Step into Fiordland’s remote beauty with a thoughtfully curated two-day, one-night journey. The Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape is a fully inclusive wilderness experience, combining luxury lodge accommodation, Milford Sound cruise and breathtaking helicopter transfer to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, with a range of optional activities delivered by our award-winning guiding team.
Everything is taken care of, from transfers and meals to guided activities and lodge comforts – so you can fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and stories of this extraordinary landscape.
Your time at Waitai Lodge is yours to enjoy. Choose to take part in all guided walks and wildlife encounters, or simply relax in the hot tubs with a glass of wine and soak in the tranquillity of the West Coast. Whether you're here for adventure, connection or restoration, the experience is tailored to suit a range of interests and energy levels.
Below is a sample of how your Fiordland escape may unfold – though as with all things in nature, timings and details may adapt to suit weather, tides, and the flow of the group.
Day 1
From Te Anau or Queenstown, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Milford Sound.
From here you'll enjoy a spectacular scenic helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Martins Bay. Upon landing, you'll be treated to an impressive lunch set amongst the wilderness in our exclusive, private location.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy. You can explore the Martins Bay sand dunes by foot, taking in the rugged beauty of this isolated West Coast beach. Alternatively, choose to relax at Waitai Lodge in front of the fire with a good book and enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tubs.
The group reunites for a delicious three-course dinner accompanied by a fine selection of New Zealand beer and wine.
Sit back, relax and reflect on a great first day.
BUS
Travel by private coach to Milford Sound
HELICOPTER
Enjoy a scenic flight into Waitai Lodge
WALK
Optional walk along Martins Bay beach
EAT
Enjoy a well deserved gourmet three course meal.
STAY
Settle in for the night at stunning Waitai Lodge
Day 2
Awake to the sound of bird song and enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by your lodge hosts.
The day is yours to enjoy. You can choose to join your guide on a scenic jetboat ride across Lake McKerrow and then walk through the ever-adapting forest of thousand-year-old giants such as native rimu and kahikatea. Alternatively, relax in the lodge while you appreciate your remote location in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
After morning tea your lodge hosts will farewell you as you board your helicopter flight along the West Coast to the dramatic Milford Sound.
Upon arrival, you'll board the Fiordland Jewel for your luxury cruise, enjoying lunch while you marvel at Milford Sound’s vertical granite walls rising from the sea.
Your guide will return you to Te Anau or Queenstown, marking an end to a remarkable stay in Fiordland while you take in the impressive scenery.
WALK
After breakfast, enjoy an optional walk exploring historic Jamestown
HELICOPTER
Enjoy a scenic flight into Waitai Lodge
CRUISE
Enjoy a champagne cruise on Milford Sound
BUS
Travel the iconic Milford road back to Queenstown.
Customise your experience
Our team are here to ensure you have the best experience possible.
We can help arrange alternative transfer options from Queenstown (or other South Island locations) including helicopter or fixed wing flights directly into Milford.
If you have your own transport, we can arrange alternative pick-up locations, or help make arrangements for transfers of storage while you're with us.
And if you're up for the adventure, we can include Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape as an add on to the 3-day Hollyford Wilderness Experience, giving you an additional evening in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
If you would like to talk through options, or have any questions, please reach out and our team.
Luggage
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.
What should I bring?
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