Escape to Paradise: Edgewater Motel's Te Anau Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Edgewater Motel's Te Anau Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Edgewater Motel's Te Anau Oasis - A Whirlwind of Wonder (and a Few Wobbly Bits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived – nay, thrived – at the Edgewater Motel in Te Anau, and I'm here to spill the beans (and maybe a little bit of Sauvignon Blanc) on the whole experience. Get ready for a review that's less clinical and more… well, me. Think less Michelin star and more… a slightly tipsy late-night heart-to-heart with your best travel buddy.
SEO & Metadata Time (Ugh, But Necessary, Right?):
- Keywords: Edgewater Motel, Te Anau, Fiordland, New Zealand, Accessible Accommodation, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Sauna, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Lakeside, Luxury Accommodation, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (Disclaimer: Not currently pet-friendly as of review date), Free Wi-Fi, Safety Protocols, Cleanliness, Travel Review, New Zealand Travel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest (and occasionally hilarious) review of the Edgewater Motel in Te Anau, New Zealand. Find out if it lives up to the hype, from its accessible features to its spa, dining, and kid-friendly offerings. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions!
Okay, SEO stuff done. Now, let's really get into it…
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Ramp of Hope (and Slight Panic)
So, picture this: a weary traveler (that's me!) rolling up to Edgewater, craving a slice of paradise after a grueling hike. The first thing I noticed? The stunning lakefront location. Seriously, the views are ridiculous. Right off the bat, the place is set up to give you some serious peace and calm. And let me tell you, I needed it.
Now, accessibility… This is important. The website touted wheelchair accessibility, and I was keen to put it to the test because I am a wheel chair user. I was pleased to see a ramp leading up to reception. The ramps are pretty good. It's all lovely and accessible and there's an elevator. Huge relief. I'm not going to lie, sometimes accessibility feels like a real afterthought, and it's genuinely uplifting to see a place actually cater to different needs. That initial ease of access set a really positive vibe.
Rooms That Whisper Comfort (and Maybe a Tiny Dust Bunny)
The rooms? Pretty darn good. Let me be honest, the "room sanitization opt-out available" made me nervous. But I decided to trust, and my room was spotless. Everything felt fresh and clean – a HUGE plus in the post-pandemic world. I had one of those "available in all rooms" items, a comfy bed, and blackout curtains. Honestly, those blackout curtains are a game-changer. Seriously, morning light in Te Anau is fierce. And a window that opens? Yes! Fresh air is a must-have.
I had my own bathroom, with a separate shower and bathtub. I like the separate showers and bathtubs. They've really put their thinking caps on with some of this stuff. The mini-bar was stocked (a few cheeky beers were consumed), and the free bottled water was a welcome touch. There was even a desk, which was essential for me to do some work. The complimentary tea and coffee were also greatly appreciated.
Internet Adventures: Wi-Fi Woes & LAN Lifesaver (The Digital Dilemma)
Okay, here's where things got a little… bumpy. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website promised. And it was free. But, and this is a big but, the connection was a little spotty. More like "ghost Wi-Fi" some of the time. Sometimes, it would cut out right when I needed to send an important email. Talk about anxiety!
Thankfully, there was also "Internet access – LAN." I figured out how to connect and voila! Speed, reliability. So, a LAN jack saved the day. It reminded me that even paradise has its tech hiccups. The good news is I could work and get some emails out.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From the Kitchen to My Heart!
The Edgewater Motel has a few dining options, and let me tell you, I made the most of them. Breakfast was a decent buffet with all the usual options. It was nice to sit down and enjoy a slow breakfast, starting my day with some fruit and coffee.
Dinner was impressive. The restaurant is on the lake. I had a delicious meal. I tried the lamb. So good. And the staff? Lovely. So attentive.
There's a poolside bar. I didn't get to use it, because the weather wasn't very hot, but I can imagine it's great.
The coffee shop was a godsend. I got my early morning caffeine fix. What a winner!
Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic Bliss (and the Sauna Smell)
Ah, the spa. This is where Edgewater really shone. I am a spa fanatic. There's a pool with a view! The sauna was amazing!
I treated myself to a massage and was practically floating on air afterward. They have a good sauna set up too. I love a sauna.
And the steam room!
