Originally Posted by
behuman
On the South Island there is charming Timara Lodge with a great chef in a lovely wine region (Cloudy Bay) and around Queenstown Matakauri Lodge and the more simpler Fjordland Lodge far south. In the glacier country there is no real luxury, but Westwood Lodge in Franz Josef will do the trick.
I would second
behuman's suggestion for Fjordland lodge. It is situated near Lake Te Anau, which is the gateway to Milford sound and about 2 hours drive from Queenstown. Stayed there during September 2011 with their deluxe package inclusive of a helicopter flight over doubtful sound and cruise in Milford sound. It is full board inclusive of local wine. Best lamb and venison we have ever had ^
Rooms are nicely furnished, slightly on the small side but sports a balcony with a fabulous view of Lake Te Anau.
Service was intimate and Aman-like (we were the only guests there though since it was shoulder season). Monique, our waitress (and the only waitress in the hotel during that period), was very friendly and attentive. She did admit the hotel gets a bit crazy during the high season (Nov - Feb, Southern hemisphere summer) with full occupancy.
I didn't take much pics of the interior but a few here just to show the lodge and the activities we did:
Lodge from heli
View from balcony
Heli landing right in front of lodge ^
Doubtful sound
Milford sound
