Our Story
About Milford Sound Lodge
Milford Sound Lodge is a collection of luxurious chalets and tranquil campervan sites nestled within Fiordland National Park. Discover an extraordinary accommodation experience amongst an ancient forest; and the perfect place to relax after a day exploring Milford Sound and its many activities.
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.
STAY
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.
TEAM
It 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.
SUSTAINABILITY & GUARDIANSHIP
Sustainability 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.
Find out more about our Environmental Journey.
HISTORY
The 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.
Discover more about the history of Milford Sound.
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.
Read more about the history of Milford Sound Lodge.
GETTING HERE
Plan 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.
