Opening early 2027.
The Lookout’s live availability can be seen below. Book directly on our website for the best rates.
Dates with red a ‘SOLD’ flag are unavailable.
Bedroom
- King-size bed
- Premium 100% cotton bed linen
- Blackout curtains/blinds
- Bedside lighting
- Bedside power outlets
- External door onto deck
- Ducted heating and cooling
Bathroom
- Private bathroom
- Walk-in shower
- Towels
- Luxury bathroom amenities
- Hairdryer
- Underfloor heating
- Toilet
- Mobility grab rails
- Grab rails in shower
- Slip-resistant floor tiles
Kitchen & Laundry
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Full-size fridge / freezer
- Oven
- Electric cooktop
- Rangehood
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Bean-to-cup coffee machine with organic, Fairtrade coffee beans
- Electric kettle
- Toaster
- Cookware and utensils
- Crockery, glassware and cutlery
- Tea / hot chocolate
- Basic cooking essentials
- Heat pump / air conditioning
- Front-loader washing machine with complimentary eco-detergent
- Heat pump tumble dryer
Living & Dining
- Comfortable 2.5 seat leather chaise lounge sofa
- Coffee table
- 55″ OLED TV
- Netflix
- Dining table and chairs
- Breakfast bar
- Large windows with views
- Ranch slider door to the outside deck
- Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi
Outdoors
- Quiet, rural setting
- Panoramic mountain and lake views
- Private deck
- Private 3-person electric hot tub
- Outdoor seating
- Outdoor dining
- BBQ
- Easy access to shared wood-fired sauna
Sustainability
- Highly-efficiency design using Passive House principles
- All water onsite is filtered rainwater
- Energy-efficient heating
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system, ensuring continuous fresh air indoors
- 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
- Energy-efficient heat-pump hot tub, supported by the retreat’s renewable solar electricity
- Highly-efficient construction methods with minimal waste
Accessibility & Practicalities
- Step-free accommodation
- Step-free walkway access from parking spaces to house
- Private entrance
- Two free on-site parking spaces
- Self check-in / private access
- Keypad door lock
- Approximately 6 minutes’ drive from central Te Anau
- Iron and ironing board
Any imagery shared prior to The Lookout’s completion will be an artist’s rendered impression, and details are subject to change.
A Private Fiordland Escape
The Lookout is an unforgettable private luxury eco retreat in Te Anau, designed for couples seeking exceptional privacy, thoughtful comfort and a genuine connection with the Fiordland landscape.
Set apart from our family home and the Takahē Suite, this 60m² self-contained retreat has been carefully positioned to make the most of its elevated setting and spectacular views across Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland mountains. Large windows bring the landscape into the living space, while your private deck provides a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the changing light, from the first coffee of the morning to the last glow of sunset.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious king bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living and dining areas, and a private bathroom with underfloor heating. Outside, a private cedar hot tub offers the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Fiordland – or simply to spend an evening enjoying the vibrant stars beneath Fiordland’s remarkably dark southern skies.
“…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...”
Philippe, 2026 | Expedia review
Designed for Comfort, with a Lighter Footprint
The Lookout has been designed using Passive House principles, combining high levels of insulation, efficient heating and cooling, heat-recovery ventilation and careful orientation to create a comfortable indoor environment while minimising energy use.
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 wood-fired sauna also utilises timber fuel that has been grown on-site. 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.
“…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....”
Philippe, 2026 | Expedia review
Your Fiordland Experience Starts Here
The Lookout 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 the waters of Lake Te Anau, then return to your own private space to relax in the hot tub. As evening falls, head beside the accommodation to our shared wood-fired sauna, 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 Lookout offers the best of both worlds: easy access to everything you need, with the feeling of being somewhere wonderfully removed from it all.
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. It is set apart from our family home and the Takahē Suite, giving you your own peaceful space to relax and enjoy the views.
The shared wood-fired sauna is located beside The Lookout, so other guests may occasionally be nearby when using the sauna.
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?
Yes. Our shared wood-fired sauna is located beside The Lookout and is scheduled to be available from January 2027. Guests staying in the Takahē Suite are also welcome to use the sauna, although it is approximately a five-minute uphill walk from that accommodation.
Guests 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 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.
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.
“Highlight of our 2 weeks on the South Island.”
Khaled – April 2026 | Expedia
“This place is amazing! If we could give it more than a 10, we would.”
Candase – February 2025 | Booking.com
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
