A boutique retreat with spectacular fiordland views.
Spacious, luxury eco accommodation, overlooking Lake Te Anau and the magnificent Fiordland mountains. Book directly through our website for the best rates.
Availability
Dates with a red ‘SOLD’ flag are unavailable.
Qualmark 5-Star rated
Gold Sustainable Tourism recognition
Bedroom
- Super-king bed
- Premium 100% cotton bed linen
- Blackout curtains/blinds
- Bedside lighting
- Bedside power outlets
- External door onto the deck
- Ducted heating and cooling
- TV
Bathroom
- Large walk-in shower
- Luxury eco-toiletries
- Deep, luxurious bath
- Toilet
- Double vanity
- Mountain views
- Heated towel rail
- Towels
- Hairdryer
Kitchenette
- Bench-height refrigerator with mini freezer
- Plug-in electric cooktops
- Microwave-sized convection oven
- Dishwasher
- Bean-to-cup coffee machine with organic, Fairtrade coffee beans
- Electric kettle
- Toaster
- Cookware and utensils
- Crockery, glassware and cutlery
- Basic cooking essentials
- Tea, sugar, hot chocolate
Dining
- Dining table & chairs
- Large windows with lake and mountain views
- Ducted heating and cooling
- Door to the outside BBQ and dining area
Living
- Comfortable 2.5 seat chaise lounge sofa
- TV with Freeview (NZ’s standard channels), Netflix and Youtube
- DVD player
- Books
Outdoors
- Quiet, rural setting
- Stunning 260° panoramic lake and mountain views
- Private deck
- Large, flat lawn
- Private 6-person electric hot tub
- Outdoor seating
- Outdoor dining
- BBQ
Sustainability
- Extensive solar energy generation and battery storage
- All water onsite is pure, filtered rainwater
- Energy-efficient heating
- Water-efficient plumbing fixtures
- Recycling and composting facilities
- Natural interior materials, including New Zealand wool carpet
- Wastewater system managed onsite
- We plant a native tree for every booking as part of our reforestation project
- Passive-solar design to make effective use of solar gain and thermal mass
- Roof pitch designed for optimal solar panel efficiency
Practicalities
- Private entrance
- Two free on-site parking spaces
- Self check-in
- Approximately 6 minutes’ drive from central Te Anau
- Iron and ironing board
- Underfloor heating throughout, with additional ducted heating and cooling for year-round temperature control
- Comprehensive ‘Guest Information’ folder
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi
- Operating since 2018, with hundreds of exceptional 5-star reviews
An Unforgettable Fiordland Escape
The Takahē Suite is our private guest suite at Fiordland Eco-Retreat, offering panoramic Lake Te Anau and Fiordland mountain views, a private hot tub, kitchenette, private outdoor space and the warmth of genuine Kiwi hospitality.
Spacious, welcoming and full of natural light, it offers a peaceful place to return to after days spent exploring Fiordland’s mountains, fjords and world-famous scenery.
The Takahē Suite is attached to our family home but has its own private entrance and no shared internal spaces. While the suite is exceptionally well insulated, as with any attached accommodation there is potential to occasionally hear minor household noise.
All of Fiordland Eco-Retreat’s exceptional 5-star reviews from 2018 through to the end of 2026 are from guests who stayed in our Takahē Suite.
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“One of those rare places that you can feel were created from the heart. Every corner of the property reflects genuine care, attention to detail, and a deep love for nature and hospitality. It’s not just beautifully designed, it’s full of soul.We’ve stayed in some of the most exclusive resorts around the world, but none have the warmth and authenticity we found here. The energy of the place expands far beyond luxury, it’s personal, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.”
Noam, October 2025 | Booking.com
Why “Takahē”?
The takahē is more than a name to us. Co-owner Glen has spent his entire career protecting New Zealand’s precious takahē, dedicating his working life to the conservation of this remarkable and critically endangered native bird.
Takahē were famously thought to be extinct until their rediscovery in the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland in 1948 – the most prominent mountain range within Fiordland Eco-Retreat’s magnificent view.
For us, naming it the Takahē Suite is a deeply personal tribute to the bird that has shaped so much of Glen’s life and career, and to the Murchison Mountains where one of New Zealand’s great conservation stories unfolded.
When you look across Lake Te Anau towards those mountains, you’re looking at a landscape that is inseparable from the story of takahē. We hope that your stay inspires you to discover more about this extraordinary bird, its remarkable journey back from extinction, and the ongoing work to protect it.
Please scroll through photos of the Takahē Suite below.
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Philippe, 2026 | Expedia review
“…Spectacular out-of-this world views, expansive open skies and stars, and once-in-a-lifetime sunsets on a mountain backdrop listening to the native birds sing...”
Designed for Comfort, with a Lighter Footprint
Sustainability has been considered throughout the accommodation, from solar-generated electricity and onsite rainwater collection to high-efficiency fixtures, low-waste construction methods and carefully selected natural materials. Our approach is simple: to create a beautiful and comfortable place to stay while treading as lightly as possible on the extraordinary environment that surrounds us.
