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Franz Alpine Retreat

4.0 star property
Motel with free parking, near Glacier Hot Pools

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Photo gallery for Franz Alpine Retreat

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View | View from room
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Courtyard view
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
2 Donovan Drive, Sh 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Place, Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Waiho Hot Tubs
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 743 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Chalet, 1 Bedroom

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 742 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

  • 430 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Cottage

2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room | 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV

2 Bedroom Cottage

  • 861 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

  • 743 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View | Living area | 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

  • 377 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Unit, 1 Queen bed

Unit, 1 Queen bed | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Unit, 1 Queen bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 743 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 743 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Alpine Retreat places you within 3 miles (5 km) of popular attractions like Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Glacier Hot Pools. This 17-room, 4-star motel has in-room conveniences like balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves.
View more Motels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Mapourika - 3 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min drive - 3.0 miles
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 4 min drive - 3.0 miles
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 4 min drive - 3.0 miles
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 4 min drive - 3.2 miles

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 112 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Full Of Beans Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Landing Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Monsoon Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪SnakeBite Brewery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Alice May - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Franz Alpine Retreat

Motel with free parking, near Glacier Hot Pools
Guests staying at Franz Alpine Retreat enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can assist with tours/tickets and securing valuables.
21-inch flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hydromassage showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Balconies or patios, refrigerators, and microwaves are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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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 self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: NZD 15 for adults and NZD 15 for children

Things to do

  • Helicopter/airplane tours

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Built in 2008
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
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 property charges 2.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 7 days before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 45.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 50 per day
  • Breakage deposit: NZD 50 per day

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 15 for adults and NZD 15 for children
  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 45.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 percent

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit 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 major credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • 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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit or credit 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 major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Nearby construction work may cause some noise disturbance.
  • There are no elevators.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin
Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat
Franz Alpine Retreat Motel
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat
Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Alpine Retreat Motel Franz Josef Glacier

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do within easy reach of Franz Alpine Retreat?

This motel is located in Franz Josef Glacier, close to Glacier Hot Pools, Waiho Hot Tubs, and Westcoast Wildlife Centre. You'll also find Te Wahipounamu and Lake Mapourika within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Franz Alpine Retreat?

As of Dec 29, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Franz Alpine Retreat on Jan 8, 2026 start from $167.47, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat feature a casino at the property?

No, Franz Alpine Retreat doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Franz Alpine Retreat?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is Franz Alpine Retreat a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will value amenities like a hydromassage showerhead, kitchens in some guestrooms, as well as a terrace.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Franz Alpine Retreat offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Franz Alpine Retreat though service animals are welcome.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Yes, every guestroom at Franz Alpine Retreat comes with a balcony with some featuring garden or mountain views.

Franz Alpine Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 260 out of 481 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 151 out of 481 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 481 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 481 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 481 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

peter

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

Overnight in glacier country

Just a one night stay on our roadie down the West Coast to the snow, to check out the glacier and have a walk. Unit was as expected, new and warm. Was fine for our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Hamilton

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet, easy driving distance to Franz Josef township
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

imogen

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff weren’t overly friendly. They wore headphones while giving us our keys and when we needed any assistance they didn’t really talk to us and kept their headphones in. When we booked we were told we would have milk but there was no milk provided. The bed was as hard as a rock. There were towels labelled “make up” but then there was a sign above them saying if we used them to take our make up off and stained the towels we would be fined. Overall we were there for one night and can’t really find much positive to say about it
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Dustin

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The accommodations were fine, my wife and I booked a 2 bedroom cabin for one night. We had a friend traveling with us as well. When booking a 2 bedroom cabin I think most people would assume that would mean 2-4 people staying in the room. Upon check in we were charged an additional $50 for the third person. So in my mind they made an additional $50 on us for the use of one additional bath towel. A bit ridiculous considering we were the only guests for the entire night. There are plenty of other options around Franz.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good place to stay that is away from the city center but close enough. Great ability to see stars at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent a fabulous night here while waiting to go on the helicopter the next morning to visit the glacier. Greeted very wamly at reception and our accommodation was huge!! Two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining and lounge areas. Was about a 5 min drive on the edge of town - we went to town to see the kiwis and have dinner. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haisam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Someonestarted
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alexandra

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Chetan

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel. Clean and modern. Fresh milk for coffee was a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property was clean and in a good location for Franz Josef activities. It would have been useful to have a sink in the kitchen area, so you didn’t have to wash up in the tiny sink in the bathroom. There was an error when we checked in and we were chased for payment. The maid did not make our bed the next day and forgot to leave milk and a tea towel. When we mentioned these mistakes, they were quickly remedied.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large nice new facility. Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent choice. 7 minutes drive from Main Street, but great location. Quiet. Modern and fresh. Multiple choices of unit size, so look for the one that is right for you. I recommend this accommodation. Parking right at your individual unit, which I prefer.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

nevet

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay. Very quiet and close to Franz Josef shops although need a car to get there. Parking was excellent (next to the unit). Facilities were excellent - we made use of the washing machine and drying racks. Lots of info available at reception for things to do in the area. Comfortable beds and everything you could need in terms of cooking and entertainment/tv.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

Clean and spacious

Large 2 bed unit with beautiful views. A few min drive into town so would need a car.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sung Eun

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

david

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A quiet and comfortable getaway

Quiet spot. It rained in the evening; electricity power was cut and restored about an hour. The only sink was inside the toilet and was rather small. TV was a mini 24 inch.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Louvain, Fig Tree Pocket

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable, quiet and well-appointed chalets. About 4km from town so no hustle and bustle. Basic but not 'budget' as it felt quite luxurious for what it was. Stayed in the 2 bed one bath bracken chalet - can't fault it.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful mountain view. No nonsense room with just what you need at a great price.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

D. Eliana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice room, clean, comfortable, warm plenty of hot water, convenient for our plans. Although our accommodation was small we love the small details very nice.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Julie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The accommodation was okay for the time we were there. It's a short drive from Franz Josef. Facilities limited. Only microwave, kettle and toaster. No decent sink to wash up in, only the one in the bathroom and did not like the rules imposed. No strong food smells (although we didn't cook anything strong, not to wipe make-up on the towels, flannels). Heating wasn't on nor was the fridge when we arrived and no note to say the fridge needed to be switched on. Reception not manned either: had to telephone for someone to appear. All bars, restaurants, food stores 5km away in Franz Josef.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

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