Things to Do: From Hikes to Heavenly Views
Te Anau is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. And the Edgewater puts you right in the heart of it. The lake is right on your doorstep. I took a walk along the lakefront. It was spectacular.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitizing Superstars
Let's be real, safety is paramount these days. Edgewater takes it seriously. I saw daily disinfection in the common areas and staff who were trained in safety protocols. Hygiene certification was visible. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. The emphasis on safety definitely put my mind at ease.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us!)
I didn’t have kids with me. But everything was well-thought out for the little ones. I saw kids facilities. They are well set up to be family friendly. The place is safe.
Services and Conveniences: A Little Bit of Everything
From the concierge to the laundry service, Edgewater had all the bases covered. Luggage storage? Check. Elevator? Check. The convenience store was handy for snacks.
The Quirks and Imperfections: The Human Touch
No place is perfect, and I'm not looking for perfection.
Overall Impression: Worth the Escape?
Absolutely. The Edgewater Motel is a fantastic base for exploring Te Anau and Fiordland. It's got the location, the amenities, the accessibility, and the staff to make your stay memorable.
The Nitty-Gritty (and the Final Verdict):
- Would I go back? Absolutely.
- Do I recommend it? Yes, with a few minor caveats about the Wi-Fi (bring your Ethernet cable!).
- Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (because nobody's perfect… and the Wi-Fi)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Te Anau adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be… something. We're talking Edgewater Motel, New Zealand, the gateway to Fiordland. Let's see if I can string this together without spontaneously combusting from excitement (or, you know, getting hopelessly lost).
Day 1: Arrival & the Almost Disaster (or, How I Met the Kiwi Mosquitoes)
- Morning (ish): Fly into Queenstown. Oh god, the flight. Apparently, I "looked green around the gills" according to the extremely chatty woman next to me (more on her later). Honestly, I'm always a little… delicate on planes. But we landed! SUCCESS! Clap, clap, clap.
- Mid-afternoon: Hitch a ride (rented car, actually, because I'm trying to adult) and cruise the scenic route to Te Anau. The drive. Honestly, the drive is an experience itself. Think: Mountains that look like they're trying to eat the sky, lakes that are impossibly blue, and sheep. So many sheep. And the smell of the air! Fresh, clean, like a really expensive spa… but with a hint of, well, sheep. I swear, I almost pulled over to just breathe for an hour.
- Late-afternoon/Early Evening: Check into the Edgewater Motel. Whoa. The view. Jaw. Dropped. Lake Te Anau shimmering, the mountains looming, and… and… oh, the ducks! Seriously, there's a ridiculous number of very opinionated ducks waddling around. "Quack! Give us bread!" they seem to be yelling. I'm already in love. Unpack (read: toss everything on the bed) and then… disaster nearly strikes. I went for a walk, got mesmerized by the sunset, and completely forgot about the bug spray. Those Kiwi mosquitoes? They're not messing around. I'm pretty sure they're the size of small aircraft and have a personal vendetta against my ankles. Lesson learned: Bug spray is life.
- Evening: Dinner at the Sandfly Cafe. (Yes, Sandfly Cafe. Apparently, they have a sense of humor about the local insect population. Or maybe it's pure defiance). Had the whitebait fritters (local delicacy, apparently). They were… interesting. The atmosphere was great, though. Cozy, with that smell of wood smoke and the happy chatter of tourists who have also been battling mosquitoes and the beginning to make friends.
Day 2: Milford Sound & Mind-Boggling Beauty (and a Bus Breakdown)
- Early Morning: The Milford Sound day trip. Okay, so this deserves its own paragraph. I'd booked a bus tour. Smart, I thought. Let someone else do the driving through those terrifying mountain passes. Famous last words. We were off to Milford Sound, and it was magnificent. The sheer scale of the mountains, the waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, the seals sunning themselves on rocks… it was all breathtaking. Except, about two-thirds of the way there, the bus. Dies. Like, dead. In the middle of nowhere. We had to wait. It was frustrating and yet… I'll be the first to admit it: it was kind of funny. I mean, we were utterly stranded in what felt like the middle of the world. I met some absolutely amazing people. They were all so friendly. We all sat together and shared the stress. It was bonding.
