Insider Journeys: Fiordland Lodge

Property overview

Nestled on the edge of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau offers unparalleled access to the fiords of Milford Sound and three of the South Island's Great Walks. The lodge is a unique design and blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Constructed from local timber and river stone, it offers a rustic yet sophisticated charm.

The journey here was a scenic one, and on arrival, I was captivated by the view from the lodge's Great Room. Stepping into the room there is a 180-degree panorama of Lake Te Anau and the snow-capped peaks beyond. The Great Room opens onto a vast lawn, perfect for a sunset drink in summer. In Winter, the fire from the fireside lounge seating is just as good. In fact, while I visited in Summer, the lodge's warm wooden aesthetics, fireplaces and rug-laden couches made me eager to return in winter.

My room was spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The warm, earthy tones of the décor, combined with plush furnishings, created a cosy ambience. Each morning, I woke up to breathtaking views of the sunrise over the lake, often accompanied by the calls of native birds. I stayed on the ground floor, which was great with direct access to the lawn, but the balconies on the second lodge floor make these rooms pretty special too.

Dining at Fiordland Lodge was a truly local experience. The lodge prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients which is evident in every meal. From warming kiwi breakfasts of porridge with local honey and nuts to three-course dinners accompanied by Central Otago wines served by friendly local staff, the experience gave a real sense of place.

What we loved

There was a lot to love about Fiordland Lodge, but we need to make special mention of the outdoor jacuzzi. There are a couple of these hot tubs overlooking Lake Te Anau, accessed via a path shielded by plants, and you put up the sign when you enter to let other guests know the tub is in use. You can take a glass of something to enjoy if you'd like a special sunset drink moment. If you're visiting on a hot day, we recommend enjoying the hot tub early or later in the day - the tub's metal can heat up and make the experience a bit warm in the midday summer sun.

What surprised us

How peaceful and warm it was at the lodge was a surprise. The beautiful lawn overlooking the mountains and lake was lovely to stroll around and soak up some sun. We weren't expecting it, having packed for the infamous Fiordland rainfall as we combined our lodge stay with a hike on the Milford Track.

The other thing to be aware of is the lodge has limited dining options for lunch, as most guests venture out on hikes and other adventures during the day - and why wouldn't you?! If you plan to spend some lazy days at the lodge, speak to your Journey Designer or the lodge hosts before visiting to ensure suitable lunch options will be available.

Recommended Experiences

The Kepler Track Heli-hike from Luxmore Summit to Brod Bay – taking off from the lawn outside the lodge and being whisked sky-high to the mountaintop to start the walk is a special experience! It's just a 15-minute heli ride to the top, and you walk 8km downhill to reach the bay, with the option to add an 8km round-trip to the summit first if you want a harder hike. Kepler and Routeburn Tracks continue to be accessible in winter, subject to conditions on the day, so it’s still possible to enjoy this experience in the colder months.

Back at the lodge, I often found myself unwinding in the Great Room, where a roaring fire and expansive windows provided the perfect setting for relaxation. There is a pool table and library upstairs - another nice spot to unwind at the day's end.

Sections of the Milford Track and Routeburn Track are also accessible from the Lodge, which makes it the perfect base for exploring Fiordland National Park and three of New Zealand's best walks. Recommended experiences include a private day trip to Milford Sound, where we can arrange a Milford Sound Cruise and (in the summer months) a half-day walk on the Milford Track to Giants Gate Waterfall. A day hike on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit is also recommended and offers incredible views of the Southern Alps.

The drive to Milford Sound is a scenic experience in itself.

A heli experience is well worth doing for the incredible aerial views. We took a helicopter from Milford Sound and flew over several Southern Alps peaks and valleys, returning to Queenstown at the end of our trip. Several heli experiences are available departing from and returning to Fiordland Lodge's lawn too.

If you’re looking for a luxurious base surrounded by nature’s grandeur, visit Fiordland Lodge. It is an incredible experience!