Nova Zhang
Milford Sound is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. With towering mountains, serene lakes, and tranquil waters, it offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and scenic cruises. Due to its remote location and conservation status, accommodation options near Milford Sound are limited, but there are still some wonderful places to stay. From luxurious chalets to cozy hostels and campsites, there is something for every traveller's preferences and budget. Here is an introduction to the various places where you can stay near Milford Sound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accommodation options | Milford Sound Lodge, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Eglinton Valley Camp, Mitre Peak Lodge, EcoScapes, The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, BLANKET BAY, Gunn's Motor Camp, The Headwaters Eco Lodge, DOC Sylvan Campground, The Glenorchy Hotel, Precipice Creek Station Bed & Breakfast, Glenorchy Lake House, Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, Glenorchy Motels, Little Paradise Lodge, Matagouri Lodge, DOC Cascade Creek Campsite, Glam camping Queenstown, Lone Moose Backpackers, Rosewood Matakauri, Cashley Deer Farm B&B, Fiordland National Park Lodge, Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park, Closeburn LakeView House, The Alpine Retreat, Mangy Moose Lodge, Ora Retreat, Gemini Lake View Villa, Shotover Lodge, Te Anau Hotels, Te Anau Bed and Breakfast, Knob's Flat Campsite |
| Location | Milford Sound Lodge is 1.5-2 km from Milford Sound. Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is 24 miles from Milford Sound. Te Anau is 118 km from Milford Sound (a 2-2.5 hour drive). Queenstown is 178 km from Milford Sound (a 4-5 hour drive). |
| Features | Milford Sound Lodge offers a mix of luxury chalets, mountain-view chalets, and campervan sites. Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is eco-certified and offers activities like mountain climbing, mountain biking, rafting, ziplining, and boat tours. |
| Reviews | Milford Sound Lodge has received positive reviews for its service, comfort, and convenience. Kinloch Wilderness Retreat has been described as a "charming 4-star hostel." |
| Pricing | The cheapest months to stay in Milford Sound are March, May, and December, while the most expensive are June through August. The cheapest day to stay is Friday, while the most expensive is Monday. |
| Discounts | Expedia offers discounted rates for last-minute bookings and exclusive discounts through its One Key membership program. |
| Other options | Some visitors choose to take a day trip from Te Anau or Queenstown, or stay overnight on the fiord itself via an overnight cruise. |
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What You'll Learn
Milford Sound Lodge
The lodge features a collection of riverside and mountain-view chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking views of the river, rainforest, and mountains. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, offering in-room breakfast service and stunning views of the surrounding nature.
The lodge is known for its sustainability practices, running on solar power and implementing recycling initiatives to protect the environment. The staff are welcoming and friendly, providing valuable insights on local walks and wildlife spotting. The on-site Pio Pio Restaurant serves an adventurous menu of South Island specialties prepared with French techniques.
With its serene location, comfortable amenities, and easy access to natural wonders, Milford Sound Lodge is an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive nature experience in one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.
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Te Anau
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Te Anau provides easy access to hiking trails and natural attractions. The town is also a convenient base for those interested in kayaking at Milford Sound, as kayaking trips generally depart early in the morning.
There are various accommodation options in and around Te Anau. The town itself has hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts, while the surrounding area offers camping and chalet options. The Department of Conservation (DOC) operates several campsites on the Milford Road between Te Anau and Milford Sound, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Overall, Te Anau is a convenient and attractive option for those seeking accommodation near Milford Sound, offering a range of lodgings, outdoor activities, and scenic experiences.
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Queenstown
For those looking for a more relaxed stay, there are also wellness retreats and spa experiences available in and around Queenstown. The town is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, serene lakes, and picturesque fiords.
While Queenstown may not offer the same immersive natural experience as staying in Milford Sound itself, it is a convenient and popular option for those who want to explore the area while still having access to a variety of accommodations, dining options, and activities to suit a range of interests and budgets.
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Overnight cruise
Spending the night on the fjord is an unmissable experience. Milford Sound is an essential part of any New Zealand holiday. There are a few options for overnight cruises in Milford Sound, each offering a unique experience.
The Milford Mariner is a popular option, with a relaxed cruise style that allows plenty of time to take in the spectacular scenery of the fiord, including its waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife. The cruise includes delicious meals, from canapés and a buffet dinner to a continental breakfast. You can also choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat.
