All You Need to Know About Milford Sound Lodgings — Places to Stay & More

Spending the night near Milford Sound / Piopiotahi lets you slow down in New Zealand’s wildest fiord. From waking up aboard an overnight cruise to relaxing in a riverside chalet or basing yourself in Te Anau or Queenstown, there are options for every budget.

Why book Milford Sound lodging?

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
  • Stay in a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Inside Fiordland National Park.
  • Wake up on the water: Overnight cruises let you see dawn light on Mitre Peak and waterfalls.
  • More time, less rush: Avoid the long return drive in one day.
  • Stargazing: Low light pollution means clear skies — sometimes even the Southern Lights.
  • Family-friendly: Combine things to do like hiking, cruising, stargazing, in a tranquil setting.
Things to do in Milford Sound

Accommodation at Milford Sound

Luxury

Milford Overnight Cruise

  • Price: From NZ$1698
  • Rooms: Double cabins, quad bunk options
  • Amenities: Breakfast, dinner, kayaking, hot tubs, bar, bathrooms
  • Experience: Sleep on the fiord itself

Mid-range

Milford Sound Lodge

  • Price (2 people): NZD 120 – 1500
  • Rooms: Riverside/mountain/garden chalets & campervan sites
  • Amenities: Onsite restaurant, lounge, WiFi, kitchenette, bathrooms
  • Distance: 3-minute drive to the cruise terminal
  • Address: State Highway 94, Milford Sound, New Zealand. Find on Map.

Lodging near Milford Sound

Luxury

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Radfords on the Lake

Mid-range

Fiordland Hotel

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Budget

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park

Accommodation in Queenstown

Luxury

Heritage Queenstown

Hotel St. Moritz

Mid-range

Haka Lodge Queenstown

Holiday Inn Queenstown

Budget

Southern Laughter Backpackers

Pinewood Lodge

Tips for lodging in Milford Sound

  • Limited lodging in the park: Milford Sound sits inside Fiordland National Park. The only onsite option is Milford Sound Lodge or an overnight cruise. Most travelers base themselves in Te Anau or Queenstown.
  • Book early: Accommodation is limited and peak season fills months ahead. Reserve your stay and tour as soon as possible to secure availability and fair pricing. See Plan Your Visit for seasonal advice.
  • Camping & campervans: Many properties have designated campervan spaces, but advance booking is essential — most sites turn away drop-ins during high season.
  • Food & dining: The Milford Sound Lodge restaurant books out quickly, and there are no nearby grocery stores. Stock up on food in Te Anau or Queenstown before you arrive.
  • Pack for the weather: Milford is New Zealand’s wettest spot. Always carry rain gear, waterproof shoes, and warm layers, even in summer.
  • Stay in nearby towns: Many visitors choose Te Anau or Queenstown, where you’ll find abundant lodging. Tours include hotel pick-up and transfers, so you can enjoy Milford Sound without the stress of driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milford Sound Lodging and Accommodations

Being a protected National Park, your accommodation choices in Milford Sound are limited to Milford Lodge, which provides private rooms and space for campervans. Alternatively, you could opt for an overnight cruise on the fjord.