Radfords Lakeview Motel

We had a marvelous time at Radfords on the Lake! Not only was the location wonderful, well within walking distance of Te Anau central, but it was a simply delightful place to relax. We had a packed schedule while in Te Anau and we loved having a relaxing sanctuary when we returned at the end of a long day. We were on a first floor room, but it felt extremely private and comfortable with every amenity and convenience available. The staff was also extremely helpful and kind. Knowing we would be arriving early on our check-in day,. they had our room ready for us when we arrived and then stored out luggage for us on our check-out day, so we could spend our last day in Te Anau unencumbered by suitcases. They also provided excellent advice on places to eat and things to do while in town. We especially recommend the film Ata Whenea-Shadowland, the film at the local cinema highlighting the remote beauty of fiordland and the bird sanctuary, which is only a short hike away!

Our family of four stayed in two 1-bedroom apartments. Newly renovated and spotlessly clean. Perfect location; steps from the lake, on a quiet street but very near many restaurants.

First, a big shout out to Kerry the owner/manager. She is at the desk every day….all day. Extremely friendly and helpful. I must compliment her on how well she runs and maintains the motel. We very much enjoyed our stay at Radfords. But keep in mind it is a motel, not a luxury hotel. The price, while consistent with other motels and hotels in Te Anau for that time of year, is not a good value for the money. It’s a lot to spend for what you get. But, given it is market rate for Te Anau, i would rather pay Radfords given our enjoyable stay there, then other places that may not have been as nice. The rooms at the Radfords are on the high end of motel type lodging. So not luxury, but very comfortable, clean, well maintained. We typically stay in suites at 4 or 5 star hotels (and our share of huts, caves, yurts etc). While the Radford (or any place in Te Anau) is not luxurious, keeping in mind it is a motel (meaning basic furnishings and atmosphere) we were very happy with our choice and would recommend the Radfords. The motel is right across from the lake (the main, 2 lane, road separates the various motels and lodging from the lake). Our room was on the second floor (its only 2 stories). All of the rooms on the 2nd floor open to the common balcony and most have views of the lake from the balcony or even from our living room. The rooms all had a table and chairs on the balcony to sit outside and enjoy the view. We had a suite, which meant we had a bedroom and a big living room/kitchen area. The kitchen had everything…including a dishwasher. The living room had a desk, kitchen table, couches, chairs etc. And as I mentioned a nice view from the living room. Bed was a bit soft for me, but still comfortable. Wi-Fi was strong and internet reasonably fast. No dropped internet either. Having lots of plugs , particularly at both nightstands , is mandatory these days…and the Radfords got it right. Including plugs near the kitchen table (where I used my laptop) and desk (Our next stop was a 5 star luxury hotel…and the closest plug to the desk was 12 feet away!) The bathroom was a bit small (one at a time) and has one of those pre-fab showers. But it had good water pressure and constant hot water…and was spotlessly clean. The sink did not have a lot of counter space…so my wife used that sink and I used the one in the kitchen…with loads of counter space. Having a kitchen meant we could pick things up for breakfast and nuke them in the micro (there is one big market plus a couple of smaller markets in town…5-15 minute walk depending on which you want). There is plenty of free parking at the motel. The location is a 5 minute walk to the main street of town..but then you might walk another 10 minutes up the street depending on where you are going. We found the location perfect for us (we like the walks..especially after dinner), but some might prefer a location in town . Still , we preferred the Radfords for the size of the rooms, kitchen, modern facilities, and being right on the lake. Service, both Kerry at the front desk, and housekeeping, were terrific, friendly, and helpful. Website photos accurately depict the motel. I would highly recommend the Radfords for your stay in Te Anau…and highly recommend Te Anau as your base for visiting Fijordland.