Top 10 hotels in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand

August 22, 2022 Layne Dawes

When thinking of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, one word should always come to mind: glacier. The speedy Fox and Franz Josef glaciers (both move up to 13 feet each day) are two popular sights and in some places, you can see the ice stretch back down to the sea. When you’re ready to get back to stable ground, walk around Lake Matheson (which also offers excellent birdwatching via kayak) to enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook.
Things to do in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

1. Rainforest Retreat

46 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
Excellent
53%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2546 reviews

Rainforest Retreat

Deep In the heart of West Coast Glacier country, Rainforest Retreat is a rare find, with a range of accommodation set amongst lush native bush in Franz Josef township. Enjoy privacy and sanctuary in secluded cottages and tree huts, relax in the spas and sauna, dine out and have fun at the bar/restaurant, or just relish the bush setting and cook up barbecues with new friends. From luxury tree huts to flashpacker rooms, Rainforest Retreat has accommodation to suit every style of traveller; from couples to family groups to young individuals on a budget. Rainforest Retreat provides excellent value and a special atmosphere; with a focus on superb service, cleanliness and a range of great facilities to satisfy all of our guests.

Best holiday ever

Reviewed By David R

We booked this holiday accommodation a year in advance, for my 60th birthday treat, as the cruise we had booked was cancelled due to COVID 19. We thought a deluxe treehouse with spa was very different and boy the choice was a revelation. The setting was excellent, set in a very tree and plant living area which at night the paths to the accommodation were lit up. You could see the mountains from our room also. The spa was spacious and relaxing. It was maintained on a daily basis even if not used. We stayed 6 nights, probably unusual, as it seems more of a short stay mid travel point of call., and housekeeping on a daily basis even though we did not need it every day. . Staff were fabulous and we felt part of a family. Special mention for MEL who did a mulitude of jobs always with a warm smile and Many who was service manager at the Monsoon bar and restaurant. Many had time for us and made us feel very welcome. Al, other staff we met were great also. Would we stay again? YesYes Yes

2. The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier

15 Cowan Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 428 reviews

The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier

The Terrace is the closest Motel to the centre of Franz Josef Village, yet on a quiet side street. The 4 star Terrace Motel offers views of snow capped mountains and the Croz Glacier from its grounds. Unlimited Free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking are included. The Terrace offer Hotel style rooms along with rooms with cooking facilities, next to reception is a quiet restaurant operated by two of Franz Josef most experienced restauranteurs. The Terrace is the closest Motel to Franz Josef's free Glow Worm Caves and Franz Josef Kiwi Bird Centre where guests can experience New Zealand's national bird up close. The Terrace offers spacious ground floor accommodation with electric blankets and electric heating, flat-screen Televisions, tea/coffee making facilities and all en suite bathrooms, some feature a Spa Bath. Guests have a choice of studio's or spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Most rooms features stove tops and microwaves along with a dining area (please note Hotel style rooms offer tea / coffee and breakfast making facilities only). All rooms are serviced daily. Guests have access to shared laundry and barbecue facilities with outside tables and chairs. The tour desk can organise a range of activities including discounted helicopter flights, hikes, kayaking, horse treks and glacier walks.

Good location in middle of town

Reviewed By Shane B

Place is in a great locaation TA No1 rated restaurant right next door, easy walking distance to several bars and 4 square supermarket. It is also set up for motor homes and backpackers so has good laundry facilities. Room was good, clean good facilities fridge, microwave etc. Would not hesitate to stay here again location pushes it to 5*.

3. Westwood Lodge

Rapid Number 2919 State Highway 6, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7952 New Zealand 011 64 3-752 0112
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Westwood Lodge

Westwood Lodge offer stylish cotemporary accommodation set in a delightful landscaped native garden with Alpine & Glacier views. All rooms are superbly comfortable, choose between the Main House Suites with a luxurious French tub or a Coach House suite with fantastic alpine views. All suites have underfloor heated spacious ensuites with dual handbasins & large open titled showers. For total comfort all include complimentary toiletries, robes & hairdryers.

