Any recs on a good place to stay in/near Te Anau? I've already checked the Croft & they don't have any rooms when we'll be there (mid April). The Cosy Kiwi looked appealing (& has breakfast buffet included) or the Blue Thistle Cottages.. We want something nice but not too pricey.

Sorry to hear that Angela, as the Croft is a great place.

Several years ago we stayed at the Explorer Lodge and we enjoyed our stay;

http://www.explorerlodge.co.nz/

There's also a Bella Visita Motel - I haven't stayed at this particular location, but I have stayed at several Bella Vista Motels throughout NZ - they're a good low cost option:

www.bellavistamotelteanau.co.nz/

If you're looking for a cottage, here are a few places we considered before we booked the Croft.

http://www.birchwoodcottages.co.nz/

http://www.bluemountaincottages.co.nz/

Thanks Mel! I'm going to look into the places you mentioned..

We stayed at the Village Inn, Mokoroa Street, P.O. Box 195, Te Anau, +64 3 249 7911; and it was charming. It is set up like a wild west town, and the rooms all have business names. Ours was the Dentist's Office. It is in walking distance of several restaurants.

carolyn -

We also stayed at the Village Inn on our first visit to Te Anau years ago. I was going to suggest it for Angela, but I couldn't remember the name, and didn't know if it was still a good choice all these years later. I'm glad to hear that it is!

We have stayed in a lot of b&b's and Te Wanaka Lodge is one of the best. The breakfasts are great and the hospitality wonderful. Sitting on their patio with a glass of wine, provided complimentary in their frig. is lovely!

I stayed at the Cozy Kiwi when it first opened (!) and I remember thinking it was pretty decent, with a good breakfast. My experience might be a bit out of date. It is more of a mid-range than luxury acco.