As part of our commitment to restoration, we also plant a native tree for every booking through our reforestation project.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Philippe, 2026 | Expedia review
“…The whole package is super ecological with rain water collection, heat pump HVAC, solar panels, local construction materials, natural wool insulation, local wood panelling and they even plant a tree in your honour. You simply must experience this place to believe it....”
Your Fiordland Experience Starts Here
The Takahē Suite is more than a comfortable base for exploring Fiordland. It gives you space to experience it at your own pace.
Spend the day travelling the Milford Road, walking one of Fiordland’s spectacular tracks or exploring Lake Te Anau, then return to your own private space to relax. As evening falls, soak in your private hot tub, enjoy an on-site guided stargazing experience, or simply step outside and look up at the southern night sky.
With Te Anau’s restaurants and essential services just a short drive away, the Takahē Suite offers the best of both worlds: easy access to everything you need, with the feeling of being somewhere wonderfully removed from it all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Victoria, March 2025 | Booking.com
“Loved everything here. The guided stargazing and planting a baby silver beech with Glen, the views, and the relaxing hot tub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about staying at the Takahē Suite.
If you cannot find the answer here, please ask us.
For general questions about visiting Fiordland, getting around Te Anau and our sustainability practices, please see our general FAQs.
Staying in the Takahē Suite
Are the Takahē Suite and The Lookout located next to each other?
No. They are located in different areas of Fiordland Eco-Retreat’s 2 hectare property. The Lookout is a 4-5 minute walk / short drive uphill from the Takahē Suite.
How many guests can stay in the Takahē Suite?
From 1 January 2027, the suite will accommodate a maximum of two guests in its new one-bedroom configuration.
Until the end of 2026, it is configured as a 3-bedroom suite for up to 5 guests.
Is the Takahē Suite for adults-only?
Not strictly. The Takahē Suite can accommodate only two guests, but one of these guests may be a child, as long as they share the super-king bed with their parent. There is no additional bed or sofa bed in the one-bedroom configuration.
Is the Takahē Suite completely private?
Your accommodation is completely self-contained with its own private entrance, outdoor deck and dedicated cedar hot tub. Our family home is located directly next door, and while the suite is exceptionally well insulated, you may hear minor household noise from time to time.
What is included in the price?
Your stay at the Takahē Suite includes the entire self-contained accommodation, private cedar hot tub, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, linen and towels, complimentary tea and coffee and free on-site parking.
There are no additional cleaning or service fees added to your accommodation rate.
Facilities & Practicalities
Does the Takahē Suite have a private hot tub?
Yes. The Takahē Suite has its own private electric cedar hot tub for your exclusive use throughout your stay. It is kept hot and ready for your arrival, so you can enjoy it whenever you wish, including in the evening beneath Fiordland’s exceptionally dark skies.
Do guests staying in the Takahē Suite have access to the sauna?
The adults-only wood-fired sauna is primarily for guests staying in The Lookout eco-villa. However, guests staying in the Takahē Suite enjoy their own private outdoor cedar hot tub with panoramic mountain and lake views.
Is there EV charging available on-site?
Not yet. We do plan to install electric vehicle charging facilities in the future next to The Lookout though, as we continue to improve the guest experience and support more sustainable travel.
When can we check in and check out?
Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 10am. Further information about booking policies, cancellation terms and other arrival details can be found on our Booking Information page.
Early check-in cannot normally be confirmed in advance, as the time required to prepare the accommodation varies according to the previous departure. If the Takahē Suite is ready earlier on the day of your arrival, we will usually contact you to let you know.
Does the Takahē Suite have laundry facilities?
No. The Takahē Suite does not have its own laundry facilities, but if you are happy to walk outside and into our garage, you are usually welcome to use our shared washing machine and tumble dryer (subject to availability). A clothes drying rack is housed in your hallway closet. Eco-laundry detergent is complementary.
Please note that this separate laundry space is also used by our family, and you may encounter our friendly dog, Cooper in this area. Please let us know if our dog is of concern, and we’ll ensure that he is contained elsewhere whenever you wish to use our laundry facilities.
I’m travelling with an infant – can you provide a portacot / high chair?
Infants are welcome in our Takahē Suite, but please note that The Lookout is not suitable for infants.
We have one portacot (travel cot) and one high chair in our Takahē Suite that we can set up for you, free of charge – please just let us know in advance of your stay. We follow the New Zealand safe sleep recommendations, and provide a fitted sheet over the portacot’s base, but no blankets or pillows. We have a variety of sleep sacks available, should they be needed.
Can we have a rollaway bed set up?
Unfortunately this is not currently offered in either the Takahē Suite or The Lookout.
Is the Takahē Suite suitable for guests with accessibility needs?
The Takahē Suite has a step-free interior and wide doorways, but it does have external entrance steps, and is not designed to be mobility accessible.
I see that you have a dog. I am afraid of / am allergic to dogs – will this be a problem?
