Te Anau Lodge

Te Anau Lodge: A former Sisters of Mercy convent converted into a historic lakeside retreat in Fiordland

Accommodation & Rooms

Te Anau Lodge accommodations are spread across the main former convent building and several unique standalone units, including the Fiordland Train Carriage, Gypsy Caravan, The Carousel, and the three-bedroom Mararoa Homestead. The main lodge has eight rooms with names like Mother Superior, The Bishop's Retreat, and The Belfry, each preserving original oak paneling and ecclesiastical character. Some rooms offer direct access to the garden or views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding mountains, while the railway carriage features a claw-foot bath and a kitchenette.

On-Site Amenities & Activities

The lodge has a giant lawn chess set and a frisbee-golf course that guests can use on the spacious grounds, alongside a table tennis gazebo and free bicycle rental. The library lounge on the upper floor offers complimentary beer, wine, tea, coffee, and fresh baked cookies daily, with a balcony overlooking the gardens. Other recreational options include board games, a picnic area with BBQ facilities, and a glass summerhouse with table tennis equipment.

Dining & Breakfast

Breakfast is served each morning in the former convent chapel, offering a buffet with hot items like scrambled eggs, sausages, and potatoes, plus homemade granola and fresh fruit. The fully equipped shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals at any time, with an oven, microwave, and washing machine and dryer available. Complimentary afternoon tea is provided daily, and the property also has a packed lunch service for day trips to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound.

Location & Excursions

Te Anau Lodge NZ sits on a large plot only a 15-minute walk from Te Anau township and a 1.4 km drive from the Fiordland Cinema. The property is a 5-minute drive from the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves and serves as a base for exploring Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the Fiordland National Park hiking trails. The lodge offers car hire and an airport shuttle, and the staff at the tour desk can arrange guided excursions and restaurant bookings.

Family & Pet-Friendly Features

Te Anau Lodge accommodation provides family rooms and a three-bedroom villa, with children having access to the giant lawn chess and board games. Pets are allowed upon request, and the property has facilities for disabled guests including ground-floor rooms. The lodge also has a laundry room with complimentary washer and dryer, plus a shared lounge with a TV for family downtime.

• History: Converted 1920s convent moved 220 km from its original site
• Rooms: Eight convent rooms plus train carriage, gypsy caravan, homestead
• Dining: Chapel breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, self-catering kitchen
• Activities: Giant lawn chess, frisbee-golf, table tennis, free bike rental
• Location: 15-min walk to town, 5 min to Glowworm Caves, gateway to Milford Sound
• Extras: Library with free beer/wine, pet-friendly, laundry, airport shuttle