WAITAI LODGE

Combine a helicopter adventure with an exclusive coastal wilderness escape at Waitai Lodge — where dramatic mountains, rainforest, and wild coastline meet in one extraordinary location.

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Begin your journey with a helicopter flight to your choice of four to six spectacular mountain locations for an intimate ceremony and breathtaking wedding photography. From the mountains, fly directly into Martins Bay, landing at Waitai Lodge at the mouth of the Hollyford Valley. Here, your celebration continues in complete seclusion, surrounded by towering peaks, ancient rainforest, river flats, and the raw beauty of the Tasman Sea. Stay overnight or extend your experience into a multi-day escape to fully immerse yourselves in this remote wilderness.

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Waitai Lodge offers rare access to one of New Zealand’s most untouched coastal environments. Set at the edge of the Hollyford Valley and only accessible by air or guided journey, the lodge provides a peaceful, off-the-grid retreat where nature takes centre stage and every moment feels deeply connected to the land and sea.​

If you wish to include family and friends, small groups can be accommodated, allowing you to share your ceremony and celebration while still enjoying the remoteness and exclusivity of this unique location.

You can choose to have your ceremony high in the mountains with your guests, or keep it just the two of you and reunite later at the lodge for a relaxed celebration, dining, and time together. Every experience is fully tailored, allowing you to celebrate in a way that feels authentic and unhurried — surrounded by Fiordland’s dramatic alpine landscapes, rainforest valleys, rivers, and rugged coastline.

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Waitai Lodge is best accessed during the warmer months, with availability varying by season and weather conditions. Simply let us know the time of year you’re dreaming of, and we’ll work closely with you to coordinate helicopter access, lodge availability, and every detail - creating a seamless, once-in-a-lifetime wilderness wedding experience.

WEDDING INCLUSIONS

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Wedding Planner - planning and co-ordination

Photographer to capture First Look, Heli Wedding Ceremony, Mountain Photos , Close Ups and Details.

Helicopter - allowing for 4-6 Hour Heli Elopement

Ground Transport to and from accomodation

Licensed Marriage Celebrant

Assistance to obtain Legal Wedding License 

Local New Zealand Bubbles and Picnic for Two

Sneak Peak Images to Share on Social Media (Optional)

High and Low res Images - Delivered with online Gallery to Save and Share with family and friends

Access to Print Store

Flexibility to change Time,  Locations and Date - allowing us to secure the best weather conditions

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FOR OPTIONAL WEDDING EXTRA'S PLEASE SEE MORE HERE

ABOUT THE LODGE 

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Waitai Lodge is an extraordinary remote wilderness retreat tucked into the wild Hollyford Valley on the remote West Coast of Fiordland National Park - a World Heritage area defined by dramatic mountains, ancient rainforest, rivers, and the rugged Tasman Sea. Accessible only by helicopter or on foot, Waitai Lodge offers rare access to this untouched landscape, combining warm hospitality with a profound sense of escapism and natural beauty. Surrounded by native forest and opening out toward the Hollyford River and Martins Bay Spit, the lodge provides a unique blend of comfort and wilderness immersion - where days are shaped by exploration, tranquillity, and unforgettable scenery. 

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Accommodation

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Waitai Lodge accommodates a maximum of 16 guests across eight fully appointed ensuite rooms, each configured with king or twin beds. The intimate scale of the lodge ensures privacy and personalised service while you relax in one of New Zealand’s most pristine environments. 

• Eight Ensuite Rooms – Comfortable and well‑appointed bedrooms with private bathrooms and views toward the valley or river, designed to offer warmth and comfort after a day of adventure. 

• Communal spaces invite guests to gather, share stories by the fire, or simply enjoy quiet moments together in front of expansive views of the Hollyford Valley and distant sea. 

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Dining & Hospitality

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Your stay at Waitai Lodge includes all meals and a fine selection of beverages, prepared by dedicated hosts using fresh local ingredients. The culinary experience here reflects the essence of Fiordland, with a focus on regional flavours and high‑quality New Zealand produce. 

• Multi‑course dinners showcasing local ingredients

• Cooked and continental breakfasts

• Wilderness lunches and snacks during your stay

• A fully licensed lodge bar with premium New Zealand beer and wines 

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Lodge Features & Experiences

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Waitai Lodge serves as both a luxurious retreat and a base for exploring one of the most remote regions of New Zealand.

• Remote location near the Hollyford River and Martins Bay Spit, surrounded by native forest and mountain views 

• Outdoor wood‑fired hot tubs for soaking under the stars or at sunset 

• Comfortable lounges with open fireplaces and panoramic views 

• Optional guided exploration on foot, by helicopter, or boat (including jet‑boat journeys on the Hollyford River) 

• A peaceful, truly disconnected setting where wildlife, wilderness, and the sounds of the Coast become part of your experience

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Location & Seasonal Access

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Situated at the mouth of the Hollyford Valley near Martins Bay, the lodge is reachable by scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown or Milford Sound, crossing towering peaks, deep valleys, and coastal wilderness along the way. 

The remote nature of this location means limited infrastructure, incredible starry night skies, and a sense of being truly immersed in nature. All stays include meals, drinks, accommodation, and guiding support, creating a seamless wilderness experience. 

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Why Waitai Lodge Is Exceptional

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Waitai Lodge captures the essence of Fiordland’s extraordinary wilderness — dramatic landscapes, profound solitude, and warm hospitality woven together into a remarkable luxury experience. Whether used as part of a multi‑day guided adventure, a honeymoon escape, or integrated with a heli wedding ceremony and alpine photography, this remote lodge provides a deeply memorable base in one of the world’s most untouched corners. 

Every experience is fully bespoke, with pricing depending on locations, landings, duration, and level of luxury.

Your journey will be tailored to create a truly unforgettable heli wedding and Fiordland adventure.

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PRICING STARTING FROM:

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SQUIRREL HELICOPTER $20,000 NZD

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H130 HELICOPTER $25,00 NZD