- Mid-Morning: The scenery. The entire thing was amazing and the bus breaking down, somehow, made us all appreciate it more. The sheer beauty of the place is impossible to describe. There's this waterfall, Lady Bowen Falls, that's just… whoosh… a torrent of water plunging straight down. And The Mirror Lakes. Mirror Lake. Reflections. The sheer, serene beauty was just amazing. We didn’t have a photographer, we all just stood and looked.
- Lunch: Since the bus was dead in the water, we shared lunch. We all had snacks. Even the bus driver - his lunch was a thermos.
- Afternoon/Evening: After finally managing to get the bus back on the road (and a few apologies from the tour company), we went over the boat and went home. Dinner at a pub in Te Anau. (The pub was called, cleverly…The Pub!). Guiness and chips and more stories of the day.
- Late Night: Back at the Edgewater. Sat on the balcony, looking at the lake, and feeling incredibly, deeply, profoundly grateful. Even the mosquito bites couldn't dim the magic.
Day 3: Kayaking & Contemplations (and Possibly a Bad Decision)
- Morning: Rent a kayak. Me. In a kayak. On a lake. This could be a disaster. But, gotta get out on the water! The lake was calm, the mountains reflected perfectly in the water, and I felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to just… be. Paddle, paddle, paddle. It was peaceful. Until I got a little carried away and tried to get a little closer to shore. Almost capsized. Again. But somehow kept it together.
- Mid-day: Hike to the Kepler Track. Yes. Feeling adventurous, I thought I could do a portion of it. Okay, maybe I should have stuck to the easier trails. The views were gorgeous, but the uphills made me question my life choices. I was panting and sweating and wishing I'd packed more snacks.
- Afternoon: Went to the local shops and spent some time. Really enjoyed soaking in the peace of Te Anau.
- Evening: Dinner at a cafe. Ate a chocolate cake. Watched the sunset. Walked around the town.
- Late Night: A stroll along the lake. The stars were insane. I could see the Milky Way. And the utter, complete silence? Heavenly. Sat there for ages, basically just… existing. This trip is making me soft.
Day 4: Departure & the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye (plus some potential regrets…)
- Morning: One last walk along the lake. Fed the ducks (because, you know, I'm now basically their friend). Tried to bottle up the feeling of peace and serenity. Failed.
- Late-Morning: Check out of Edgewater. Sigh. Saying goodbye to that view was harder than I expected. This place got under my skin.
- Afternoon: Drive back to Queenstown. The drive felt different this time. I already missed it.
- Late-Afternoon/Evening: Board the plane. One last look at the mountains fading into the distance. The plane! It took off, and soon I was in the air.
- Late Night: I am home. I got home. I'm tired.
Final Thoughts:
Te Anau. Holy moly. This place… it's something special. The beauty is overwhelming, the people are friendly, and even the mosquitoes have a certain… charm. I'm exhausted, sunburnt, and probably have a few new mosquito bites, but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back.
P.S. I may or may not have accidentally bought a ridiculous souvenir stuffed kiwi. Don't judge me.
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Escape to Paradise: Edgewater Motel's Te Anau Oasis Awaits! (More or Less) - FAQs!
Okay, okay, so Edgewater Motel... Is it ACTUALLY paradise? Because, you know, expectations vs. reality...
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? That's a BIG word. Think more… very, very pleasant. Think “waking up with the sun glinting off the lake, feeling optimistic about the day, and desperately needing a coffee and a good breakfast.” (Which, by the way, isn’t included. Bring your own instant. Just sayin’.) It's not like they're sprinkling fairy dust and serving unicorn smoothies, although, wouldn't *that* be something?
Look, the location is bonkers good. Right on the lake. Seriously, the views from the balcony? Breathtaking. My first reaction? "WHOA. Okay, this *is* nice." My SECOND reaction, after realizing I’d forgotten coffee? "ARGH! Gotta get coffee." (See? Human.) The rooms themselves… well, they’re clean, spacious-ish, and honestly, I didn’t spend THAT much time indoors. You won’t find gold-plated taps or anything, but frankly, after a day hiking in Fiordland, I was more interested in a hot shower and collapsing on the bed, which, by the way, was perfectly comfortable. Not too hard, not too soft. Goldilocks would approve.
