WAITAI LODGE FIORDLAND ESCAPE
Beyond Milford Sound, an exclusive Fiordland escape waits. Stay a night, make memories for a lifetime.
From $2,895 NZD
Step off the beaten path into Fiordland's untouched wilderness. Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape is a fully inclusive, two-day journey with guided walks, a jet boat adventure, scenic helicopter transfer, luxury cruise of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, and an overnight stay in a luxury lodge near Martins Bay.
Join us for an unforgettable two-day experience in this untamed wilderness, where our world-famous manaakitanga (hospitality) and guiding expertise meet a breathtaking landscape to create life-long memories. Explore the area with our award-winning guiding team, or take the opportunity to disconnect and relax, surrounded by lush native rain forest and a symphony of bird song.
An unrivalled escape
Most visitors experience Fiordland for just a few hours. Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape offers something rare: the opportunity to slow down, stay overnight in the wilderness and experience a side of Fiordland few people ever reach.
- Luxury Wilderness Accommodation – Stay nestled amongst native forest, in private fully appointed ensuite rooms.
- All-inclusive Hospitality – Enjoy expertly crafted meals inspired by Aotearoa, complemented by a selection of New Zealand wines and beers.
- Relax in Wood-Fired Hot Tubs – Soak beneath Fiordland's star-filled skies in our outdoor wood-fired hot tubs, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.
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Explore at Your Own Pace – Discover the history and landscapes of Martins Bay, or simply relax and unwind at the lodge, your time in this remarkable corner of Fiordland is yours to enjoy.
- Maximum 10 Guests – With departures limited to just 10 guests, every experience feels personal, relaxed and immersive, allowing for genuine connections with both your hosts and the landscape.
- Scenic Helicopter Transfers – Arrive and depart in unforgettable style with spectacular helicopter flights over Fiordland's mountains, coastline and through Milford Sound
- Milford Sound Cruise - Complete your stay with a premium cruise through iconic Milford Sound, a spectacular finale to your wilderness escape.
WILDERNESS LUXURY
Nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Waitai Lodge combines luxury wilderness accommodation, outstanding cuisine and warm hospitality with the rare privilege of staying immersed in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most spectacular natural environments.
EXPLORE WAITAI LODGE
A CURATED EXPERIENCE
From exploring remote Martins Bay to soaring above Fiordland by helicopter and cruising the grandeur of Milford Sound, enjoy a thoughtfully curated wilderness escape where every detail is taken care of.
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Inspiring scenery
From snow-capped alpine peaks glacial rivers and to ancient rainforest and remote coastline, Waitai Lodge offers rare access to one of New Zealand's most breathtaking and untouched landscapes.
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GET EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
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A MEMORABLE FINALE
End your stay with one of Fiordland's most iconic experiences. Aboard the Fiordland Jewel, cruise through the breathtaking waters of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, where towering cliffs rise from the fiord and waterfalls tumble from rainforest-covered peaks.
As you journey through this extraordinary landscape, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch and attentive service from the comfort of a boutique vessel. It's a fitting finale to your Fiordland escape, offering one last opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the region.
The perfect final chapter to an unforgettable Fiordland escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
The weather in Fiordland can be variable and change rapidly, and we advise you to bring warm layering options.
If you wish to take advantage of our outdoor activities on offer, some suitable walking gear, outer layers, shoes and accessories are suggested. A drying room is available at the lodge for quick drying overnight if needed.
And of course, we suggest you bring some swimwear to enjoy the outdoor hot tubs (or a dip in the clear waters of Lake McKerrow).
To help you prepare, we've pulled together a handy list you can download by clicking the button below.
The journey to Waitai Lodge is not your average commute!
Weight restrictions apply on helicopter transfers and guests are asked to limit their luggage to a small-to-medium soft bag or suitcase (weighing up to 7kg) and 1 small piece of hand luggage each.
Given our remote location it is difficult to cater specifically to all dietary requests. However, we can cater for the following if we know well in advance of your arrival:
- Vegetarian will / will not eat fish
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Coeliac
- Dairy Free / Lactose Intolerant
At the time of booking you will be asked to confirm any such dietary requirements. If you have any food allergies, please let us know.
The scenic helicopter flight is an integral part of the experience and serves as transportation to and from Waitai Lodge, so participation is required.
Other included activities, such as guided walks and the hot tubs are entirely optional. If you'd prefer to relax and simply soak up the surroundings, you're welcome to enjoy the escape at your own pace.
Waitai Lodge has 8, fully appointed ensuite rooms, accommodating a maximum of 10 guests, allowing us to provide group bookings while retaining privacy and delivering exceptional personal service.
Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape operates all summer, through to early autumn. The flora and fauna in the valley can vary within this period and weather is as settled as we can expect in Fiordland National Park.
Yes. We can help arrange alternative transfer options from Queenstown and other South Island locations, including helicopter and fixed-wing flights directly into Milford.
Absolutely. Our team can help customise aspects of your journey, including transport arrangements and pre or post-experience accommodation options.
SECURE YOUR PLACE IN THE WILDERNESS
Stay deep within Fiordland National Park on our all-inclusive wilderness escape.
