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Franz Josef accommodation, in the heart of glacier country
We can help you find your ideal Franz Josef accommodation
There's a very good range of Franz Josef accommodation, with everything from hostels, to five star lodges available.
Franz Josef village is a bustling village located just a few kilometers from the stunning Franz Josef glacier.
As one of our favorite New Zealand holiday spots, we feel that we can confidently offer you some great Franz Josef accommodation recommendations.
And to offer you the best range of options, we've combined with Booking.com, who have a huge range of Franz Josef hotels, motels, lodges and hostels from which to choose. And best of all, you can read hundreds of reviews from customers, just like you, to help you choose the best accommodation.
Franz Josef
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the World, flowing down almost to the coast. From the visitor car park, there are well maintained trails leading through the valley to within a few hundred metres of the face of the glacier.
Franz Josef village is around five kilometres drive from the glacier car park, and is part of New Zealand's stunning West Coast region. Along with the nearby Fox Glacier village (around 30 minutes drive away), it provides a full range of services for visitors.
There's a great range of accommodation, various pubs, cafe's, restaurants, and a range of tourism businesses in the village. There's also a small supermarket and a petrol station.
Tips
* Fuel - make sure you top up your tank here if traveling further south. Apart from nearby Fox Glacier township, there are no other fuel supplies until you reach Haast village, around 150 kilometers to the South.
* Get up close - of course in Franz Josef, everything focuses on the glacier, and if you are here, it's a must see. To fully experience the glacier, guided glacier hikes and heli landings are your best options.
You can read more about the range of activities available here.
* Please be aware of the restricted areas near the face of the glacier. Large pieces of ice can fall at any time, so please remain behind safety barriers.
Quick Links
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* Our Best Budget Franz Josef accommodation * Our Best Mid Range Franz Josef accommodation * Best Premium accommodation in Franz Josef |
* Search for your perfect Franz Josef accommodation * Maps of the region * Car hire at market leading rates |
You can find your ideal Franz Josef accommodation here
How we chose our best Franz Josef accommodation
Franz Josef accommodation is plentiful, and Franz Josef village is one of our personal New Zealand favorites. Over the years we've stayed here regularly, and it's the perfect spot to take a break on your West Coast trip.
So we know a lot about the best places to stay. But we've also listened to other visitors, and based on their reviews, and our own personal experiences, we've been able to put together a small selection of the best Franz Josef accommodation.
Scroll down to see our selection of the best premium, mid-range and budget accommodation.
We have also included a search box so you can search the full range of accommodation in the region, read those all important customer reviews, and make your bookings.
Two inexpensive Franz Josef accommodation options
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YHA Franz Josef Location: 2-4 Cron Street Franz Josef village (see on map) The YHA Franz Josef is typical of YHA hostels. Clean, comfortable and well fitted out, it's the perfect spot if you are looking for accommodation at a reasonable price. And it's just a short stroll to the bars and restaurants in the village. There's a variety of room types with everything from shared dorm rooms to double, twin & family rooms, and if you need a little more privacy, rooms with their own ensuite are available. The hostel boasts a large well equipped community kitchen, a comfortable lounge area complete with Sky television and a range of DVDs. On those cooler days the large open fire is a welcome sight, and the pool table is the ideal spot to make new friends. To top things off they even have a free sauna! Of course there's also a BBQ, a desk to book your tours, and free wifi (a daily limit applies). They also have a limited number of tent sites available but these are suitable only for one or two person tents. You can read customer reviews, check rates, and make your bookings for the Franz Josef YHA right HERE. |
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Glow Worm Accommodation Location: 27 Cron Street Franz Josef village (see on map) Located a short walk to the villages many facilities, the oddly named Glow Worm accommodation is very good value for money, and offers guests a range of services included in the tariff. How about complimentary vegetable soup? Or free breakfast? Perhaps a dip in the relaxing spa, or catch up with friends or family on their free unlimited wifi. They offer private rooms or dorm style accommodation, a large common area featuring a log fire, and an entertainment room with a large TV and a range of DVDs and videos. Oh, they also have free popcorn! Imagine the fire roaring, a good DVD on the flatscreen, and free popcorn. Sounds like the recipe for a great evening. This highly rated hostel is a great place to stay if you are on a budget. To find out more, read what others thought, and to book your room, just click HERE. |
