Milford Sound Lodge: luxury accomodation in Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound Lodge offers luxury accomodation directly in world-famous Milford Sound, in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound Lodge hosted Matt and I in one of their Mountain View Chalets for two nights. All I can honestly say is “wow”. We absolutely loved staying in Milford Sound, and I think you will too.

Here are 5 reasons to book an escape to Milford Sound Lodge:


1. Wake up in Milford Sound

Woman swinging on a rope swing at Milford Sound in front of Mitre Peak

Milford Sound Lodge is the only public accomodation in Milford Sound.

Not many people have the privilege of waking up in Fiordland National Park, let alone Milford Sound. Most tourists drive in and out in a day, only staying long enough to take a few photos and perhaps catch a cruise.

People have been visiting Piopiotahi / Milford Sound since humans first arrived in Aotearoa over 1000 years ago. Maori prized the special type of pounamu, tangiwai, found only in Milford Sound. While European explorers valued Milford’s beauty and wildness. Donald Sutherland (the namesake of Sutherland Falls on the Milford Track) built the first “chalet” in Milford Sound in the 1880s. There has been a lodge on the site of Milford Sound Lodge since the 1950s, and now it is the sole accomodation available to the public in Milford Sound.

You’ll be able to spend the entire day exploring this beautiful paradise at your leisure (or even more if you extend your stay). Don’t take it for granted. Milford Sound is such a special place.

Lady looking at view of Arthur River on the Milford Track

2. Reward yourself after your adventures

Woman standing on the top of Key Summit in Fiordland National Park looking across to the hidden Lake Marian

After working up a sweat and climbing up mountains, there’s nothing better than a hot shower and a ridiculously comfy bed. Milford Sound Lodge is perfectly placed to refresh yourself and let you put your feet up, rather than driving for hours all the way back to Te Anau.

Fiordland National Park offers the adventurous explorer innumerable options to choose from. Whether you’re completing the greatest walk in the world in its entirety (or opting for just a day trip on the Milford Track). Or tackling a day trip up to the beautiful Gertrude Saddle or Lake Marian, you’ll want to reward yourself for your efforts.

Trust me, there’s nothing better than going from tenting or DOC huts, to staying in luxury accomodation in Milford Sound.

Woman sitting on a rock in front of Giant Gate Falls on a day walk along the Milford Track with Fiordland Outdoors in Fiordland National Park
Woman sitting on a rock on top of Key Summit in Fiordland National Park looking across to Lake Marian

3. Soak in the wilderness from bed

Sleeping woman in Milford Sound Lodge with waterfalls in the background

The chalets at Milford Sound Lodge boast exquisite views of the wild Cleddau River and soaring mountains. If you’re not feeling up to exploring, or just want to stay cosy in your chalet, the views from your window will keep you entranced.

The bed was hands down one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. And I’m a princess when it comes to comfy beds and pillows. Being lulled to sleep in such comfort by the sound of waterfalls, river rapids and rain on the roof was just something else.

And don’t even get me started on the breakfasts that were hand delivered to our door. I mean, look at them. The warm croissant, delicious muesli and fresh orange juice didn’t last long. But we managed to save the freshly baked muffins for our adventures.


4. Switch off and relax

Woman hiking in lush rainforest on Key Summit / Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park

Soak in the lilting birdsong, bask in the greenery of the lush rainforest, and feast your eyes on the ridiculous mountain views. The wilderness of Milford Sound is meant to be enjoyed without distraction.

There isn’t any cell service in Milford Sound. While Milford Sound Lodge offers WIFI this can be patchy in bad weather. So no pesky distractions to stop you from fully relaxing and switching off.

Pull up a chair, put your feet up, sip a rich barista-made coffee, and just escape.


5. Experience Milford Sound in all its weather

Waterfalls cascading down the mountain sides next to the Milford Sound road

Tourists normally only get to experience Milford Sound in one of its moods. But by staying directly in the fiord, you’ll have the chance to witness all of Milford’s moods, including its finest – rain.

Some visitors despair when rain is forecast for their Milford trip. However you can pull into Milford Sound Lodge, grab a steaming drink or a glass of red, prop up your feet, and watch the mountains turn to sheets of white as the waterfalls come out. All from the comfort of your own private chalet. It’s honestly magical.


So, are you ready to stay in Milford Sound?

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