The Fiordland Jewel is another highly recommended overnight cruise option. This purpose-built catamaran offers a boutique atmosphere and a mix of relaxation and adventure. With a maximum of 22 passengers, you'll enjoy comfortable cabins with ensuites and sea views, as well as a top-deck hot tub and delicious meals prepared by an onboard chef. You can also arrive in style by landing directly on the boat via helicopter.
If you're looking for a more intimate experience, the Wanderer may be the perfect choice. This stunning boat offers overnight cruises in both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, with some reviewers preferring the latter due to its larger size and more varied geography.
To make the most of your overnight cruise, it's recommended to book well in advance, especially during the high season from December to February. You can also take advantage of the overnight parking options available near the terminal, with free parking available at Deep Water Basin Road or Basin Car Park.
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Campsites
Camping is a great option for those visiting Milford Sound. However, it is important to note that freedom camping is strictly forbidden due to its location within a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some of the campsites in the area:
Milford Sound Lodge Campground
This campground is the closest to the foreshore. It is quite expensive at $60 per person, but it offers the convenience of being close to the foreshore and other attractions. It is ideal for those who want to go on an early morning cruise or photograph the foreshore at sunrise or sunset. The site has powered sites available, but it is important to book in advance as it tends to fill up quickly.
DOC Campsites
The DOC campsites are some of the best in the country and offer stunning views of mountains and waterfalls. These sites are more affordable at $15 per person, but they require payment in cash on arrival, so make sure you have enough cash before leaving Te Anau as there are no ATMs until you reach the foreshore. There are seven DOC camps along the Milford Sound Road, including Walker Campsite and Totara Campsite, offering various options such as views of Lake Te Anau and open spaces for multiple rigs.
Cascade Creek
Located at the bottom of Lake Gunn, Cascade Creek is the last campsite before Milford Sound. It is popular with anyone who wants to get to the sound early in the morning or stay later into the evening. As a large, open campsite, it can accommodate up to 140 tents and is ideal for campervans. It offers scenic views and has toilets, but the water supply comes directly from a stream.
Premium Rainforest Campervan Park
This exclusive campground fills up quickly, especially during the summer months (November-April). It offers a premium powered campervan site underneath the rainforest and luxurious chalets with stunning views. The site has a minimum stay requirement of two nights during certain periods and does not offer tent sites or rooftop tents. It is important to be aware of natural risks and hazards, such as falling branches, high winds, and wildlife encounters.
Other Campgrounds
There are other campgrounds along the way to Milford Sound, such as one located halfway between Te Anau and Milford, which offers hot showers, a kitchen, laundry, and recycling facilities. This campground welcomes both tents and campervans but has no powered sites. It is more expensive than a DOC scenic site at $30 per adult per night and has only three tent sites, so it is recommended to avoid it after heavy rain as the site floods regularly.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few accommodation options available near Milford Sound. The Milford Sound Lodge is the closest accommodation to Milford Sound and the only place to stay within 50 kilometres. It offers a mix of luxury chalets, campervan sites, and backpacker rooms and campsites. Other options include Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, an eco-friendly 4-star hostel, and the town of Te Anau, which is about a two-hour drive away and offers a wider variety of hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts.
The best way to book accommodation near Milford Sound is to plan ahead and book early. The cheapest time to book is usually 1-3 months in advance, and it is recommended to reserve your accommodation early as options are limited. You can also look for last-minute deals on websites like Expedia, which also offers discounts and deals through its One Key membership program.
For a unique accommodation experience near Milford Sound, consider an overnight cruise. This option allows you to stay on the fiord itself and offers a tranquil and immersive experience of the sound under the stars. Another unique option is glamping or camping along the Milford Road, with campsites operated by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC).
When choosing accommodation near Milford Sound, consider your budget, preferred level of comfort, and the activities you plan to do. If you are interested in kayaking, for example, staying in Te Anau or closer is recommended as kayaking trips usually depart early in the morning. You may also want to consider the scenery and atmosphere you are looking for, with options ranging from mountain-view chalets to cozy hostels to charming towns.
Staying overnight near Milford Sound allows you to experience the area in a more relaxed and immersive way. While many people explore Milford Sound in a day, spending more time there gives you the opportunity to discover the sound at night and enjoy the walks and natural beauty of the region at a slower pace. It also allows you to create a more memorable and extraordinary experience, with the opportunity to engage fully with the fiord's beauty and serenity.
