Accommodation Overview
Te Anau offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury lodges with lake views to budget-friendly backpackers and holiday parks, you'll find the perfect base for exploring Fiordland. The town has approximately 2,500 beds available, but booking ahead is essential during peak season (December-February) when the town fills with visitors heading to Milford Sound and the Great Walks.
Booking Tips: Reserve accommodation 3-6 months in advance for peak season (December-February). Shoulder seasons (October-November, March-April) offer better availability and rates. Many properties offer multi-night discounts. Consider staying midweek for better rates and availability.
Luxury Hotels & Lodges
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Price Range: $200-400 NZD per night
Te Anau's premier hotel features modern rooms and villas with stunning lake views. Located on the lakefront, the property offers spacious accommodations, an on-site restaurant and bar, spa facilities, and easy access to town amenities. The villas provide self-contained accommodation perfect for families or longer stays. All rooms feature quality furnishings, modern bathrooms, and many have private balconies overlooking Lake Te Anau.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, spa, lake views, free WiFi, parking, tour desk
Fiordland Lodge
Price Range: $350-600 NZD per night
Exclusive boutique lodge set on 12 hectares of native bush overlooking Lake Te Anau. This luxury property offers just 10 rooms, ensuring personalized service and tranquility. The lodge features a renowned restaurant using local ingredients, extensive wine cellar, and beautiful gardens. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat or travelers wanting a high-end Fiordland experience.
Amenities: Fine dining restaurant, bar, lake views, native bush setting, free WiFi, parking, concierge service
Radfords on the Lake
Price Range: $250-450 NZD per night
Boutique lakefront accommodation offering luxury suites and apartments. Each unit features contemporary design, quality furnishings, and spectacular lake views. The property's prime location on the lakefront provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators. Suites include kitchenettes or full kitchens, making them ideal for extended stays.
Amenities: Lakefront location, modern suites, kitchenettes, free WiFi, parking, tour booking service
Mid-Range Hotels & Motels
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Price Range: $150-280 NZD per night
Centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The property features an on-site restaurant and bar, making it convenient for guests. Rooms range from standard hotel rooms to larger family units. The hotel's central location means shops, restaurants, and the lakefront are all within easy walking distance.
Amenities: Restaurant, bar, free WiFi, parking, laundry facilities, tour desk
Lakefront Lodge
Price Range: $140-250 NZD per night
Modern motel-style accommodation with lake views from many units. All rooms feature kitchenettes, making them ideal for self-catering. The property offers a range of room types from studios to two-bedroom apartments. Located just a short walk from the town center and lakefront.
Amenities: Kitchenettes, lake views, free WiFi, parking, laundry facilities, BBQ area
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
Price Range: $120-220 NZD per night (motel units)
Quality motel units within a holiday park setting. The motel units offer hotel-style comfort with the added benefit of holiday park facilities. Units range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, all with modern bathrooms and kitchenettes. Great option for families wanting motel comfort with access to playground and recreational facilities.
Amenities: Kitchenettes, playground, mini golf, BBQ area, laundry, free WiFi, parking
Aden Motel
Price Range: $130-240 NZD per night
Well-maintained motel offering spacious units with full kitchens. All units are ground floor with parking outside your door. The property features a garden setting and is located a short walk from the town center. Units accommodate 2-6 people, making it suitable for families or groups.
Amenities: Full kitchens, free WiFi, parking, laundry facilities, BBQ area, garden setting
Budget Accommodation
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park - Cabins & Camping
Price Range: $25-35 NZD per person (powered sites), $80-140 NZD (cabins)
Te Anau's premier holiday park offers options for all budgets. Powered and non-powered campsites for campervans and tents, basic cabins with shared facilities, and self-contained cabins. The park features excellent facilities including modern kitchen, clean bathrooms, playground, mini golf, and BBQ areas. Located 1km from town center with lake views.
Amenities: Powered sites, cabins, modern facilities, playground, mini golf, laundry, WiFi, camp kitchen
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
Price Range: $22-38 NZD per person (sites), $75-160 NZD (cabins)
Quality holiday park offering camping sites, basic cabins, and self-contained units. The park features modern facilities, a well-equipped camp kitchen, and spacious grounds. Located close to the town center and lakefront. Popular with families and budget travelers. Book ahead in summer as the park fills quickly.
Amenities: Camping sites, cabins, modern facilities, camp kitchen, laundry, playground, WiFi, BBQ area
Te Anau Lakeview Backpackers & Motels
Price Range: $30-45 NZD (dorm bed), $80-120 NZD (private room)
Budget-friendly backpackers offering dorm beds and private rooms. The hostel features a communal kitchen, lounge area, and outdoor spaces. Good social atmosphere with opportunities to meet other travelers. Located within walking distance of town center. Staff can help arrange tours and activities.
