Fiordland Lodge takes out title at National Hospitality Awards

One of the most remotely situated lodges in New Zealand has been named as the best in its class at this year’s prestigious Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Fiordland Lodge on the Te Anau–Milford Highway has taken out the title of Best Accommodation category. The Lodges location is the perfect base from where to explore Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound and and Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said it was highly encouraging to see the overall winner of the awards go to a regional venue outside of the big cities.

“Fiordland Lodge and the other award winners reflect an incredible amount of passion and commitment to their businesses, and ultimately to their customers. They rightly deserve to be recognised as the best in their class, anywhere in New Zealand.”

The Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence are judged on a comprehensive range of business-focussed criteria – such as marketing strategies, training programmes, profitability, operational procedures, and customer service.

Fiordland Lodge sits on a superb rural site with rolling grass lands and has commanding views out across Lake Te Anau. Inside the open architecture of the Lodge reflects the vastness of the Fiordland National Park and echoes of the forest are found in the striking natural timber construction. The Lodge is very unique with many special features, in the lounge, a lattice work of huge log trusses soar to over thirty-six feet above and surround a large open fire, clad with local river stone.

Fiordland Manager Andy Cunningham was elated and commented that this was the first time the lodge had ever been entered into any awards and it was fantastic to have our efforts recognised. This is clear proof that we are doing things right and it’s very motivating for our team moving forward. We have a very young and talented front of house and culinary team who are dedicated to setting the standards from within the industry, the staff take personal responsibility for providing our guests with an extraordinary experience and are dedicated to delivering a very unique product.

The Lodge itself was constructed in 2002 and this is excellent recognition of the vision and commitment of the Lodge owners Ron and Robynne Peacock Mr Cunningham stated.