A private 1-bedroom eco-villa, designed to frame Fiordland’s extraordinary landscape.
Opening early 2027.
Set high on a peaceful hillside overlooking Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland mountains, this detached 60m² eco-villa is created exclusively for two adults. Inside, thoughtful architectural design maintains a perfectly climate-controlled, warm haven with a continuous flow of fresh, filtered air.
The interior is quietly sophisticated, complemented by premium local textures and refined finishes. Providing a serene sanctuary built exclusively for relaxation, the villa invites you to slow down and unwind in luxury. Through grand floor-to-ceiling windows, you can watch the evolving light move across the water and the majestic peaks of Fiordland National Park, from sunrise right through to sunset.
The Lookout’s live availability can be seen below. Book directly on our website for the best rates.
Dates with a red ‘SOLD’ flag are unavailable.
A Rare Vantage Point Over an Extraordinary Landscape
Expansive windows open up the living space and bedroom, immersing you in the ever-changing view from the moment you wake.
Thoughtful solar shading, high levels of insulation and an MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) system create a beautifully balanced interior space throughout every season. Fresh, filtered air flows continuously throughout the retreat, with 90% of the heat from outgoing air being recovered back into the building – allowing you to enjoy exceptional indoor comfort with less energy use.
Inside, natural materials, refined finishes and a calm, elegant interior create a sense of quiet luxury. A comfortable king-sized bed, soft robes, beautifully appointed bathroom and full kitchen provide everything you need for an indulgent stay.
Outside, your shared wood-fired sauna offers a secluded place to unwind, while the private cedar hot tub invites you to slow down and relax beneath the stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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...”
Architecture Built Around the Landscape
Designed Around the View
Every aspect of the architecture is oriented toward the horizon, letting the changing alpine light fill the rooms.
Your private deck provides a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the ever-changing light, from your morning coffee watching the sunrise, right through to the last glow of sunset.
Designed Around Your Comfort
Thoughtful solar shading, high-performance insulation and continuous fresh air through the retreat’s MVHR system create a serene, naturally inviting interior year-round.
Designed for Two
The Lookout is designed for time together – long breakfasts overlooking the lake, a soak in your private cedar hot tub, dinner on the deck as the mountains change colour, and evenings beneath Fiordland’s night sky.
Designed Around Privacy
The Lookout is a fully detached, 60m² sanctuary set well apart from our family home and the Takahē Suite.
With your own secluded deck and personal hot tub, you have all the room you need to relax and reconnect in total comfort, while enjoying easy access to the wellness sauna right next door.
Designed Around Wellness
A private cedar hot tub, shared wood-fired sauna, fresh air, natural materials and quiet surroundings create space to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
Designed Around the Night Sky
Step outside beneath some of New Zealand’s darkest skies. From the warmth of your private cedar hot tub, watch the stars emerge above the mountains.
We also offer the option of an on-site guided stargazing experience, exclusively for our Eco-Retreat guests.
Designed Around Nature
We love the native birdsong and the changing seasons here at the retreat. Our ongoing native planting and reforestation work is helping to restore the landscape around us, while adding to the peaceful, natural setting that we love so much.
We plant a native tree for every booking through our reforestation project, gradually restoring native vegetation around the retreat.
Designed With a Lighter Footprint
The Lookout is designed using Passive House principles, combining high levels of insulation, efficient heating and cooling, heat-recovery ventilation and careful orientation to create exceptional comfort while minimising energy use.
Our wood-fired sauna is fuelled using timber from non-native trees located along our property boundary, that grew too tall and were topped for safety reasons.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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....”
Amenities & Facilities
Bedroom
- King-size bed
- Premium 100% cotton bed linen
- Blackout curtains
- External door onto deck
Bathroom
- Walk-in shower
- Luxury bathroom amenities
- Hairdryer
- Underfloor heating
- Shower grab rails
- Slip-resistant tiles
Kitchen & Laundry
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Bean-to-cup coffee machine with organic, Fairtrade coffee beans
- Full-size fridge / freezer
- Oven
- Electric cooktop
- Rangehood
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Electric kettle
- Toaster
- Cookware and utensils
- Tea / sugar / hot chocolate
- Basic cooking essentials
- Front-loader washing machine with complimentary eco-detergent
- Heat pump tumble dryer
Living & Dining
- Large windows with views
- Sliding door onto the outside deck
- Comfortable 2.5-seat leather chaise sofa
- Coffee table
- Dining table and chairs
- Breakfast bar
- 55″ OLED TV with Netflix
- Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
Outdoor Living
- Peaceful, rural setting
- Panoramic mountain and lake views
- Private deck
- Private 3-person cedar hot tub
- Outdoor seating
- Outdoor dining
- BBQ
- Easy access to shared wood-fired sauna
Sustainability
- High-efficiency design using Passive House principles
- All water onsite is pure filtered rainwater
- Energy-efficient heating
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, ensuring continuous fresh indoor air
- Heat pump heating and cooling throughout the retreat
- Water-efficient plumbing fixtures
- Recycling and composting facilities
- Wastewater system managed onsite
- Natural interior materials, including New Zealand wool carpet
- We plant a native tree for every booking as part of our reforestation project
- Private cedar hot tub is powered by sustainable on-site solar and heat-pump technology
- Highly-efficient construction methods with minimal waste
- Recognised as a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business for excellence in sustainability
Practicalities
- 60m² self-contained retreat in a peaceful elevated setting
- Self check-in with keypad door lock at private entrance
- Step-free accommodation
- Two free on-site parking spaces
- Step-free walkway access from parking spaces to house
- Peaceful rural hillside setting, just a 6-minute drive to central Te Anau
Any imagery shared prior to The Lookout’s completion will be an artist’s rendered impression, and details are subject to change.
