When you take a journey to one of the most spectacular corners of New Zealand – Fiordland National Park – you want to get as close to nature as possible. The Milford Sound Lodge takes you there, with stylish and secluded chalets enveloped in breathtaking, natural beauty. Set right on the doorstep of the iconic Milford Sound, and with a front-row seat to Fiordland’s waterfalls, rivers and peaks, the Milford Sound Lodge is truly incomparable.

The location

When seeking out this nature retreat in New Zealand, you’ll drive down one of the world’s most awe-inspiring alpine drives, through the mountains, meadows and rainforests of Fiordland National Park. As you come to the end of the road, you’ll see the Milford Sound Lodge, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings.

Fiordland is one of the wildest places in New Zealand’s South Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where protected natural beauty thrives. It’s an ancient and sacred landscape known to the original Māori inhabitants as Te Wāi Pounamu – the greenstone waters.

You’ll find very few buildings here and Milford Sound Lodge is the only place to stay in Milford Sound for independent travellers. It’s a rare and special opportunity to stay within the grounds of a World Heritage Site in luxurious lodgings.

The lodge is a serene nature retreat nestled among the soaring mountains, the rushing Cleddau River, and the ancient beech tree forests, the guardians of Fiordland. Here you’ll feel miles away from the outside world, yet it’s just 1.5km from the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal where you can board a boat to explore the magnificent Milford Sound or walk the famous Milford Track.

The chalets

When you travel on The Long White Cloud luxury guided tour, you’ll enjoy a two-night stay in either a Riverside or Mountain View Chalet at the Milford Sound Lodge. Both chalets are elegantly designed with comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and cosy underfloor heating.

But it’s the views that are the real star of the show. Just look out your private window or relax on your outdoor deck and be mesmerised by the tumbling river, lush rainforest and unhindered mountain views just a step away. It’s the most extraordinary way to reconnect with nature and sit in harmony with this ancient land.

What’s to eat?

You’ll start each morning with an enticing continental breakfast of freshly baked pastries, bread, spreads, homemade muesli, yoghurt, orange juice, and coffee. The best part? It’s delivered to your chalet so you can enjoy breakfast in bed with a spectacular view.

For lunch and dinner, head to the Milford Sound Lodge’s restaurant, Pio Pio. With a delectable menu focusing on locally-sourced Fiordland produce, this is world-class dining in a World Heritage region.

The mouthwatering dishes include ​​Fiordland wild venison tenderloin, Marlborough salmon, and local Blue Cod, paired with New Zealand’s best wine and craft beers. And while the menu is lavish, you’ll feel right at home alongside the friendly Kiwi hospitality and warm atmosphere. You can even drop in throughout the day for a coffee and a snack, or to swap stories with your fellow travellers.

Amenities

The Milford Sound Lodge may be remote – but that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it in this luxurious nature retreat. The lodge has everything you’d expect for a comfortable stay, from a Super King bed and an ensuite bath and shower to flat-screen TVs and underfloor heating and a heater.

You’ll have a kitchenette in your chalet or 24-hour access to a well-appointed and well-equipped kitchen. There’s also a laundry room and free Satellite Wifi internet across the lodge.

What can you do here?

Fiordland is a natural playground brimming with extraordinary activities from short walks and longer hikes to cruises, scenic flights and kayaking trips.

We’ll take you on a tranquil cruise on Lake Manapouri to marvel at the Fiordland scenery, from forest-clad mountains to waterfalls, beaches and islands.

You’ll also take a deeper dive into nature with a guided walk along a section of the legendary Milford Track. It’s one of the most renowned walks in the world and you’ll learn all about its unique wildlife and rich heritage from local experts on an easy-going, half-day walk.

Lastly, you’ll board a modern catamaran to cruise the Milford Sound, the “eighth wonder of the world”. Watch on in awe as you sail by sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls tumbling out of forest-clad peaks, and keep your eyes peeled to spot rare Fiordland Crested Penguins nesting on the rocks. This is an unforgettable experience.

If this beautiful nature retreat sounds perfect for you, take a look at The Long White Cloud luxury guided tour. This remarkable 19-day trip takes you through the wonders of New Zealand from the North to the South Island. See stunning volcanic craters at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, enjoy a boutique wine tour in idyllic Arrowtown, explore the bioluminescent caves of Waitomo, and partake in a traditional Māori Hāngī feast in Rotorua, all while staying in impeccable hotels and lodges.

 

 

Story by Costas Christ. 

Costas Christ is a global expert on sustainable tourism, a senior advisor to National Geographic and Chairman of the TreadRight Foundation.

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