So, to answer your question… maybe not Eden, but definitely a solid basecamp for exploring Te Anau and Fiordland. Expect a good time, not a religious experience. Unless you count the stunning scenery... then *maybe*. Just don't go expecting a spa in every room. Although, wouldn’t *that* be something…?
The website photos look amazing! Are the rooms *really* as pristine as they appear? And what about the dreaded "hotel room smells?"
Okay, the website: a carefully curated illusion. Like my Instagram feed, basically. The photos are good. *Very* good. The rooms *are* clean. Like, surprisingly clean. I’m a bit of a neat freak (don’t judge!), and I didn’t find any rogue dust bunnies plotting world domination. So, they do a decent job.
And the smells? Okay, this is important. The *smell* is key. You know that horrifying musty "grandma's attic" smell some hotels have? Nope. Definitely not. Thank goodness! The room had a fresh, clean scent. Something subtle, like... well, like clean laundry! No lingering traces of previous guests' questionable habits. (Thank goodness.)
However, let's be honest, you’re *not* going to find a Michelin-starred chef in the mini-fridge. So don't expect anything revolutionary. It’s clean, functional, and smells… pretty decent. Good enough to nap, which is really all I ask for in a room after a long day.
What's the deal with the lake access? Is it easy to get down there for a splash? Or are you battling hordes of tourists?
Okay, this is a *big* win. The lake access is... pretty much right there. Like, you stumble out of your room, and *bam*! Lake Te Anau in all its glory. No wrestling through crowds, no epic hikes to actually *reach* the water. My first thought? "This is perfect. I could just… *live* here." Then the reality, of course - I'm a human being and have work to do, unfortunately.
They have a little dock. And a grassy area. It's easy peasy. The water is (brace yourself) cold. Freezing, almost. But utterly, breathtakingly beautiful. I dipped my toes in. Then I ran back to the room for my super-warm coat and the aforementioned coffee.
This is probably the best part of Edgewater. The proximity to the lake is a game changer. You can sit and watch the sunrise, the sunset, or just the clouds. Really. Do not underestimate the power of a good lake view for the soul! Just, you know, pack a towel. and some courage to face the cold water! And *definitely* bring coffee.
Is it family-friendly? Or more suited for romantic getaways?
You know, it's a bit of both. I saw families. I saw couples. I saw people like me (a solo traveler, desperately in need of peace and quiet). The rooms are set up to accommodate different types of groups. It’s not like a super-kiddie-centric resort with a water park (thank goodness, sometimes I just want silence), but there's nothing particularly *un*family-friendly about it. It’s not a couples-only, candle-lit, overly-romantic sort of place either. Unless, you know, you *make* it that. Like, if you and your partner are the candle-lit types. Just be considerate to the other guests!
I did, however, see a screaming toddler in the lobby at one point. Now, I have nothing against families, but when that screaming toddler woke me up at 6 am! (I *need* my beauty sleep, people!), I could've happily taken a vow of eternal silence. So your experience will depend on the other guests, I guess. You can't control the kids. You can only hope they go to bed early.
Pro Tip: If you ARE a family with energetic little ones, maybe request a room at the far end. And bring earplugs. Just in case. And if you ARE a couple looking for romance, sneak in a few extra candles.
What's the parking situation like? Because I *hate* circling the block looking for a space.
Parking? It's… fine. They have a decent-sized car park. You're not going to be battling for a spot, unlike that time I tried to park near the Eiffel Tower, or that time in Rome *shudders*. I always managed to find a space. There's plenty of room, honestly. Mostly flat, too, which is a bonus if you're like me and have a certain… *lack* of parking skills.
So, yeah. Parking is a non-issue. A huge relief, in my book. I'd say this is a big win for Edgewater. Seriously, after a long drive from… well, from wherever I was before (who remembers?), the last thing you need is parking stress.
Okay, spill the tea! Any major downsides? Anything that *really* annoyed you?
Alright, alright, here's the unvarnished truth. Nobody's perfect, not even Edgewater. The biggest downside? No on-site restaurant. Look, I'm not expecting Michelin stars, but a decent breakfast option would have been *amazing*. You've got to walk or driveUnbelievable Luxury Awaits: Le Dian Hotel Banten, Indonesia!
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