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

Milford Sound, New Zealand’s wettest spot, is tucked away in its South Island. Imagine spending the day exploring stunning natural formations only to come home to a cozy chalet with a mountain view, or wake up on a cruise ship sailing in the fjord. All of this is a dream come true at ​Milford Sound. Read on to learn more about where you can stay at this lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ve got options for all budgets.

Why book Milford Sound lodging?

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
  • Stay at a UNESCO Heritage Site: The fjord is located within the ​Fiordland National Park, which was awarded by UNESCO for its rich beauty and geographical importance.
  • Cruise along the fjord: An overnight ​cruise along the fjord is a favorite, allowing you to wake up to endless blues in a deep valley surrounded by slumbering valley cliffs and penguins for company. 
  • Live in the 8th natural wonder of the world: Catch a glimpse of the famous ​Mitre Peak, walk or cycle along a trail, experience breathtaking ​waterfalls, and the abundant wildlife of the region that Milford Sounds has to offer. 
  • Spend the night stargazing: Due to its low pollution levels, you will be able to look up to a clear black sky and the thousands of stars in contrast. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights depending on when you visit. 
  • Family fun: Milford Sound provides numerous opportunities for the family to enjoy, from hiking to stargazing. Use this tranquil environment as a family getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life!
Things to do in Milford Sound

At Milford Sound

Milford Sound Cruise

Luxury: Milford Overnight Cruise

  • Price for 2: NZD 1698 - NZD 2598
  • Room types: Double-sharing cabins or quadruple-sharing bunk beds on the cruise.
  • Amenities: Breakfast, dinner, complimentary beverages, kayaking, hot tubs, bathrooms.
Hotel room, stay

Mid-range: Milford Sound Lodge

  • Price for 2: NZD 120 - NZD 1500
  • Room types: Riverside, mountain view or garden chalets, and campervans 
  • Amenities: Campervan site, restaurant, bathrooms, WiFi, television set, kitchenette, and a separate lounge.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: A 3-minute drive. 
  • Address: State Highway 94 Milford Sound, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.

Lodging Near Milford Sound: From Te Anau

Milford Sound accommodation

Luxury

1. Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

  • Price for 2: NZD 410 - NZD 1180
  • Room types: Lake and garden-view rooms, and villas. 
  • Amenities: Televisions, WiFi, garden, conference rooms, wedding chapel, spa, sauna, pool and parking.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: 64 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau,  Fiordland,  9600, New Zealand ​Find on Map.

2. Radfords on the Lake

  • Price for 2: NZD 489 - NZD 1500
  • Room types: Studios, 1-2 bedroom apartments, and suites. 
  • Amenities: Televisions, WiFi, parking, e-bike storage, mini fridge, satellite TV, laundry, kitchenette.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: 56 Lakefront Drive Te Anau, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.
Milford Sound accommodation

Mid-range

1. Fiordland Hotels

  • Price for 2: NZD 148 - NZD 205
  • Room types: Standard and deluxe double/multi-sharing rooms.
  • Amenities: In-room tea/coffee maker, electric kettle, tea bags/instant coffee, flat screen TV, kettle, mini refrigerator.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: 1 Burnby Drive, Te Anau 9679 | New Zealand. ​Find on Map.
  • Transfers included: No

2. Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

  • Price for 2: NZD 198 - NZD 260
  • Room types: Standard and superior rooms, with and without breakfast. 
  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions,  tea and coffee-making facilities, minifridges, parking, laundry.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: 20 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.
Milford Sound accommodation

Budget

1. Te Anau Lakefront backpackers

  • Price for 2: NZD 35 - NZD 219
  • Room types: Visitors have a choice between private and shared accommodation - a glamping dorm, a tent site, 4-6 bedroom dorms, double/triple ensuite rooms, or rooms with a lake view.  
  • Amenities: Secure storage, laundry, free WiFi, movie room, travel desk
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: 48/50 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, 9600. ​Find on Map.

2. Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park

  • Price for 2: NZD 65 - NZD 247
  • Room types: Family & studio motels, cabins, rooms, and camping sites. 
  • Amenities: Electric blankets, televisions, toasters, electric jug, cutlery and crockery, tea & coffee making facilities, small fridge, WiFi. 
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 120 km away.
  • Address: ​ 77 Te Anau - Manapouri Highway, 9640 Te Anau, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.

Transfers included: No

Lodging Near Milford Sound: From Queenstown

Milford Sound accommodation

Luxury

1. Heritage Queenstown

  • Price for 2: NZD 301 - NZD 757
  • Room types: Upscale Lakeview and non-lake view rooms and suites. 
  • Amenities: Televisions, WiFi, garden, conference rooms, laundry, pool and parking.
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 km away.
  • Address: 91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.  ​Find on Map.

