Kia ora! We’re Kerri and Steve, long-term Te Anau locals that live and breathe this place.

Family is at the heart of Radfords on the Lake, with husband-and-wife duo Kerri & Steve and the wider whānau all chipping in to ensure guests experience the absolute best of Te Anau.

The story of Radfords starts at the turn of the millennium, while people were worrying about Y2K, our founders Mervyn and Sandra Radford were building a dream of a perfect retreat on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The site was originally home to two houses which were removed to make way for the complex you see today.

In 2008, Sandra and Merv decided it was time to move on and we, Kerri and Steve James, were lucky to buy the lease in May 2008 and then a few years later purchased the land and buildings. Officially making Radfords our home.

In 2015 we rebranded from Radfords Lakeview Motel to Radfords on the Lake. Feedback from guests was that the name ‘Radford’s Lakeview Motel’ did not match the quality of rooms and service we were providing and was not fitting with our 4.5 star Qualmark rating. 

The comfort and enjoyment of our guests has always been at the core of our business. Over the years we have engaged Helen Whittaker from Hawkes Bay Design and with her help, guidance and expertise we have remodelled and refurbished the property. New kitchenettes have been installed, the lighting, furniture, beds and heating have all been updated. Every 3 years we replace our bedding to ensure everything is kept to the highest quality. All our hard work, love and care has paid off, we are now a Qualmark rated 5 Star with Gold Level Certification with Sustainability, since 2015, which we are very proud of.  

At the core of our business is family. We are family owned and run and everyone plays their part. We live onsite, Kerri’s mum, Phyllis is our resident gardener and she looks after all the lawns and gardens to the highest standard. Our guests love our gardens and always comment on the care and attention that goes into them. Our daughter Shelley has been working behind the scenes and keeping the fires burning for the past 12 years. Managing the property in our absence and always wearing many hats; from compliance to HR, health and safety to marketing. Shelley’s hard work has played a huge part in our success today (along with doing all the admin for our farm and contracting business too). We promise we will give her time off!

It’s all family here. Katie, our youngest daughter, has been hands on in the business since 2006 when we started Lakefront Lodge. At 16 she managed Lakefront Lodge for two weeks while we were taking a much earned break in Australia. After some time working and learning on various farms, Katie rejoined the family business around 8 years ago taking on the role of farm manager with her husband. Always around to help in Radfords when needed you will often find her in the front office or out the back doing admin along with our three beautiful granddaughters who love to help with check in’s and help families pick the best family friendly activities in Te Anau.

Steve owns and operates Steve James Contracting, he and his team do cultivation work, hay and balage.  While you won’t see too much of Steve around the property,  he works  long hours over the summer with his operations and helps on the farm too when needed, without his support Radfords would not be where it is today.

While not connected by blood, the Radfords family would not be complete without Jeanette and Kylie who have been with us for almost 10 years and are the life and soul of this place along with Sonja, Mandy and Katherine. They are the ones that keep this place running smoothly and keep our standards so high, we are very proud of our Housekeeping team. Kylie also looks after Radfords in our absence and treats it like her own,  Her dedication is truly something else.

The true local attraction on the Te Anau Lakefront is Radfords on the Lake’s very own fluffy feline Dexter Dude, their resident pedigree Ragdoll. His charm and charisma certainly make Dexter feel like he’s a King! You can often find him curled up on the reception chair or even on the odd guest bed if he’s lucky enough to sneak in – he certainly gets the royal treatment!

Hosting guests from all walks of life, from across New Zealand and from all corners of the world is a dream come true for Kerri and the family – delivering a warm welcome and top-notch customer service is in their blood! They simply can’t imagine themselves in any other career.

Tourism Awards

We’re a trusted and reliable accommodation provider, consistently ranked as the #1 place to stay in Te Anau on TripAdvisor. Just in case you need more convincing, our trophy cabinet is also home to:

  • 2013, AA Tourism Supreme Host of the Year Award
  • 2015, AWS Fiordland Operator of the Year Award
  • 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021, 2023: Finalists for Hospitality NZ Excellence in Customer Service and Accommodation Host of the Year
  • 2021, Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award
  • 2023 Certificate of Participation in the Sustainable Tourism Programme.

