Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

3.0 star property
Eco-certified hostel in Franz Josef Glacier with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

Property amenity
Dining
Double Room, Ensuite | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Indoor spa tub
Lobby lounge

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
27 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Our Lady of the Alps
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪7 min walk‬

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Room options

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

  • 43 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Twin Beds

Double Room, Ensuite

  • 32 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Family Room

  • 97 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Beds

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 32 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel places you next to Westcoast Wildlife Centre and within a 5-minute walk of Te Wahipounamu. This 23-room, 3-star hostel has conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a hot tub.

What's nearby

  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • St James Anglican Church - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 117 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Snakebite - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Restaurant at Rainforest - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Full of Beans - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Landing Restaurant & Bar - Franz Josef - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Alice May - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

Eco-certified hostel in Franz Josef Glacier with free parking
At Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and an arcade/game room. A stay here includes free parking. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Additional amenities include a library, laundry facilities, and a picnic area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Limited housekeeping is available.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, German

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Hot tub
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 17 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 16 days prior to check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets (service animals welcome)

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 17 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 16 days prior to check-in.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Glow Worm Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel Franz Josef
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel
Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef
Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation
Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see around Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Located steps from Westcoast Wildlife Centre, this hostel is in Franz Josef Glacier, and within a 10-minute walk of Glacier Hot Pools and Our Lady of the Alps. You'll also find Waiho Hot Tubs and St James Anglican Church less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel include a casino at the property?

No, Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Are there hot tubs at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Yes, this hostel has a spa tub.

Does Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Does Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel.

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 60 out of 158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 158 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rudy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice hostel with helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really enjoyed staying here - kind of funky, an accommodation with personality. Free soup every night is a great touch and much appreciated. Friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, good communal kitchen and other spaces.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the rustic look of the place but didn't appreciate the neighbours banging doors and windows until late at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location easy access to restaurants, supermarkets & all walks & hikes. Accommodation was exceptional in cleanliness & lots of kitchen equipment free to use available - would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne, Rancho Santa Fe

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very pleasant lounge, room, kitchen and hot tub. Perfect location in town. Quiet location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Glow Worm is a great to stay at. It is very affordable. Very handy to the village and nearby walking tracks
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Lana

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is good. Breakfast and soup great. Very limited parking on site, if you come late all spaces are taken and park somewhere on streets. Very limited Wi-Fi. No internet after 7pm - system completely overloaded. In night time ants come in hundreds. You will find them in morning covering all your food (
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very friendly place but very basic room. Sadly my room smelt of wet dog and the window catch was broken so i had to secure it using a wash bag! Free soup, popcorn and breakfast is a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect little hostel

Fabulous little place, free soup and hottub, and manager Georgia was friendly and helpful, a little star, thank you! WiFi was slow at busy times.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Toni

Liked: Amenities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Rodney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Judith I

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Enjoyed stay very much

Enjoy the friendliness and warmness of the hosts. Soup and breakfast a wonderfull touch. Hope to be back for a longer stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was an amazing stay, didnt expect to get welcomed so friendly and we got taken to a pizza bar for dinner. Definitely a place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great spot

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

N

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Marcel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spartan but suitable
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolutely loved this place

Fantastic little place. Room brilliant and very quirky. Bed extremely comfortable. Great location to amenities, shops etc. Free soup in the evening and breakfast in the morning was a very nice touch. Didn't use the hot tub as we arrived late and it was about to close for the night but it looked awesome. Absolutely loved this place.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Marion

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable and good location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Free continental breahfast and free soup at night. Can’t beat that for hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Benjamin, the property owner, was absolutely amazing! Full of really helpful advice on all things Franz Josef and surrounding area. He will go out of his way to ensure that you have a wonderful trip, advise you on good days out/hikes and other excursions. He's always around, and so approachable, if you have any questions you won't feel afraid to ask them. He also makes an amazing soup every night, which is great and really unique amongst the hostels we have stayed in on our journeys. The other staff working there were also really friendly. Excellent location, parking was good, room was comfortable, and other guests were all very welcoming too. It has the feel of a really nice little community. Great hostel to stay in.