Distinction Te Anau

With 2,000 acres of farmland bordering the Fiordland National Park and overlooking Lake Manapouri, this iconic luxury hotel showcases the awe-inspiring landscape of New Zealand’s untouched deep south.

Accommodating a maximum of ten guests, Cabot Lodge welcomes all visitors with an arrival drink, before enjoying on-farm activities. Each evening guests are offered a pre-dinner drink and canapés and can then book to dine at Cabot Lodge with a thoughtfully prepared set-menu showcasing the best of New Zealand farm-style cuisine. Guests are also provided a large continental and cooked breakfast offering each morning and can request lunch hampers, designed to be enjoyed while exploring Fiordland.

The inviting suites are spacious and bathed in natural light thanks to large windows. Many of them offer breathtaking views over Lake Manapouri, the farm and the surrounding mountains. Each suite offers special touches of Fiordland, with local artists, local books, and home-baked goods.

Located at the centre of Cathedral Peaks Station, the lodge is just a short distance from Lake Manapouri and the departure point of Doubtful Sound. It is also near to the Kepler Track and Milford Road, making it the ideal base from which to explore the area. There are a variety of activities to fill your days with here, including fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking and biking.

Discover the breath-taking beauty of Doubtful Sound from on board this 20m vessel which boasts three living levels, a fly bridge which allows for great 360 degree views, a kitchen and living area. The five passenger cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, can sleep up to 12 passengers. Linen and towels are provided, and guests are encouraged to bring overnight bags with warm clothing, walking shoes and sunscreen.

Some of the activities guests can enjoy while on board include fishing, mammal spotting, star gazing and kayaking. The skipper selects perfect locations for fishing depending on conditions. Look out for Fiordland crested penguins, Southern fur seals or Doubtful Sound’s indigenous bottlenose dolphins.

Offering unrivalled access to Milford Sound and the Fiordland region, Fiordland Discovery’s Fiordland Jewel boat features a hot tub, helipad, king suite and cuisine made using seasonal, locally-sourced produce.

The Fiordland Jewel sleeps up to 20 people in its nine climate-controlled cabins. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom. The boat was specifically designed so that even while on board guests could male the most of the scenery, even enjoying the views slipping by from the comfort of their luxurious beds. Fiordland Discovery’s Rob Swale designed and built the boat himself after looking at different options around the globe. He was adamant that the 24 m, three-deck catamaran needed to have large windows in the cabins and lounge, and that the private cabins should be suitable for families.

The Swale family and crew are extremely passionate about the Fiordland area and keen to share their knowledge with guests. There is also watersports equipment on board for those who would like to spend some time kayaking, exploring in a zodiac or fishing. The boat also boasts an unoccupied underwater robot (ROV) that provides high definition underwater footage of Milford Sound and Fiordland. It is fitted with powerful lights that attract marine life, and the live footage is transmitted back to the large screens in the boat’s lounge.

The Cinema Suites are located in the heart of Te Anau, the town known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Situated above the Fiordland Cinema and The Black Dog Lounge Bar, the suites are inspired by nature and hand built by local craftsmen.

Rooms feature walls covered in forest panoramas and moss-green carpets and furnishings. The sleeping, dining and lounge areas are separated by slatted beechwood partitions and silk curtains.

You’re ideally situated to explore the countryside nearby with the Fiordland National Park on your doorstep and Milford Sound and Queenstown a few hours away.