We also boast a Qualmark Rated 5-Star rating, along with a Gold Sustainability Award. Qualmark is New Zealand’s official mark of quality; meaning Radfords on the Lake has met or scored above industry best practice standards to be recipients of these awards

Discovering the very best of Fiordland

Te Anau is a special place nestled in the heart of Fiordland – there is so much to see and explore. It is perfect for those that love outdoor adventuring, relaxing by a lake and taking in the gorgeous sights there is on offer. From our three Great Walks to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and ancient glow worm caves, Fiordland is unlike anywhere else on earth and is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular places to visit. We’ve crafted a range of packages that help guests make the most of this special place – all packages use the very best operators in the region. There has never been a better time to visit Fiordland!

Click here to learn more about the Fiordland region

Explore Fiordland from Above!

Radfords On The Lake| Helicopter on a snowy mountain Aerial shot of a helicopter overlooking Lake Te Anau A helicopter on top of a snowy mountain

“When a place is so special it’s been awarded World Heritage status, seeing it from the air is an absolute Must-Do.”

Southern Lake Helicopters, based on the edge of Te Anau Lake, just minutes from Radfords, offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors to the region. From their spectacular Milford Sound scenic flight to landing in a hanging valley in Doubtful Sound, a scenic flight makes an unforgettable addition to your New Zealand vacation.

  • We stayed here for only one night prior to our overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, which is a shame because it was one of the best places we stayed in on our three-week trip around New Zealand, and a longer stay would have been most welcome. Room 12 was large, and beautifully appointed with an extremely comfy bed. Kerri on reception was excellent; efficient and very welcoming about things to do in Te Anau.
    Jinty21 – February 2024  Read Reviews
  • My husband and I spent four glorious nights at Redford’s on the Lake…. What a slice of heaven, with the lake right in front of our eyes…. Kerri was the most gracious, helpful and conscientious host. She knows all about the area, had great restaurant recommendations, where to grocery shop, and what to see and do. And always with a smile. We felt like we were visiting someone’s luxurious vacation home with beautiful linens, lush curtains, several types of pillows for comfort and wallpaper and lots of great amenities. Good/strong Wi-Fi, super comfortable king-size bed, anything, and everything you could imagine you need as a traveller was provided including use of their washer and dryer facility, including laundry detergent,…always a bonus! We hiked three strenuous hikes three days in a row and coming home to the large Jacuzzi bathtub in our bathroom was heaven. Great for sore muscles. Our one-bedroom suite was spacious and luxurious. If we ever get back to Lake Teanau, we will definitely be coming back to Redford’s on the Lake. It’s a five-star plus accommodation with the most gracious owner and staff.
    Freddi W – February 2024  Read Reviews
  • We truly enjoyed our stay at Radford’s on the Lake. Our room was very clean and spacious with a wonderful view of the lake and easy parking. The location was perfect with an easy stroll to town for any restaurants or activities as well as a short drive to Milford Sound. However, the best aspect was the service provided by Kerri. She gave us wonderful recommendations to make the most of our visit and even loaned my husband a raincoat when he forgot his. She truly made us feel welcome.
    Traveller227 – February 2024  Read Reviews
  • Superbly appointed accommodation and lovely view of the lake. All the staff were great too! Fairly short and level walk into town so easy to get to cafes, restaurants and shops. Plenty of parking at the Radfords and in town. Te Anau is a great location to head off into Fjordland - less than an hour to the reserve and only 90 minutes to Milford Sound.
    Ian L – January 2024  Read Reviews
  • We stayed 2 nights in January 2024. What a nice place to stay! A very warm welcome from Kerri, and an introduction to our room. The room was with 2 bedrooms, we travelled as family, nice and clean. The kitchenette was with things we needed for preparing breakfast. Good and comfortable beds, a nice view to the Lake Te Anau. We asked for recommended restaurants and Kerri was nice to show us places for dinner and drew on a map where to go. Excellent service and great hospitality from the management. Our best recommendations to Radfords on the Lake.
    Steenlerche – January 2024  Read Reviews
  • It was the cutest little “motel” we have stayed. The room was beautiful overlooking the lake. We had the first-floor room and had a great view. The name motel only applies to the fact that we could see where we parked our car. However, it felt more luxurious when you got inside. Comfortable bed, clean linens and a very cute little kitchen. The lady at the front desk was wonderful and gave us plenty of Great tips on where to eat. We hope to visit again one day and stay again
    Bella – January 2024  Read Reviews

