Our Story
About Milford Sound Lodge
In one of the most beautiful, yet challenging, rainforest environments on the planet, we have created a level of luxury and hospitality to rival any great hotel experience. Except... done a little differently.
Around here, our uniforms are merino wool and hiking boots - so we can easily show you where to access our favourite walks. Our restaurant offers spectacular, locally-sourced fare and friendly service rather than formal dining. We can’t always guarantee a WiFi connection, but we can always guarantee the most breathtaking walks and waterfalls just outside your door.
Milford Sound Lodge is an idyllic retreat after a day out exploring Fiordland. Whether it’s a Milford Sound cruise, kayaking or embarking on one of the area’s many hikes, chances are, our staff have done it before and are only too happy to share their insights.
Milford Sound Lodge exists to connect people with an incredible wilderness environment. We welcome you with manaakitanga, passion and knowledge for this World Heritage-listed area.
Discover the history behind Milford Sound Lodge
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a world-class lodge in one of the most remote corners of New Zealand, you’re not alone. Milford Sound Lodge has a rich and colourful history that stretches back to 1935, when the site was first established as a road workers’ camp during the construction of the Milford Road.
Over the decades, the Lodge has evolved through government ownership, weathered near-closure, and transformed under passionate private ownership into the eco-luxury retreat it is today. From humble beginnings in tin sheds and caravans to boutique chalets, refined guest spaces, and award-worthy dining, our journey has been anything but ordinary.
Every upgrade, every challenge, and every person along the way has shaped Milford Sound Lodge into more than just accommodation - it's a living part of Fiordland’s story.
Want to dive deeper into our journey?
Explore the full history of Milford Sound Lodge — 90 years in the making.
History of Milford Sound Lodge
In an extraordinary location, comes an extraordinary accommodation experience. Experience the tranquility of Milford Sound and stay the night in one of our luxurious chalets or tranquil campervan sites.
Learn MoreBook NowIt takes a certain kind of passion and resolve to live and work in an environment like Milford Sound. Life here is full of adventures, challenges and rewards. Strike up a conversation with any of our team, and you will soon discover a deep passion for Fiordland, and probably a few stories to tell. Each day, we are reminded that we live in a place many people may only ever dream of seeing.
Learn MoreSustainability in one of New Zealand’s most important natural landscapes means consideration of everything we do. From the products and materials we bring in, to the way we dispose of food scraps, rubbish and greywater. Our reputation, and the future of the ecosystem here, depends on our guardianship of this area.
Our Environmental JouneyProject Echo-SanctuaryThe first hotel appeared in Milford Sound around 1890, when famed Scotsman, Donald Sutherland, and his wife Elizabeth Samuel, constructed simple lodgings for those hardy enough to visit the fiord and its walking tracks. A considerable task at the time, given there was no road access, no power and they were operating in one of the wettest places on the planet. Despite the challenges, the allure of Milford Sound was strong, and Sutherland and many trailblazers like him knew this was a destination worth making an effort for.
There has been accommodation on the current site of Milford Sound Lodge since the 1950s. Originally part of the government-owned Tourist Hotel Corporation, the lodge provided basic accommodation for walkers coming off the Milford Track. The property underwent many changes over the years and endured the rigours of Fiordland’s wet environment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HISTORY OF MILFORD SOUNDLEARN MORE ABOUT HISTORY OF MILFORD LODGEPlan your journey to Milford Sound and check the conditions of State Highway 94 (the road to Milford Sound).
Find out more about the weather in Milford Sound and what you need to bring for your Milford Sound experience.
Learn more about travelling to Milford Sound