2. Hotel St. Moritz 

  • Price for 2: NZD 432 - NZD 634
  • Room types: Luxe lake view and garden view rooms and suites
  • Amenities: Fitness center, televisions, WiFi, valet, laundry, business center
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 km away.
  • Address: 10-18 Brunswick Street, PO Box 1116, 9300 Queenstown, New Zealand.  ​Find on Map.
Milford Sound accommodation

Mid-range

1. Haka Lodge Queenstown 

  • Price for 2: NZD 57 - NZD 227
  • Room types: Private and shared accommodation - from a 4-bed dorm to a private room.
  • Amenities: Lockable storage, unlimited free WiFi, and spacious lounge and equipped kitchen. 
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 km away.
  • Address: 6 Henry Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.
  • Transfers included: No

2. Holiday Inn

  • Price for 2: NZD 220 - NZD 280
  • Room types: Standard and lake view, king and queen-sized beds in private rooms. 
  • Amenities: Unlimited free WiFi, parking, laundry, tea and coffee 
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 km away.
  • Address: 594 Frankton Road, Queenstown, NZ. ​Find on Map.
  • Transfers included: No
Milford Sound accommodation

Budget

1. Southern Laughter backpackers

  • Price for 2: NZD 42 - NZD 150
  • Room types: Private and shared accommodation - from a 10-bed dorm to a private room with an ensuite bathroom.
  • Amenities: WiFi, laundry, hot tub, linens, parking, BBQ area, TV library 
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 km away.
  • Address: 4 Isle St, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.

2. Pinewood Lodge

  • Price for 2: NZD 150
  • Room types: Budget double room with a shared kitchen and bathroom. 
  • Amenities: Lounge room, air conditioning and heating, laundry facilities, pet friendly, parking, WiFi
  • Distance from Milford Sound cruise Boarding Point: Close to 300 kms away.
  • Address: 48 Hamilton Road, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. ​Find on Map.

Tips for lodging in Milford Sound

  • Lodging in the national park: Milford Sound is located within ​Fiordland National Park, with only one public lodging facility. The other options are in nearby cities such as Queenstown or Te Anau. 
  • Book in advance: Milford Sound is a favorite destination for travelers to visit and accommodations can get booked out months in advance. Make sure to ​book your tour and stay as soon as you can to ensure availability and the right price. 
  • Camping: Many properties in the area have designated space for camper vans. However, do book your spot in advance as most places turn you away if you arrive without a reservation. 
  • Eating at Milford Lodge: Given that Milford Lodge is the only option if you would like to stay in the area, you would be pressed for choice as the restaurant is always booked, and grocery shops are not present close by. Instead, it is recommended that you pre-purchase some groceries to cook or visit a neighboring town. 
  • Weather-appropriate dressing: We recommend that you always carry rain apparel and extra clothing when lodging at or near Milford Sound, as the region is known for its surprise rain showers any time of the year!
  • Neighboring towns: Many visitors opt to stay at neighboring towns as the choices are abundant, and plan a day tour to Milford Sound. Transfers are always included and you also get picked up from your hotel. If you would like to stay overnight at Milford Sound, you will need to ​drive to the fjord.

​Milford Sound visitor guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Milford Sound Lodging and Accommodations

What types of lodging are available in Milford Sound?

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.

Is there only one accommodation provider in Milford Sound?

Yes, Milford Lodge is the only accommodation available for visitors in Milford Sound. You could alternately choose to stay and take a day trip from the nearby towns of ​Queenstown and ​Te Anau.

What time of year is the best time to visit Milford Sound for lodging?

The summer months of December to February are the ​best times to stay at Milford Sound as there is so much to explore in the region. These months tend to get crowded, so make sure to book your lodging in advance. If you’d like a quieter experience, the spring months of September to November are ideal, however, be prepared for untimely rain.

How early should I book my lodging in Milford Sound?

Given the limited supply of lodging in Milford Sound, visitors tend to book their travel at least three months in advance, especially in the summer months of peak tourist season.

What is the average cost of lodging in Milford Sound?

Milford Sound and its nearby areas have a wide variety of options ranging from budget accommodations to luxe stays. Campervan sites start from NZD 35, while premium rooms can cost you about NZD 1500, depending on the season.

Is there any public transportation available to Milford Sound?

Despite its remote location, Milford Sound is quite accessible. The ​best way to reach is via day tours from the neighboring towns of Queenstown or Te Anau. You can opt for coach transfers or a ​small aircraft guided tours to access the region.

Are there any shops or restaurants in Milford Sound?

Being a UNESCO Heritage Site, the number of shops within Milford Sound is limited, however, you would find them in abundance in the neighboring towns of Queenstown and Te Anau.

Are there any family-friendly accommodations in Milford Sound?

The accommodations at Milford Lodge and the overnight cruises are perfect for a trip to New Zealand with family.

Do any accommodations offer pet-friendly options?

Given the protected nature of ​Fiordland National Park where Milford Sound is located, pets except for those with a special permit are not permitted. However, you will find pet-friendly accommodations in nearby towns.

Are there any guided tours or activities available near my accommodation?

Milford Sound has numerous activities to offer, including ​cruises along the fjords, hiking on the ​Milford Track, kayaking in the fjords, wildlife spotting, guided walks, and more. Take a look at the various ​things to do in Milford Sound!

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