About your hosts.
Our Ethos.
Things are beautifully simple at Eglinton Valley Camp. You can connect to the land by heading into one of the easy access tracks just on our doorstep. Experience the uninterrupted perfect dark night sky. Wake to a morning chorus of native birdsong from the comforts of your accommodations.
Our team is committed to providing an experience that surprises, delights and connects you more deeply to this area through our people, our service and our unique location.
We take our responsibility to protect the fragile eco-system that is the heart of Fiordland National Park. As a concessionaire operating on land owned by the nation and managed by the Department of Conservation, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously.
“What’s not to love about this place! Its a privilege to be able to work and live in such a special part of NZ and being surrounded by nature in all its rugged beauty.”
All team members
Sandra Johnston
Alan Johnston
Kerry Burrows
Steven Christensen
Tony Woodham
Haylee Preston
Our history.
Our campground is in the heart of Eglinton Valley – on the road from Te Anau to Milford. Once a deep glacier, today the steep rock sides contrasted by the flat tussock landscape make this area truly spectacular.
The area where Eglinton Valley Camp sits has been a significant part of creating, enabling and supporting access to and from Milford Sounds over a long period.
Originally a sawmilling site, the trees milled were used to as part of the work to form bridges along the Milford Road. In the 1980’s the camp transitioned to a Ministry of Works Campsite, hosting those building the Milford Road and the Homer Tunnel at the time.
The land around our camp is Fiordland National Park and managed by The Department of Conversation. After the completion of works on the Milford Road, a concession was granted to Eglinton Experiences Ltd, and the original campground and accommodation – known as Knobs Flat Campground – began.
In 2017, that concession was purchased by Milford Sound Tourism, as part of a broader master place to assist in improving visitor arrival times into Milford Sound.
Our area.
Eglinton Valley Camp sits at the heart of Eglinton Valley. The Valley itself is famous as one of the most important areas of habitat for threatened species in the country. It is also one of the few extensive lowland areas of mixed southern beech forest in New Zealand. A range of trapping and bait programs over the years have enabled a range of endangered native species – mohua, long and short-tailed bats, kākā and kakariki – to once again develop a foothold.
Within the campground, there are several protected plants and species; the team works closely with DOC to manage, maintain and improve the habitats of threatened or at risk species, as able. Guests are treated to the morning birdsong of many of our native species, and can often encounter several species while out and about at the campground.
The Eglinton Valley, from the Fiordland National Park boundary to the Divide, is justifiably famous as one of the most important areas of habitat for threatened and at-risk species in the country, with over 30 such plants and animals present (DOC 2013, Edge Hill and Reid 2017.)
"Stayed in one of the rooms before heading to Milford Sound. Absolutely beautiful area and great accommodations in the room. I’ve never seen so many stars in my life, breathtaking is the only word I have for it. On top of that, the rooms have comfortable beds, a cozy atmosphere, coffee plunger with complimentary coffee and tea, and more. Great experience to prepare you for the beauty of Milford Sound. Highly recommend this place."
Stephen,
Tripadvisor
"We stayed one night in one of their units and it was so much better than I expected! The unit was so cosy and comfortable! Very clean, tidy and very spacious. The staff is very friendly and helpful! The unit looks like a rustic cabin surrounded by mountains! The views from our unit were so beautiful! It was a great experience waking up with a mountain view!
Small detail: I personally loved the amenities. The products they offered were all cruelty free, vegan and eco friendly!"Catherine,
Tripadvisor
"Spent three nights here. Great place to base yourself for walks in the Fiordland National Park. Many walks to do and the road through to Milford Sound one of the most spectacular in the world.
Unit was spacious, spotless and well equipped. PC a delight to deal with and very knowledgeable about the area and conservation etc. Self catering so take your food in with you. Kitchen has everything you need."Victoria,
Tripadvisor
"This accommodation is in a very convenient location for those cruising on Milford Sound and has everything you need for a one night stay. We enjoyed the rustic charm and the absence of modern technology, plus it has great sunset views from the verandah. I also did the pleasant short hike in the evening to the pretty waterfall (albeit getting lost a few times along the way!) which I would recommend you try."
Monica,
Tripadvisor
"Very comfortable, everything you need in the rooms, staff was very helpful with both accommodation and suggestions for local walks nearby, plus birding spots - would love to spend more time! Beautiful view from accommodation."
Terry,
Tripadvisor
Our future.
We are currently working on exciting re-development plans for Eglinton Valley Camp, including new ablution and kitchen facilities, and accommodation units. Watch this space for more information early in the new year.