Travel Kuoni

 Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas 

Lost in the Landscape

A charming hotel with spectacular lake and mountain vistas, and plenty of thoughtful facilities to make your stay feel extra special.

Hit pause and leave the day-to-day world behind. This cosy hotel strikes the perfect balance between elegant and relaxed, with chic interiors and a treasure trove of home comforts thrown in for good measure. Location wise, it’s perfectly nestled right beside the glittering waters of Lake Te Anau, with sweeping panoramas across Fiordland’s rugged snow-capped mountains beyond. If you’ve been dreaming of slow mornings wrapped in nature’s beauty, then you’ve struck gold. Whether you’re gearing up for a day of hiking or simply soaking up the scenery, you couldn’t want for a better base. Te Anau’s cafés, shops, and waterfront walks are all just a short stroll away, but the brochure-worthy setting makes it very tempting to stay put.

Why we love Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

  • There are loads of activities and excursions to choose from, so you’ll never be short of things to see and do. Think kayaking, glow worm caves, jetboating and more

  • The location is completely breathtaking, taking you far away from life’s every day hustle and bustle and placing you right in the heart of nature’s beauty

  • All the finer touches have been considered, but the overall feel of the place is warm and welcoming - a real home away from home

  • If you’re craving a moment of relaxation, there’s a spa, sauna and even an outdoor swimming pool to keep you feeling calm and rejuvenated

4 stars
Dec - Mar
25½ hours (not including stopover time)
Holidays with a little extra 'wow'
No such thing as ‘just’ a holiday 
Why settle for standard? We’ve searched the globe for places that bring the wow to match your vibe.
Experts who walk the walk 
We’ll tap into our love for creating holiday magic, to give you the wow you’re looking for within your budget.
Protected by ATOL & ABTA
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Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars

There are two bars and restaurants to pick from here, so you’re well covered when it comes to food and drinks after a busy day exploring. MacKinnon Restaurant overlooks the sparkling waters of Lake Te Anau and serves up fresh South Island flavours in a relaxed but stylish setting, with chefs making the most of top-quality local ingredients. Explorer Bar is the place to be for sundowners by the lake and when you’re hankering for something sweet, the Sunday afternoon tea is just the ticket.

MacKinnon Restaurant

Looking out across Lake Te Anau, Mackinnon Restaurant has a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere and a menu to please every palate. The hearty breakfast buffet will fuel you up for the adventure ahead, meanwhile the generous dinner menu is bound to hit the spot after a busy day exploring. It’s loaded with South Island’s best produce, from local lamb and Southland beef to fresh seasonal ingredients, together with some of the finest New Zealand wines. There’s a kids menu to keep tiny taste buds satisfied, and if you fancy treating yourself a bit, the decadent Sunday afternoon tea is bound to hit the spot.

The Explorer Bar

The Explorer Bar is one of those cosy spots you’ll naturally gravitate towards at the end of the day. With its vaulted wooden ceilings, comfortable lounge seating, and laid-back chalet feel, the whole place feels super warm and inviting. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and of course, stunning views across Lake Te Anau and the craggy mountains come as standard. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee, a glass of New Zealand wine, or something fruity from the cocktail list, it’s the perfect place to slow the pace as the sun dips behind the mountains.

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Award winning Kuoni

We’re the original pioneers of holiday magic. We’ve been wowing travellers and honeymooners for over 100 years. Driven by our passion for unforgettable holidays, we've earned over 200 awards and are proud to be a Which? Recommended provider.

2025 Conde Nast Traveller Readers  Choice Awards 2026 Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2025 Which? Recommended Provider - Tailormade Holidays 2025 Which? Recommended Provider - Tailormade Holidays