Red Tussock Motel is located in Te Anau, on the South Island of Nouvelle-Zélande, a 10-minute walk from the town centre and closest to the Department of Conservation (DOC) visitor centre. This position makes it a practical base for reaching the Great Walks and fjords of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why choose this accommodation

The motel opened its doors in 1995 and expanded its offerings in 2018 with a new building. Its immediate proximity to the DOC centre and Milford Road makes it a logical stopping point for trampers and road-trippers: Milford Sound is accessible in under two hours, and the Kepler Track trailhead can be reached on foot. An activities desk located on Lakefront Drive simplifies the organisation of cruises and outings to the surrounding fjords.

Atmosphere and hospitality

The motel cultivates a sober and functional atmosphere, true to New Zealand hospitality culture. The reception team is known for sharing precise advice on Milford Road conditions, trail status and the best times for cruises. The environment remains peaceful, away from central bustle, yet close enough to reach shops and restaurants on foot.

Accommodation and facilities

Red Tussock Motel offers several unit types, all non-smoking, suited to solo travellers, couples and families:

• Queen & Single Studio
• Superior Queen Studio
• Deluxe Studio
• Premium Studio
• Retro 2-bedroom Apartment
• 3-bedroom Apartment
• Premium Access

Each unit features an equipped kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, hob, utensils, tea/coffee corner), private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, heating and heated blankets—useful in shoulder seasons. Some units overlook the garden, others offer clear views of the mountains or lake, sometimes with private balcony.

On-site services

Parking is free, with the option to leave your vehicle during excursions. Luggage storage, daily housekeeping and self-access laundry are available. A continental breakfast (bread, seasonal fruit, yoghurt, cereals, hot drinks) can be served on request, including in-room. For families, a children's play area and a barbecue corner with garden furniture complete the outdoor amenities.

Location

The motel is located on Lakefront Drive, on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. The town centre is a 10-minute walk away, the DOC centre just a few steps, and Milford Road starts just to the north, opening access to the heart of Fiordland.

When to visit

Fiordland is a high-rainfall region year-round. Peak season runs from December to March (southern summer), with long days and more stable conditions for the Great Walks—Kepler Track hut bookings should be made well in advance. Autumn (April–May) offers striking colours and quieter visitor numbers. Winter (June–August) is colder, some high-altitude trails are closed, but fjord cruises remain operational. Spring (September–November) remains unpredictable weather-wise but is ideal for waterfalls in full flow.

Things to do nearby

• Cruises in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound
• Kepler Track (Great Walk departing from Te Anau)
• Lake Marian walk, alpine valley accessible from Milford Road
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves, guided boat excursion
• Punanga Manu o Te Anau bird sanctuary (endemic species)
• Lake Henry and kayaking on Lake Te Anau
• Fiordland Cinema, screenings on the region's natural history

Plan your stay

Te Anau is one of the key stops on a Fiordland itinerary. To incorporate this motel into a wider journey, consult our travel guide to Nouvelle-Zélande and the dedicated Te Anau page.