For as long as I can remember, if I was to explore and do outdoor activities, camping out in tents or sleeping in a Kombi is likely what I would go for, because why not, you get to enjoy the wild environments and sleep under the stars. But for this trip to Te Anau, I stayed in a motel in Te Anau that is not only budget-friendly but is close to the Fiordland World Heritage Site and National Park.
With endless fiordland excursions, scenic walks among towering mountains, glow worm tours and kayaking adventures, you’re thinking that your money is worth saving for exciting experiences rather than where to sleep at night. Fortunately for us travel bugs, Te Anau has plenty of high quality motels, hostels and holiday parks that suits all types of travellers, even those with the tightest budget.
My stay in Te Anau was at the Edgewater Motel, a decent 3-star accommodation with free private parking facing the tranquil Lake Te Anau. Keep in mind that most accomodation rates in Te Anau is seasonal. The best rates are usually in the off-peak seasons from May to October. My trip was in December so the rates were slightly higher.
Edgewater Motel Rooms, facilities and local amenities
There are a variety of superior and standard rooms that come equipped with a kitchenette which makes it absolutely convenient if you are looking to save some money on food. Keep in mind that it is only a kitchenette which means there is no stove but there is a microwave oven for you to heat up packed meals or quick meals that can be cooked using the microwave oven.
About 5-minutes walk is the town center where there are plenty of eateries, restaurants, grocery and convenient stores.
Hosted by a young family, the motel is a small and cozy accommodation, offering guests with a clean and comfortable stay. Stephen, the motel’s manager made sure of that. Given that the motel was so small and pretty much close-knit, it was easy to bump into Stephen every day. If you’re looking for cool spots to get some hiking in, do trail walks, and other activities, Stephen is certainly the best local to ask.
The room I stayed in is small. but the modern up-do make up for it. With the kitchenette, sink and a moderately sized fridge, it was nice to be able to heat up foods or even cook quick meals. It was also nice of the host to leave a complimentary bottle of milk in the fridge. That was a blessing. My usual breakfast with milk was pretty much covered for the duration of my stay in Te Anau.
I don’t fancy dining out much when I travel. It’s probably quite the opposite for a lot of people. I just love the idea of making my own set of healthy breakfast without worrying I’d break the bank by the time I finished traveling. So having a kitchen is always convenient for me.
At least I know my tummy is taken care of before I head out to explore.
Did I mention Lake Te Anau is literally right at your doorstep when you stay here? At the lake, you’ll find the Kepler water taxi, owned and operated by Steve and Dale Saunders. The water taxi is the quickest way across the lake, to get to Brod Bay and Kepler Track Great Walk.
And if you stay at Edgewater during New Years Eve, you have to attend the Te Anau bonfire party. Everyone in Te Anau is literally IN TOWN on new years eve.
This post contains affiliate links where I will receive a small commission for any purchases made through the link. This article is not intended to and does not provide professional advice, opinion, treatment, or services to you or to any other individual. Throughout this article yasminuurya.co provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not a professional advice and it cannot be held liable or accountable for any buying decisions you make after reading this article.
What draws you to a motel when traveling? Is it ambiance? comfort?