Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Hotels
8 (650 reviews)
64 Lakefront Drive , Te Anau , nz

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent location with great views
Friendly and helpful staff
Cons:
Overpriced for the quality
Cleanliness issues in some areas

Categories

Cleanliness
7.46
Some mentions of cleanliness issues, such as dirty outdoor furniture and unmaintained facilities.
Service
8.93
The staff were frequently described as friendly and helpful, providing outstanding customer service.
Location
8.47
Many reviews highlighted the excellent location near attractions and beautiful views.
Room Quality
7.42
Certain comments on dated rooms and issues with comfort, but some positive remarks on cleanliness.
Amenities
8.45
Good amenities like breakfast included, but some complaints about the sauna being out of service.
Value for Money
6.91
Comments about being overpriced for the quality and old infrastructure suggest a low value for money.
Food and Beverage
7.96
Breakfast was enjoyed but noted as average in taste and quality.
Overall Experience
8.43
Generally positive experiences with some room for improvement.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 02:37

Property Description

Spectacular Lake Views and Luxury Accommodation
Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas offers elegant rooms overlooking Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges. The property boasts a day spa, sauna, heated pool, and free Wi-Fi for guests to enjoy.

Relaxation and Convenience
Surrounded by vibrant gardens, the hotel provides rooms with convenient amenities like a fridge and tea/coffee facilities. Guests can unwind in the communal lounge area with satellite TV or book a session at the lakefront wedding chapel.

Culinary Delights and Scenic Dining
The Mac Kinnon Room Restaurant serves modern New Zealand cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and stunning views of Lake Te Anau. After dining, guests can sip on drinks or cocktails at The Explorer Bar and Lake View Terrace.

Book now for a memorable stay at Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas!

Important information:

Please note the day spa at the property is currently closed until further notice.

Guests arriving after 22:30 must contact the hotel prior to their arrival to arrange for an after hours check-in.

Please note that there is a 1.85% charge when you pay with a Visa or Mastercard credit card.

Please note that there is a 3.5% charge when you pay with an American Express credit card.Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Swimming pool: Closed from Sun, Mar 1, 2026 until Mon, Nov 30, 2026

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: ZQN

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People 2 years old and over stay for NZD 48 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 650 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.46
Service: 8.93
Location: 8.47
Room Quality: 7.42
Amenities: 8.45
Value for Money: 6.91
Food and Beverage: 7.96
Overall Experience: 8.43
L
Linda couple nz
10
Pros:

The staff were knowledgeable and friendly, and went the extra mile :) The location was perfect, with stunning views of the lake, and easy walk into the township. Loved that the windows opened, great to get that Te Anau fresh air into our room.

The room was spacious, comfortable and clean, and we loved being able to use the hotel sauna which was a great bonus.

The smogasbord breakfast has to be seen to be believed!

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
C
Cheyanne couple au
2
Won’t be back dirty feeling yuck
Cons:

Felt like an hold hospital and the place needs some air fresher and to be opened up as it stinks like mould

2026-06-05 via Nuitee
A
AMANDA solo_traveller sg
7
2026-06-05 via Nuitee
C
cheryl extended_group au
9
2026-06-02 via Nuitee
M
Michael solo_traveller au
9
A great old school hotel vibe
Pros:

I loved the elegant retro feel with a grand piano in the cocktail lounge. And close proximity to down town.

Cons:

No one played the piano over our stay.

2026-05-26 via Nuitee
D
Daisy extended_group nz
10
感觉清新宜人
Pros:

住址方便,房间很漂亮整洁。

Cons:

非常好👍

2026-05-26 via Nuitee
A
Ailsa couple gb
8
A relaxing and comfortable stay
Pros:

We liked our Villa, which was clean and comfortable. The buffet breakfast was good. The bar was lively.
The launderette was useful as we were on a road trip.

Cons:

We found the dinner options more Asian inspired and would’ve liked a little more choice, even the tuna steak was served almost raw.

2026-05-22 via Nuitee
M
Mak couple sg
7
Alright but expensive for what it is
Pros:

Rooms are clean, ample parking, walking distance to Te Anau restaurants and shops. Good location to Milford Sound if you are looking for a shorter drive (2hours) instead of a drive from Queenstown (4 hours). Also walking distance to the Te Anau glow worm caves ferry pickup point.

Cons:

If you've read any of the other reviews, you can probably tell that the property is pretty old and the rooms are very dated. I was staying in one of the smaller villa rooms which did not have the most ideal layout. If you are passing through to Milford Sound it is probably ok for a night's stay. The prices were quite exorbitant for what you are getting.

2026-05-19 via Nuitee
A
Allie couple us
9
Beautiful, comfortable and restful.
Pros:

We loved the location, right on the lake and within walking distance of restaurants. Our room was spacious, we loved the lakeview from our room and the bathroom had been recently renovated. Two other great features of our stay was the sauna and the fine breakfast buffet. Finally our guided tour to Milford Sound met right next door.

Cons:

No complaints.

2026-05-19 via Nuitee
E
Elda couple au
9
A gem in Te Anau.
Pros:

Great breakfast and staff. Comfy beds. Great location.

Cons:

The tv was probably 20 years old and the door didn’t seal properly so it left in a breeze, making the room draughty. Room is a bit dated despite bathroom being renovated.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
M
Maurice couple us
10
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
K
Kylie couple au
10
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
H
Huang family_with_children cn
10
Pros:

We stayed at Distinction Te Anau for two nights with our 12-month-old daughter, and the service was outstanding.

When our rental car suffered a tyre blowout on Milford Road and our self-drive trip had to end, the front desk went well beyond their job — they researched bus options to Queenstown, contacted rental car companies for us, and helped us build a workable Plan B within an hour. The next morning, when we realised a piece of luggage had been left at the repair garage, they helped us retrieve it in time to catch our bus. Without that, we would have missed it entirely.

A baby cot was also already set up in our room at check-in — for parents of an infant, that kind of anticipatory care makes a huge difference.

Beautiful lake views, spacious clean rooms, generous breakfast. But what we'll remember is the warmth and competence of the staff during a stressful day. Highly recommended.

2026-05-09 via Nuitee
D
Dianne couple au
10
Great location, clean and comfortable villa
Pros:

The Villa although small was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed our time in the Spa and Sauna. Yummy breakfast Great location overlooking and across the road from Lake Te-anau .Very close to shops.

Cons:

No Smart TV in the room (old) .

2026-05-07 via Nuitee
M
Meenal solo_traveller au
10
2026-05-05 via Nuitee
G
Glenn couple au
8
Great location. Buffet Breakfast was amazing.
Pros:

Close to Town Centre

Cons:

Nil

2026-05-05 via Nuitee
L
Lynne couple gb
8
2026-05-03 via Nuitee
K
KW solo_traveller au
9
Pros:

The Villa we stayed in was very comfortable, cosy, quiet and clean. Breakfast Buffet was great and Staff super friendly.

Cons:

No Satellite smart T.V. just a few channels to watch in villa we stayed.

2026-04-30 via Nuitee
M
Maryellen extended_group us
10
Nice short stay. Very friendly staff
Pros:

Location in town and manageable drive to Milford Sound

Cons:

Limited king beds

2026-04-28 via Nuitee
P
Pieter couple au
10
2026-04-22 via Nuitee