Our Environmental Promise

We are committed to preserving our beautiful surroundings and reducing our footprint on the environment.

#Radfordsonthelake

SHARE YOUR SPECIAL IMAGES WITH US

Last month we celebrated the amazing Jeanette, an integral member of our team for the last 10 years and long term friend of Kerri's. A team player with the highest standards and an all round bloody good person. Radfords on the Lake would not be the same without her. Jeanette keeps the team in high spirits with her great sense of humour, we're a better team with her on it. Never one to say no to a glass or two of Merlot with some chips and kiwi onion dip after a long day. Jeanette, we want to say a huge thank you for all your hard work over the years, we appreciate you so much. We look forward to many more years together at Radfords on the Lake.
As the sun goes down on another year, we would like to take the opportunity to say a big thank you too all our lovely guests who visited us over the last year. We love sharing  beautiful Te Anau with so many people from near and far. We can't wait to welcome many more visitors in 2024. 

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new from Kerri, Steve, Shelley, Katie and all the team at Radfords on the Lake.
From the Radfords on the Lake family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas 🎅🏽🤶🏼🎄🍾
If you are visiting Te Anau this summer make sure to add a trip on @fiordlandhistoriccruises to your bucket list. Enjoy a leisurely cruise across the south fiord of lake Te Anau into beautiful untouched wilderness. We can help you make a booking before you arrive so you don't miss out.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Looking for the perfect present for a loved one this Christmas. Give the gift of a Fiordland Experience. Book a Te Anau getaway now for winter 2023 for just $250 per night.

This special rate is  based on 2 people sharing with a minimum 3 night stay in a Standard Studio or Ground Floor One Bedroom. SAVE up to $100 per night.

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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
🎃 H A L L O W E E N  2 0 2 3 🎃
We always get asked how close we are to the centre of town, so we thought we’d show you! Come with us on our short, flat 7 minute walk from Te Anau town centre back to the lake views from Radfords.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Throwback Thursday! Reminiscing on a great night at the @hospitalitynz Awards for Excellence 2023 back in June. While we didn't win on the night, we were super proud to be a finalist alongside some fantastic motels. And it's always fun to get dressed up in the big city and celebrate our great industry with all our industry friends.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
If you're visiting us during school holidays and your looking for some family friendly activities, make sure a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with @real.newzealand  is top of your list. This unique Fiordland experience is not to be missed. We can help you make a booking before you arrive or chat to our friendly team when you check-in.

📸 @real.newzealand 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸📸⭐😍😏
We made the most of the gorgeous spring weather over the weekend and got out to enjoy one of our favourite things to do in Te Anau, -  a stroll along the lakefront. A must do when you visit us.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Wow! We can't believe it's the first day of spring. While we love the cosy winter nights we are ready for the longer days and warmer temps. We're looking forward to evenings on the patio sipping a glass of Rosé. Who is planning a Fiordland adventure this spring?

📸 @digitaltravelcouple 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Fiordland is full of adventures, but after a day of exploring Radfords on the Lake is the perfect place to come back to and relax. Our luxurious rooms provide you with a cosy sanctuary, so you can reflect and recharge on your day. 

📸 @thejoshshaw 

#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland