Mason Blake
Milford Sound is a breathtaking natural destination in New Zealand, known for its untouched wilderness and dramatic scenery. With its sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and rich wildlife, it's no surprise that Milford Sound attracts visitors from all over the world. But what about accommodations? Are there hotels in this remote and beautiful place? Indeed, there are several options for places to stay in and around Milford Sound, from cozy hostels to luxurious chalets, offering the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and stunning natural surroundings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accommodation options | Hotels, hostels, lodges, chalets, campervan sites, bed-and-breakfasts, overnight cruises |
| Hotel pricing | Moderately seasonal; cheapest months are March, May, and December; most expensive are June-August; cheapest day is Friday |
| Closest accommodation to Milford Sound | Milford Sound Lodge |
| Other nearby accommodations | Queenstown, Te Anau, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Knob's Flat, Hulbert House, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, The Central Private Hotel By Naumi Hotels |
| Activities | Kayaking, scenic flights, hiking, exploring waterfalls, scenic cable car rides, wildlife spotting, stargazing, boat tours |
| Dining options | Milford Sound Cafe, Fiordland Lodge, Pio Pio Restaurant |
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What You'll Learn
Accommodation options in Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a breathtaking natural destination in New Zealand, known for its dramatic scenery of sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and untouched wilderness. The region offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious chalets to budget-friendly hostels and campsites. Here is an overview of the various choices available:
Milford Sound Lodge
Milford Sound Lodge is the only land-based accommodation provider located in Milford Sound. It offers a range of options, including luxury riverside chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing stunning views of the river, rainforest, and mountains. The lodge also caters to those on a budget, with well-equipped campervan sites and backpacker rooms available. Milford Sound Lodge is conveniently located just minutes from the cruise boats and iconic walking tracks, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.
Overnight Cruise
For a truly immersive experience, consider an overnight cruise on the fiord. As day-trippers depart, you'll have the rare opportunity to enjoy the serenity of Milford Sound after dark. Overnight cruises typically include accommodation, gourmet dining, and activities such as kayaking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. This option allows you to explore the beauty of the fiord while staying directly on the water.
Nearby Towns: Te Anau and Queenstown
If you prefer a wider range of accommodation options, the nearby towns of Te Anau and Queenstown offer flexibility. Te Anau, located about a 2-hour drive from Milford Sound, has hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakbreakfasts, along with a beautiful lakefront setting and good cafes. Queenstown, a 4- to 5-hour drive away, offers the most extensive selection of accommodations, including luxury resorts, apartments, and budget-friendly hostels. It is also home to Queenstown Airport, making it a convenient travel hub.
Camping and Wilderness Retreats
For those seeking a more rustic experience, there are several campsites along Milford Road, including the spectacular Eglinton Valley and Knob's Flat. These sites offer basic facilities but provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Additionally, the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, located 24 miles from Milford Sound, is a 4-star hostel that caters to adventurous and eco-conscious travellers, offering activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, and ziplining.
When planning your trip to Milford Sound, it is worth noting that accommodation options are limited, so booking in advance is recommended. Additionally, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes, with February being the hottest month and July seeing the coolest temperatures.
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Milford Sound Lodge
The lodge features a collection of riverside and mountain-view chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows framing river, rainforest, and mountain views. The chalets range from premium award-winning luxury chalets to standard rooms, some of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. The lodge also has family rooms with private bathrooms, balconies, and garden or mountain views, as well as well-equipped campervan sites in the rainforest.
The on-site restaurant, Pio Pio, serves an adventurous menu of South Island specialties prepared with techniques refined in the French tradition. The restaurant caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast can be ordered in-room and delivered, and it includes continental, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. Lunch and dinner are also available.
The lodge is accessible from Queenstown Airport, located 47 miles away. The best time to visit Milford Sound depends on the desired weather and visitor numbers. The hottest average temperature falls in February, with high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather, while the coolest average temperature is in July, with low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy skies. The cheapest months for hotel pricing are March, May, and December, while June to August is the most expensive.