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Two great mid-range options
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Alpine Glacier Motel Location: 17 Cron Street Franz Josef village (see on map) One of our Franz Josef favorites, The Alpine Glacier Motel is a great place to stay. located in the heart of the village it's a short walk to all the pubs, cafes and bars, and has large modern rooms. On our last stay we chose the King Studio which we loved for it's extra space, kitchenette and comfy bed. The high ceilings add to the feeling of space, and the rooms are well heated and tastefully furnished. We also like that you can drive your car right up to your door. The small deck offered amazing views of the Southern Alps and we never tire of that view. They have a range of room types including spa studios and two bed apartments. There's a guest laundry, Sky TV, DVDs and a tour desk on site. Friendly hosts and a wonderful location make this hard to beat. Tip - if you've been out on a glacier walk, the spa studios are a good choice. Sit back in the bubbles with a drink and ease your weary bones. Tip - for a great meal, try The Landing Restaurant and Bar, on the highway. It's just around the corner from the motel and everyone in our small group loved their meal (seafood chowder, mussels, and one of the best steak sandwiches of all time!) |
  More information - to read customer reviews and to make your Alpine Glacier Motel bookings just click HERE. |
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Punga Grove Location: 40 Cron Street Franz Josef village (see on map) Choosing where to stay when we come to Franz Josef is always difficult for us, and Punga Grove is always in our short list. We've stayed here several times over the years, and love the location, surrounded by native rainforest. You certainly know you are on the West Coast! Of course they have a variety of room types, and all are modern, clean and comfortable. All rooms have a kitchenette, which we appreciate so that we can cook our own breakfast (there's a small but well stocked supermarket close by where you can purchase all you need). Nothing better than a full stomach if you have a long day planned! There's free wifi, TV and DVDs if you just want to chill out for a while. We love the Executive Studios which feature a gas fire, spa and underfloor heating. Tip - if mobility is an issue, be sure to book a ground floor room as there are no elevators to the second floor. Tip - the Glacier Hot Pools are a short walk away and are the perfect spot to sit back and soak away the days aches. |
  Want to know more? Read what other guests had to say about Punga Grove HERE. |
Some luxury in Franz Josef
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Te Waonui Forest Retreat Location: 3 Wallace Street Franz Josef village (see on map) Nestled into the native rainforest, this beautiful five star eco-lodge is a real West Coast haven. Sitting in your luxurious suite, gazing into the forest, it's easy to forget the stress of modern life. And it's easy to understand why the lodge was awarded for its architecture, which blends seamlessly with the environment. Inter suite sound proofing, and beautiful bedding (including a pillow menu), ensure a sound sleep, with little to disturb you other than the sounds of nature. Sit back and relax in the aptly named Canopy Restaurant, where their 5 course degustation menu will leave your mouth watering. There's also a cafe and bar, free wifi, a concierge, laundry facilities, and round the clock reception and room service. This is a wonderful place to unwind and break your journey along the West Coast. Do yourself a favor. Check out what other satisfied guests had to say about the Te Waonui Forest Retreat HERE. |
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Westwood Lodge Location: 6, State Highway 6, Franz Josef village (see on map) This lovely B & B is set in beautiful gardens with views towards the alps and glacier. The warm timbers used give it a real welcoming feel and the spacious lounge area and bar are a wonderful place to sit and relax with friends, particularly on those cooler days when the log fire is roaring. Your tariff includes breakfast, and the spacious rooms are really well equipped and are warm and cosy. Electric blankets and under floor heating in the ensuites ensure a snug stay regardless of the time of year. The super king beds are HUGE and delightfully comfy. For lovers of billiards there's even a table for you to test your skill. The lodge is around 1 kilometer from the village center, and although it's only a 15 minute walk, we recommend driving to the village. The weather can be unpredictable at times on the West Coast :). To read more about Westwood Lodge and to make your bookings, just click HERE. |
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Do you need to hire a car or camper van for your visit to Franz Josef?
If you need to hire a car or motor home, we can help. With access to all the leading brands, and market leading rates, there's no need to look elsewhere.
See what's available, check rates, and make your bookings here.
Maps - Franz Josef accommodation and New Zealand State Highways
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