FAQ: Visiting Milford Sound
Where is the Lodge located?
The Milford Sound Lodge is located on State Highway 94. We are approximately 1.5km from the Boat/Bus Terminal, just before the actual ‘town’.
How Far is the Lodge from the Boat Terminal?
We are about 1.5 km from the Boat Terminal, about 10-15 minutes walk.
Note: We offer scheduled shuttles that can drop you off and pick you up from the cafe and boat terminal in the summer. In the winter this service is offered on an ‘on demand’ basis and you will need to ask our staff to arrange a shuttle.
When do I need to book the Activities I want to do?
Why not arrange your time in Milford Sound the easy way? We are more than happy to book your activities now and encourage you to choose one of our packages.
Cruises: Morning and late afternoon cruises almost always have space available; however, the daytime boats fill up early. You can book your cruise anytime, when you come in or in advance online. During the day we have special prices for lodge guests on certain cruises. Please ask one of our staff members and we are more than happy to assist you with any queries and bookings.
Kayaking: We suggest you book Kayaking trips at least 2-3 days in advance, as spaces on these trips are limited. Booking is essential especially during the summer period.
Flights: If you want to see the Fiord from the air – by plane or helicopter – it is a good idea to book on the day itself. The weather in Milford Sound can be very changeable and this can affect visibility and flight schedules.
How long does it take to Milford from…?
Your journey time will depend on how many stops you make but you should allow approximately:
- 2 hours from Te Anau
- 4-5 hours from Queentown
- 5-6 hours from Wanaka
- 4 hours from Invercargill
But we’d encourage you to allow a lot longer and enjoy some of the many attractions along the Milford Road.
What are the road conditions like?
It is always a good idea to check the road conditions before you leave Te Anau. Information centers and petrol stations have information on road conditions, road closures and snow chain requirements.
As the Milford Highway is a very remote and in some places very narrow we suggest you take care driving to Milford Sound.
Please obey all signs placed by road workers; they are placed for everyone’s safety.
Get the latest road info from the New Zealand transport authority.
What if the road is closed on the day of my booking?
If you have a booking with us on a day when the road is closed, we will cancel your booking for you at no charge.
If you are flying into Milford Sound, it is a good idea to ring us and let us know you’re still coming in.
What do I need to bring?
- Wet weather gear and warm clothing — Milford Sound is in a rainforest, it is a good idea to bring wet weather gear, and some warm clothing.
- Day walk gear — If you plan to walk any of the walking tracks accessible from the Milford road, it is advisable you have a good pair of walking shoes, sunblock, an appropriate amount of food and water for the length of your walk, and, of course, your camera.
- Sleeping bag for Multi Day Walks — A good sleeping bag will be necessary if you are doing an overnight walk.
- Fuel for a return trip from Te Anau — If you are driving yourself into Milford Sound please ensure you have enough fuel to get here and back to Te Anau, there is currently no fuel available in Milford Sound.
- Food supplies — Milford Sound Lodge has a shop, which provides staple food items. But we strongly advise you to bring in your own food, as we have a limited supply of food here and can run out quickly.
What facilities does the Milford Sound Lodge provide?
When you stay at our lodge you can use our cozy lounge, hot showers, communal kitchen, cooking and dining facilities. We have coin operated washing machines, dryers and internet facilities. There is also a drying room for wet tramping gear.
Besides the facilities we have a little bar. During reception hours we are happy to make you an excellent cup of coffee and in the morning we serve continental breakfast (not included).
(See the full range of facilities you will enjoy at the lodge.)
How can I make a booking?
Bookings can be made here. Alternatively you can contact us to discuss your options. In order to confirm a reservation we require credit card details. The card will NOT be charged in advance. Payment will be required upon check in.
What is your cancellation policy?
- All cancellations incur a 10% cancellation fee (except road closures)
- Cancellations within 7 days of the date of arrival incur a 30% cancellation fee
- Cancellations on day of booking is non-refundable
- Cancellations due to road closures are 100% refundable
- Packages will specify if they are non-refundable, otherwise normal cancellation fees apply
What is there to do in the Milford area?
There is plenty to do in Milford Sound and surrounding areas. We can book cruises, kayaking trips, flights and provide information on walks in the area. Due to the steepness of the mountains in Milford Sound proper there aren’t many walks located right in Milford Sound, however the Milford Road has plenty of short and long walks to offer.
What if it is raining?
It is very rare that cruises are cancelled due to rain. Fortunately when it rains in Milford you get the opportunity to see the hundreds of non-permanent waterfalls that come to life.
Can I buy cooked food at the Lodge?
During the summer we serve continental and cooked breakfast, in winter we serve continental breakfast. Lunch and dinner are available from the Blue Duck Cafe & Bar. The café & bar are located in Milford, about 1 km from the Lodge. Lodge guests also get a free drink with every meal purchased from the bar, ask at reception when you check in, and we will give you a voucher.
We can make you an excellent espresso coffee from opening until closing every day.
The lodge also has a limited supply of staple food items (and snack foods) available for purchase, if you find you haven’t brought enough for your stay here. However, we do strongly recommend you bring at least enough food for your planned stay in Milford with you, as our stock is limited.
