Fiordland Lodge

It’s all about the view. The suite we had was on the corner of the building and very spacious, with great storage for clothing. I’m a complete “unpacker” and there is nothing more welcome than ample space and coat hangers. The Fiordland Lodge had both. Staff was pleasant and very responsive to special accommodations. We had to vacate for one evening for an overnight on the Milford sound. Staff picked up and stored our baggage that was waiting for us in the when we returned. Ice buckets were always refreshed. The heated mirror and floor in the bathroom was wonderful. Plush towels and robes. And ample countertop space. The food was good. Two choices for dinner’s entree, main and dessert. Breakfasts are homey and fresh. One itch was the formula of having guests come down to the common room for “canapés” and drinks at 6pm and in so doing, order one’s meal. Forced interaction with other guests. Not something we enjoy doing. Enjoy a hot tub if you visit… they are immaculate, private and offer an indescribable view, especially at sundown. With their close proximity to Te r’s opportunity to go into this small town for a lunch or shopping. Two very fine NZ “souvenir” shops—- more like boutiques offering finely made jewelry, clothing and pottery.

We stayed at Fiordland Lodge for 2 nights in December as part of a wedding. The lodge is situated just 5 minutes out of Te Anau, and is tucked away into the countryside off the beaten track. You could drive by a thousand times and not realise it was there... as you take a right and drive to the path towards to lodge, it reveals itself in all it's glory. You enter through big wooden doors and are greeted immediately and warmly. The main hall is absolutely stunning, looking out over rolling green and towards an amazing mountain range. The lodge is full of wood and every detail is considered. The rooms are incredible, heated bathroom floors, real animal rugs (we think seal...?) And just everything though about. Even a cafieterre for your coffee in bed in the AM...our room held the same view as the main hall, with a balcony running across 4 rooms in the stretch. Almost surreal... Food was outstanding. A surf and turf style crayfish and venison medley in the first evening for all. Breakfast was to order and hosted a selection of kiwi classics (mince on toast) and staples such as a cracking eggs benedict and full english choices. Just quality ingredients carefully considered and cooked really really well. Warm, homely but fine too. Drinks was mainly coffee - a cracking flat white in the morning. Espresso was bang on, not over or underextracted, and milk was ideally steamed, with a bit of latte art too. Exactly what you'd expect to find in a speciality roasters. I didn't ask for any cocktails as I don't believe the bar was set up for volume cocktail work, but great selection of beers, whisky and a brilliant wine list. All in, an amazing stay and somewhere we will never forget! Andy, James and all the staff really go above and beyond to make life special when you are there.