Not at all! We always try to keep Cooper, our elderly Border Collie, contained in his rear yard until we have ascertained how guests feel about dogs. If you do not like dogs, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please let us know in advance, although this is not essential!
Cooper is never permitted within the Eco-Retreat itself, but does frequent the garage, where our Takahē Suite’s guests may choose to access our laundry facilities.
Please let us know if you do not wish to see him, and we will keep him contained elsewhere, should you wish to use the laundry facilities (housed in our garage).
Our neighbour also has a very friendly dog who does come to visit the Eco-Retreat guests. With advanced notice, I can request that she be contained on their premises during your stay.
Food & Self-Catering Information
Is the Takahē Suite self-catering?
Yes. The Takahē Suite is fully self-contained with a functional kitchenette, allowing you to prepare your own meals and enjoy the freedom to dine at your accommodation.
Te Anau’s cafés, restaurants and supermarkets are also just a short drive away, and local food hampers can be arranged in advance.
Do you provide breakfast?
No, breakfast is not included. When we first opened, we provided continental breakfast for our guests, but soon found that many preferred to bring their own supplies, particularly given the self-catering nature of our accommodation. This meant that much of the food was left uneaten and ultimately went to waste – something that didn’t sit comfortably with our sustainability ethos.
Rather than continue providing a breakfast service that wasn’t being fully utilised, we decided to take a different approach. We now leave a small selection of complimentary breakfast essentials, including cereals, fresh milk, tea and coffee, for guests to enjoy. However, we don’t feel that this amounts to a full breakfast offering, so we don’t advertise that “breakfast is included”.
For those who don’t intend to bring their own breakfast supplies and would prefer a continental breakfast, we offer an optional breakfast hamper, designed for two adults over two mornings. This can be added to your reservation during the booking process, or you can simply contact us to add one to an existing reservation.
How close are you to the nearest supermarket?
FreshChoice Te Anau is approximately a 6-7 minute drive from Fiordland Eco-Retreat. It opens at 7am daily and closes at 8pm in winter and 9pm in summer. A smaller Four Square convenience store is also located on Te Anau’s main street.
Location & Exploring Fiordland
How far is the Takahē Suite from Te Anau?
The Takahē Suite is located on Ramparts Road, approximately a 6-minute drive from central Te Anau. Its rural hillside setting gives you a peaceful retreat while keeping the town’s restaurants, shops and essential services close at hand.
How far is the Takahē Suite from Milford Sound?
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes approximately two hours without stops. We recommend allowing considerably longer to enjoy the spectacular scenery and viewpoints along the Milford Road.
Staying in Te Anau means you are considerably closer to Milford Sound than if you stay in Queenstown, giving you more time to experience Fiordland and less time on the road.
Is there public transport / a taxi service in Te Anau?
Unfortunately there are no taxis / Ubers or public buses operating between Fiordland Eco-Retreat and Te Anau. We highly recommend that all guests have their own method of transport.
Night Sky & Sustainability
Can I see the stars from the Takahē Suite?
Yes. On clear nights, you can enjoy exceptional views of the southern night sky directly from the Takahē Suite, including from the private hot tub and indoor bath tub.
With very low levels of surrounding light pollution, the Milky Way is often visible, making the Takahē Suite a wonderful place to experience New Zealand’s spectacular night skies.
Can I see the Aurora Australis from the Takahē Suite?
Yes, when conditions are right. Fiordland’s southern latitude and naturally dark skies can provide excellent opportunities to see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), particularly during periods of increased solar activity.
Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, but even when the Southern Lights aren’t visible, clear nights can reveal the Milky Way and countless stars.
What makes the Takahē Suite an eco-friendly accommodation?
Sustainability has been considered throughout the design and operation of the Takahē Suite. The accommodation utilises extensive solar panels and solar energy storage batteries.
All on-site water is pure Fiordland rainwater that we have captured and stored, before passing through multiple filters and a UV light. No chlorine is added, and it is absolutely delicious and safe to drink!
Our on-site wastewater management system utilises tiger worms.
We have an ongoing reforestation project, whereby we plant a native tree on our land for every booking received. Some guests even enjoy getting involved and planting their own tree!
Everything that we do at the eco-retreat has the aim of reducing the environmental impact of your stay, while maintaining a high level of comfort.
Before You Book
To help you plan your stay, we’ve brought together everything you need to know before you arrive, including:
- Check-in and check-out times
- Cancellation policy
- Payment information
- House guidelines
Loved by Guests
We’re incredibly grateful for the wonderful guests who choose to stay with us, and we’re proud of the consistently exceptional feedback that we’ve received over the years.
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Khaled – April 2026 | Expedia
“Highlight of our 2 weeks on the South Island.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Candase – February 2025 | Booking.com
“This place is amazing! If we could give it more than a 10, we would.”
Your Fiordland Escape Awaits
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to recharge, we’d love to welcome you to Fiordland Eco-Retreat.
Book directly through our website for instant confirmation and the best available rates.