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Overnight cruise experiences
There are various accommodation options in Milford Sound, from charming lodges to luxurious chalets. However, for a truly unique experience, consider an overnight cruise.
Milford Sound is an iconic natural wonder in New Zealand, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and majestic scenery. An overnight cruise allows you to explore the fiord at a relaxed pace and witness the stunning landscapes at different times of the day.
The Milford Mariner is a popular choice for overnight cruises in Milford Sound. Guests can enjoy comfortable cabins, delicious meals, and insightful explanations of the area's rich history and geography. The cruise offers plenty of time to admire the spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife of the fiord. You can also choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat.
Another highly recommended option is the Fiordland Jewel, a purpose-built catamaran designed for comfort and adventurous exploration. This boutique cruise accommodates a maximum of 22 passengers in nine climate-controlled cabins, each with ensuite and sea views. Guests can indulge in kayaking, tender boat excursions, and even pampering in the top-deck hot tub.
To make the most of your overnight cruise experience, it is advisable to book well in advance, especially during the high season from December to February. Milford Sound is a popular tourist destination, and accommodation and cruises can fill up quickly.
Whether you choose to stay in a lodge or embark on an overnight cruise, Milford Sound promises an unforgettable experience with its stunning natural wonders and diverse range of activities.
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Nearby accommodation in Queenstown
Milford Sound is located 178 km from Queenstown, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. Queenstown offers the widest range of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
For those seeking a comfortable and convenient stay, the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is an excellent choice. Located just 0.8 miles from Queenstown Airport, it provides easy access to Milford Sound. The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments are another great option, situated 3 miles from the airport. If you're looking for a more affordable stay, LyLo Queenstown offers hostel-style lodging just 4 miles from the airport.
In addition to these options near the airport, Queenstown has a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. The town itself offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. You can find hotels, motels, resorts, and ski lodges to suit your needs, whether you're seeking luxury or a more intimate and cozy stay.
While Queenstown is a popular choice for visitors to Milford Sound, it is important to note that it makes for a long day trip due to the travel time. If you plan to spend more time in Milford Sound, staying in nearby towns like Te Anau or Knob's Flat might be more convenient, offering a balance between accessibility and a quieter stay.
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Other accommodation options near Milford Sound
There is only one public accommodation provider in Milford Sound itself, the aptly named Milford Sound Lodge. The lodge offers a range of options, from luxury chalets to campervan sites, with views of the river, rainforest, and mountains. It is located just minutes from Milford Sound and within a UNESCO World Heritage area.
However, there are several other accommodation options near Milford Sound. Te Anau, the closest township, offers a wider variety of hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. It is located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Milford Sound and is a popular starting point for day tours. Queenstown, which is a further distance away, also has a range of accommodation options, including hostels, campsites, and hotels. The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments are excellent accommodations near Queenstown Airport, providing convenient access to Milford Sound.
For those seeking a unique experience, an overnight cruise on the fiord is a popular choice. This immersive option combines accommodation, gourmet dining, and activities such as kayaking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. It allows visitors to experience the serenity and beauty of Milford Sound at night, after the day-trippers have left.
Another option for accommodation near Milford Sound is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, a charming 4-star hostel located 24 miles from Milford Sound. This eco-certified property offers various activities such as mountain climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are hotels in Milford Sound. Milford Sound Lodge is the only land-based accommodation provider in Milford Sound, offering luxury chalets, campervan sites, and backpacker rooms.
Yes, in addition to the lodge, there are campsites and cabins in the Eglinton Valley, about 54 km from Milford Sound. An overnight cruise is also an option for staying within the fjord itself.
The closest town to Milford Sound is Te Anau, about a 2-hour drive away, offering a range of hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Queenstown, about a 4-5 hour drive away, also has a wide variety of accommodations, including the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments.
The best time to visit Milford Sound depends on your preferences for weather and visitor numbers. February tends to have the hottest temperatures and high visitor numbers, while July experiences cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
The cheapest time to book a hotel in Milford Sound is usually 1-3 months in advance. Friday is typically the least expensive day to stay, while Monday is the most expensive.
