighter budget will find relief at the Banyard Backpackers. Experience Kiwi country living at this homely hostel situated just a short drive from Te Anau town centre. Barnyard Backpackers offers some excellent views of the surrounding hills while having all the necessities for a budget-friendly stay: free limited WiFi, a spacious kitchen, pool table and more. See more hostels in the area in our 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Te Anau & Milford Sound.

Check Barnyard Backpackers out:

20. Fiordland Hotel – Cheap Hotel in Te Anau

This three-star hotel is your most affordable hotel offering in Te Anau. There are three styles of rooms, each cosy but will all the essential amenities, such as an ensuite bathroom, TV, refrigerator and tea/coffee-making facilities. Some rooms have a balcony and offer mountain views. Other facilities include a solar-heated swimming pool, hot tubs and a bar with games tables. The lake is just five minutes walk away, while the town centre is about 10 minutes away.

Check the Fiordland Hotel out:

More About Hotels and Places to Stay in Te Anau

That’s it for our list of the best hotels and places to stay in Te Anau. For more about planning an epic trip to this stunning corner of the world, check out more of our advice:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Southland Destination Guide.

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:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

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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