Amenities: Dorms, private rooms, shared kitchen, lounge, free WiFi, laundry, parking
Te Anau Backpackers Lodge
Price Range: $28-42 NZD (dorm bed), $75-110 NZD (private room)
Clean, friendly backpackers in central location. Offers dorm rooms and private rooms with shared facilities. The lodge has a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge with fireplace, and outdoor deck. Popular with hikers preparing for or recovering from the Great Walks. Gear storage available.
Amenities: Dorms, private rooms, shared kitchen, lounge, fireplace, free WiFi, laundry, gear storage
Self-Contained Apartments & Holiday Homes
Te Anau Luxury Apartments
Price Range: $180-350 NZD per night
Modern apartments offering one, two, and three-bedroom options. All apartments feature full kitchens, laundry facilities, and spacious living areas. Many have lake views and balconies. Ideal for families or groups wanting the flexibility of self-catering. Minimum stay requirements may apply during peak season.
Amenities: Full kitchens, laundry, WiFi, parking, lake views (selected units)
Holiday Homes (Various)
Price Range: $150-400+ NZD per night
Numerous holiday homes available for rent through platforms like Airbnb, Bookabach, and Holiday Houses. Options range from cozy cottages to large family homes. Many offer lake views, full kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. Ideal for longer stays or larger groups. Prices vary significantly based on size, location, and amenities.
Amenities: Varies by property - typically full kitchen, laundry, WiFi, parking
DOC Huts & Camping
Great Walk Huts (Kepler Track)
Price Range: $65-75 NZD per night (Great Walk season), $15 NZD (off-season)
Three huts along the Kepler Track (Luxmore, Iris Burn, Moturau) provide basic accommodation for trampers. Huts feature bunk beds with mattresses, heating, toilets, and water. No cooking facilities - bring a camping stove. During Great Walk season (late October to late April), huts must be booked in advance and are serviced by wardens. Outside this period, huts operate on a first-come, first-served basis with reduced facilities.
Booking: Book through DOC website or Te Anau DOC Visitor Centre
DOC Campsites
Price Range: $8-20 NZD per person per night
Several DOC campsites around Te Anau and Fiordland offer budget camping options. Facilities vary from basic (toilets and water only) to standard (toilets, water, picnic tables). Popular sites include Henry Creek, Shallow Bay, and various sites along the Milford Road. Some sites require booking, others are first-come, first-served.
Facilities: Vary by site - typically toilets, water, picnic tables. Some have shelters and BBQs
Freedom Camping
Freedom camping (camping outside designated campsites) is restricted in the Te Anau area. Certified self-contained vehicles only may freedom camp in designated areas. Check with Te Anau i-SITE or Southland District Council for current regulations. Fines apply for illegal camping. Use designated campsites to protect the environment and support local facilities.
Accommodation by Location
Lakefront
Accommodation on or near the lakefront offers stunning views and easy access to water activities. Properties include Distinction Te Anau, Radfords on the Lake, and various motels and apartments. Expect to pay premium prices for lakefront locations, especially rooms with direct lake views. The lakefront area is also closest to tour departure points.
Town Center
Central accommodation provides easy walking access to restaurants, shops, and services. Options include Kingsgate Hotel, various motels, and backpackers. Town center locations are convenient but may have less dramatic views. Generally slightly cheaper than lakefront properties.
Outskirts
Properties on the edge of town offer quieter settings and often better value. Holiday parks are typically located 1-2km from the center. Some luxury lodges are set in rural locations for privacy and tranquility. You'll need a vehicle or be prepared to walk 10-20 minutes to reach town amenities.
Booking Information
When to Book
- Peak Season (Dec-Feb): Book 3-6 months in advance. Accommodation fills quickly, especially over Christmas/New Year and January.
- Shoulder Season (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): Book 1-3 months ahead for best selection. Some last-minute availability possible.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): More availability, can often book 2-4 weeks ahead. Some properties close or reduce operations.
Booking Platforms
- Booking.com: Wide selection, user reviews, often free cancellation
- Airbnb: Holiday homes and unique stays
- Direct Booking: Sometimes offers better rates or added benefits
- Te Anau i-SITE: Can help with bookings and local knowledge
What to Consider
- Location: Lakefront vs town center vs outskirts
- Facilities: Kitchen facilities can save money on dining
- Parking: Essential if you have a vehicle
- WiFi: Not all properties offer free WiFi
- Minimum Stay: Some properties require 2-3 night minimums in peak season
- Cancellation Policy: Check terms, especially for peak season bookings