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 14 years. always wearing many hats; from compliance to HR, to health and safety and always available in a supportive role. 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 of
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 10 years ago taking on the role of farm manager with her husband. Additionally, Katie has been focused on sustainability and environmental compliance, successfully working on the EKOS Net Zero Carbon Certification and completing a three-day course on Freshwater Farm Planning in accordance with New Zealand government regulations. She also helped with the Qualmark Certification process with our evaluation Qualmark 5 star Gold Sustainability again for 2025. Always around to help in Radfords when needed you will often find Katie 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 over 10 years and are the life and soul of this place along with Sonja, Trish, Merlita and Priscila. 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 and we have had the privilege of working with Kylie for over 10 years.
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:
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
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!
“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 are committed to preserving our beautiful surroundings and reducing our footprint on the environment.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL IMAGES WITH US
🌿 Start and End Your Great Walk in Comfort! 🥾
Radfords on the Lake is the ultimate base for your Fiordland adventure. Rest up pre-hike with peaceful lakeside vibes, then return post-hike to luxury, hot showers, and unbeatable comfort.
📍 Book now and make your Fiordland experience unforgettable!
#RadfordsOnTheLake #GreatWalksNZ #ExploreFiordland #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
Dec 4
Just taking a moment between jobs around the motel, to stop and appreciate where we live and these stunning views. We love spring in Te Anau.
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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
Nov 25
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Treat your loved ones to a slice of paradise this festive season with a Radfords on the Lake Gift Voucher! Whether it`s a peaceful lakeside retreat, a romantic getaway, or an adventure in Te Anau, this gift promises unforgettable memories.
Give the gift of relaxation and exploration this Christmas. Vouchers can be personalized and are perfect for family, friends, or someone special.
Check out our website for more information. Link in our bio.
Nov 20
Chief welcoming officer Dexter Dude ready to greet guests to Radfords on the Lake.
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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
Oct 23
Sometimes you just need to stop and take a moment to enjoy the view. . . and it doesn`t get much better than the views from our Premier Lakeview Studio units 😍😍😍
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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
Oct 14
We`re still on a high after we were awarded Best Motel at the Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards 2024! This prestigious recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and the high standards we strive to achieve in hospitality. We couldn`t have done it without our amazing guests so a big thank you from us to all of the amazing visitors we have hosted over the years.
Link in our bio for the full story.
Aug 28
Steve and I are immensely honored to receive the award for Best Motel in our industry. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We extend our appreciation to @seekom_ for sponsoring this award and to @hospitalitynz for organizing such a fantastic event that celebrates the best in hospitality.
Aug 5
Did you know that Fiordland is a great place to explore the night sky? There are some great spots along the Milford Road perfect for some stargazing. Chat to our team before you head off and we can provide you with ‘Star Charts’ and a ‘planisphere’ and instructions on how to use them. Along with binoculars so you can get a closer look.
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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
Jul 31
The last of the winter light over Lake Te Anau captured beautifully from the front of Radfords on the Lake by @travelnewzealandwithme
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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
Jul 23
Just two of our most recent cutest guests hanging out with our cutest team member, Dexter.
Dexter loved meeting you Nate & Neave.
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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
Jul 16
Did you know that last winter we completed new fit-outs to all the kitchens in all our units? This included adding dishwashers and coffee pod machines. The kitchens now have a modern finish with a contemporary feel.
Every year we set out to refurbish or improve an area of the property ensuring we are always providing the highest quality accommodation to our guests.
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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
Jun 25
Are you planning your next winter escape in Fiordland. Once you book your accommodation with us make sure you book in dinner in one of the many delicious Te Anau restaurants. If you`re not sure where to go, click the link in our bio to see some of few of our favourites.
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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
Jun 19
