Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

We have a great range of Franz Josef Glacier accommodation the ideal base to explore Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, which penetrate as far as the lower rainforests. When staying in your Franz Josef Glacier Hotel accommodation, visitors are often surprised to find such a warm/mild climate given the proximity of the glaciers and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps only a few kilometres from the township.  Franz Josef Glacier hotels offer their guests some of the most amazing views in all the country.  Franz Josef Glacier accommodation is available in the form of hotels, motels, lodges and even cottages.  It is important to note, however, that booking your accommodation in Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand ahead of time is advised.  An online booking will do the trick by allowing you to browse around and choose the best room for your money.

Book and compare accommodation in Franz Josef online

Franz Josef Glacier fun

Feeling really adventurous and not scared of heights?  Take the plunge, literally, and book an unforgettable skydiving experience!  The skydiving in this area is of the highest that New Zealand has to offer so, if you are an enthusiast, don’t miss out!

Prefer the idea of not jumping out of a perfectly good plane?  Well then, how about a truly scenic flight over the area.  Get the full view of the Franz Josef Glacier in all its glory!  Not only is helicopter ride fun in itself, but it’s an amazing opportunity to get an aerial view of this magnificent wonder.

Few sights equal the spectacle of these giant tongues of ice grinding down through temperate rainforest to just 250 meters above sea level. Our Hotels in Franz Josef Glacier are close to 2 guiding companies offering a variety of guided glacier walks and climbing experiences, to suit all ages and abilities, with trained guides that are waiting to take you on a breathtaking eco tour of the glacier. Heli-hikes and scenic flights with or without snow landings are also available.  These trips will help you access parts of the glacier otherwise restricted to unguided adventurers.  What’s great about these tours is that they take their time and allow everyone to really enjoy their spectacular surroundings.

If you want a bit of flying and hiking, there are even tours that offer this very combination.  Unguided hiking is permitted just so long as hikers adhere to the specified areas for their own safety.

Other attractions near Franz Josef Glacier

A short drive away is Whataroa - the northern gateway of Glacier Country, is a small village that offers accommodation, a general store and service station. It is also the departure point for guided tours to view beautiful white heron (kotuku) breeding colony.  

Another popular activity suitable for the whole family is quad biking.  No matter the weather, these four-wheel machines are made for adventure!  Some of them are even designed to hold 2 people so you can allow your children to ride with you if they are too young to drive themselves.

Lake Mapourika and the Okarito Lagoon is a great kayaking spot and tourists just love navigating its tranquil waters while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of pure nature.  This is a great group activity and a wonderful way of truly relaxing.  Of course, if you aren’t completely relaxed by the time you’re done, you could always visit a local spa or hot pools and get rid of whatever tension may have remained.

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The weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable at best.  As a solid backup plan, you should consider visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre.  Save this for the bad weather or towards the end of your trip and visit outdoor sights like the glacier on better days.  They run a breeding and incubation program for the rarest of Kiwis here – the Rowi.  It also provides visitors with a rich insight into the history of the area itself.