A quaint, quiet, comfortable cottage just a stone’s throw from town. It was an ideal spot for visiting Doubtful Sound, the far less crowded but no less beautiful way to experience the Fiordlands. The hosts were gracious, welcoming and clearly love the region and hosting people wanting to experience it like a local. The cottage was very private and spacious, with a clean ensuite bathroom and superb water pressure. The bed was comfy and the kitchen perfect for the light food preparation we needed for breakfast and picnics. A charming, off-the-beaten-path break from hotels/motels.

Blue thistle cottages are in an ideal location on the road to Milford Sound a short distance from Te Anau. They are clean and well equipped and have a super view over the lake. The hosts are very welcoming and friendly and made helpful suggestions about what to see in the area.
Very good stay indeed.

In our month long trip around New Zealand with another couple, this was probably the best value for the money. The cottages are immaculate and delightfully furnished. As each couple had a separate cottage, we were able to see both accommodations. While slightly different in decor, both were equally well furnished and well maintained. Each had a separate picnic table outside for dining or simply sitting and enjoying the beautiful views. Our only regret is that we had very little interchange with the hosts so did not have an opportunity to learn first hand from them about the area. However they were very welcoming and pleasant. We enjoyed breakfast in our cottage but had our other meals in the several pleasant restaurants in town.

We stayed at Blue Thistle the night before our scheduled boat trip on Milford Sound and then again on our return which worked out very well. We chose to drive to Milford Sound ourselves rather than book a bus tour. It is a lovely drive and not at all as adventurous as some of the reviews indicate. We recommend booking the first boat trip of the morning. That allows you to enjoy the beautiful drive without traffic. There were no tour busses in the lot when we arrived but by the time we returned from the cruise, it was filling quickly. We opted to take our own food for lunch and that proved to be a good choice. We took our time returning to Te Anau with stops along the way but we stayed ahead of the crowds and tour busses the whole way. It's an amazing part of the world and well worth your time.

Wonderfully equipped, super clean, comfortable cottages. We stayed three nights, were able to cook (or get delivery) and enjoy the beautiful views. Great jumping off point for the Milford Sound and any tours of Lake Te Anau. Friendly, gracious hosts are welcoming and friendly without crossing over into nosy - just as we like them!