Wake to the mountains. Soak beneath the stars. Be together… with a better view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about staying at The Lookout.
If you cannot find the answer here, please ask us.
Staying at The Lookout
Is The Lookout the same accommodation as The Eco-Villa?
Yes. The Lookout was previously referred to as The Eco-Villa during development. The accommodation itself is the same; it has simply now been given its permanent name, The Lookout.
Are The Lookout and the Takahē Suite 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 Lookout?
The Lookout accommodates a maximum of two guests and is designed specifically for couples. The bedroom features a king-sized bed, and the accommodation is completely self-contained.
Is The Lookout for adults-only?
Yes. The Lookout is exclusively for guests aged 18 and over and is designed as a peaceful, private retreat for couples.
This reflects the nature of the accommodation, the safety surrounding its hillside setting and our vision for The Lookout as a tranquil space for guests to relax and unwind.
Is The Lookout completely private?
Yes. The Lookout is a detached, self-contained 60m² accommodation with its own entrance, living spaces, kitchen, bathroom, private deck and private hot tub. Set apart from our family home and the Takahē Suite, it gives you your own peaceful space to relax and enjoy the views.
The wood-fired sauna is primarily for guests staying at The Lookout. On rare occasions, Takahē Suite guests may be able to book a private sauna session in advance. Where possible, we schedule these sessions when The Lookout is unoccupied, so that your privacy is maintained.
What is included in the price?
Your stay at The Lookout includes the entire self-contained accommodation, private cedar hot tub, fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, linen and towels, laundry facilities, complimentary tea and coffee, free on-site parking and access to the shared wood-fired sauna, scheduled to open in January 2027.
There are no additional cleaning or service fees added to your accommodation rate.
Facilities & Practicalities
Does The Lookout have a private hot tub?
Yes. The Lookout 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.
Is there a sauna?
The on-site wood-fired sauna is primarily for guests staying in The Lookout, from January 2027. On occasion, Takahē Suite guests may also be able to book a private sauna session for an additional charge. The sauna is located approximately a five-minute uphill walk from the Takahē Suite accommodation, and children under 18 are not permitted to use it.
Guests staying in The Lookout can book our sauna lighting and preparation service in advance, where we prepare and light the sauna fire before your session so that it is ready when you arrive.
Is there EV charging available on-site?
Not yet. We plan to install electric vehicle charging facilities in the future 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 Lookout is ready earlier on the day of your arrival, we will usually contact you to let you know.
Is The Lookout suitable for guests with accessibility needs?
The Lookout includes a number of accessibility features, including step-free access from the parking area, a step-free entrance and accommodation, mobility grab rails in the bathroom and slip-resistant bathroom flooring. It is not designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. Please see our Accessibility page for detailed information and measurements.
Food & Self-Catering Information
Is The Lookout self-catering?
Yes. The Lookout is fully self-contained with a well-equipped kitchen, 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.
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 Lookout from Te Anau?
The Lookout is located on Ramparts Road, approximately a 6-minute drive from central Te Anau. Its private, rural hillside setting gives you a peaceful retreat while keeping the town’s restaurants, shops and essential services close at hand.
Is The Lookout the same as the “Lions Lookout” scenic viewpoint?
No. The Lookout is the name of the private 1-bedroom accommodation at Fiordland Eco-Retreat. It is separate from the public Lions Lookout scenic viewpoint, located approximately 1.5km further up Ramparts Road.
How far is The Lookout 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 Lookout?
Yes. On clear nights, you can enjoy exceptional views of the southern night sky directly from The Lookout, including from the private hot tub.
With very low levels of surrounding light pollution, the Milky Way is often visible, making The Lookout a wonderful place to experience New Zealand’s spectacular night skies.
Can I see the Aurora Australis from The Lookout?
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.
Is The Lookout Passivhaus certified?
No. The Lookout has been designed using Passive House principles, but it has not been formally certified.
High levels of insulation, quality construction, careful solar orientation and external shading help keep the accommodation warm in winter and cool in summer. A balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system continuously supplies fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing air.
Whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or the middle of winter, you can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment while knowing that your accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to minimise energy use and environmental impact.
What makes The Lookout an eco-friendly accommodation?
Sustainability has been considered throughout the design and operation of The Lookout. The accommodation is highly energy efficient and uses onsite rainwater collection, heat-recovery ventilation and high-efficiency fixtures.
We have also considered materials, construction waste, wastewater management and ongoing operations, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of your stay while maintaining a high level of comfort.
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.”
Before You Book
Everything you need to know about check-in, cancellation, payment and house guidelines can be found on our Booking Information page.
Your Fiordland Base
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, exploring Milford Sound, venturing into Doubtful Sound, or simply looking for somewhere extraordinary to spend a few days together, The Lookout gives you a beautiful base from which to experience Fiordland.
Book directly through our website for instant confirmation and the best available rates.
