Furneaux Lodge — Hotel in South Island

My partner and I spent 5 days at Furneaux Lodge and it was the best start of our holiday we could have imagined.

THE LODGE Nestled in the Endeavour Inlet, this remote lodge is the perfect off-the-grid place to wind down and relax. Although the place seems busy, the complex is so big that it sometimes feels like you’re completely by yourself. And if you do engage with other guests they all seem relaxed and happy to be here. Surrounded by lush forest and fern, this quiet slice of paradise offers hammocks and a spa pool right by the shoreline, free kayaks & SUPs and a bar/restaurant with super friendly staff.

THE RESTAURANT The lodge comes with its own restaurant and bar, and it’s really the only place you can eat out for tea (unless you take the water taxi to any of the other restaurants out here). Unfortunately the restaurant is the reason why I’m not giving 5 stars. Being so remote the restaurant understandably has a limited menu. And while the restaurant portraits high quality that appearance was let down by the dishes, which were lacking flavour and would suit better in a pub. In the 5 mornings we had here we made it to breakfast only twice, since the short timeframe for breakfast (8-10am) felt rushing in this place where you’re supposed to relax and do things at your own schedule. The staff were all great fun and friendly.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK What a fantastic hike this track offers! We took the water taxi from Furneaux to Punga Cove and walked the 13-ish km back to the lodge. An easy hike with great views.

Overall, this was absolutely stunning. I just wish we had brought over some food ourselves so we could have skipped the restaurant some nights. We will come...

Went for a coffee stop on our walk to the Lodge, it was a beautiful day in a beautiful setting. But here came the biggest disappointment. payment for two coffees $19 !!|My friend paid, so I had no idea, till the comment was made about it on the table.|We ordered two coffees at the bar, one large Oat Mocca and a regular Flat White, both in a take away cup. We did not had to wait long, the coffees were made. |What we received - two take a way cups, which had the same size and looked more like a small serving. The coffee was ok, but not the best quality in taste & temperature. |A few hours later, on our way back to the Lodge, we popped by again to find out about the ridiculous high charges, we were wondering about, how they came together. There were no prices displayed at all on the Coffee bar's board. I know it is not a legal requirement, but would be helpful and appreciated! So we looked into the menu and found out that each coffee was $8, Oat milk $1 and each take away cup $1 !! Well, the person who took the order, never mentioned anything about the $1 charge for a take away cup, which I believe should've been pointed out, nor it was mentioned that the coffees are all the same size in serving. |Furneaux Lodge, I believe you can do better than that!! Improvement is needed here!!|You got such a perfect spot where you are placed in the Sounds, you have lots of visitors coming through, and people in New Zealand are high coffee lovers! And foreign visitors appreciate how we do coffee here too. |Agree, that you pay transport $ to get your goods out there, but you shouldn't get greedy and spoil a Furneaux Lodge experience by charging those...

We have just stayed at this magical place for two nights having hiked in. We came to Furneaux lodge to enjoy this unique location. September is wonderful as the kowhai were flowering and the bellbirds were enjoying drinking from the abundant flowers. Furneaux lodge is a special place in the historical context and this will resonate with many kiwis. The position of the homestead is stunning placed on a flat clearing fronting the pristine sound. Paddle boards and kayaks and life jackets are there for you to enjoy as you wish.|This place was like home from home. The lovely receptionist stayed later just to welcome us which was very much appreciated. Our two bedroom cottage was well designed with a double bedroom on either side of the living space. Sitting at a nice angle to the sound- the view was beautiful from the cottage. Drying room is excellent.|A highlight was the bar and restaurant and the attentive, charming staff. We felt the food- breakfast, lunch and dinner- was very good indeed. Selection of wines excellent. Our stay served as a wonderful escape where we felt well cared for. Walking from the hot tub across the lawn and hearing the unmistakeable roar of the All Blacks delivering a feisty haka was delectable in this thoroughly New Zealand place. We’ll be back...