Perfection!

Reviewed By 125ejm

The view, Kaz, the pooches, the room, breakfast. Friendly, warm, informative, inviting. Perfect place to stay whilst exploring the glaciers. We also headed into Alice May’s for dinner from Kaz’s suggestion which was equally delightful.

4. Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge

17 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 675 reviews

Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge

24 spacious, well appointed, ground floor studio and family units. Central village location with spectacular alpine and rainforest views, walk to restaurants, shops and attractions. King, queen, deck and spa units with kitchenettes, ensuite bathrooms, Sky TV, DVD players and complimentary DVD library. Spa pool, guest laundry and activities booking service.

A very good place to stay

Reviewed By Alvinspotty

Spent three nights there and we loved it. very close to shopping and easy walking, only five minutes or less. The manager was very good to us, he tried to get us cheap helicopter trips but could not. there was not much traffic as to the virus. But we loved the town worth visiting and spending time there.

5. Lake Matheson Motel

Corner Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive 45 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 479 reviews

Lake Matheson Motel

Lake Matheson Motel is a 4 star rated accommodation, ideally located 400 metres from the town centre of Fox Glacier. While we have been proudly named after beautiful Lake Matheson, we are definitely a town based motel; while we are not on the edge of the Lake, we are only a ten minute drive away and the same for the Glacier. Our motto is 'simply nice'. This means we provide simple, clean and comfortable accommodation and focus on giving you good quality basics such as quality Sleepyhead beds with cotton linen and great showers. AND we haven't been sitting around doing nothing during the Covid Lockdown! We have been busy renovating our front studio units with new carpets, beds, wallpaper and paint! We would love to host you in our variety of studio and 2 bedroom units, with mountain views, in a peaceful location. We provide unlimited WIFI,undercover parking for all units, some spa units, King and Queen bed units, continental breakfasts, a portable BBQ and a Guest Laundry for your convenience. We hope to welcome you to Fox Glacier soon. Debbie and Andrew :)

Convenient overnight stop

Reviewed By Mary366

We stayed one night at the Lake Matheson Motel as part of a road trip down the coast. The unit was clean and comfortable and the bathroom was well appointed. The kitchenette area was a little small as it was a bit cramped to do any cooking but it was sufficient. The beds were comfortable. There is a handy carport right outside the door which was great for the day we left when it poured down. This meant you didn't get too wet packing the car.

6. Rainforest Retreat

46 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
Excellent
53%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2546 reviews

Rainforest Retreat

Deep In the heart of West Coast Glacier country, Rainforest Retreat is a rare find, with a range of accommodation set amongst lush native bush in Franz Josef township. Enjoy privacy and sanctuary in secluded cottages and tree huts, relax in the spas and sauna, dine out and have fun at the bar/restaurant, or just relish the bush setting and cook up barbecues with new friends. From luxury tree huts to flashpacker rooms, Rainforest Retreat has accommodation to suit every style of traveller; from couples to family groups to young individuals on a budget. Rainforest Retreat provides excellent value and a special atmosphere; with a focus on superb service, cleanliness and a range of great facilities to satisfy all of our guests.

Best holiday ever

Reviewed By David R

We booked this holiday accommodation a year in advance, for my 60th birthday treat, as the cruise we had booked was cancelled due to COVID 19. We thought a deluxe treehouse with spa was very different and boy the choice was a revelation. The setting was excellent, set in a very tree and plant living area which at night the paths to the accommodation were lit up. You could see the mountains from our room also. The spa was spacious and relaxing. It was maintained on a daily basis even if not used. We stayed 6 nights, probably unusual, as it seems more of a short stay mid travel point of call., and housekeeping on a daily basis even though we did not need it every day. . Staff were fabulous and we felt part of a family. Special mention for MEL who did a mulitude of jobs always with a warm smile and Many who was service manager at the Monsoon bar and restaurant. Many had time for us and made us feel very welcome. Al, other staff we met were great also. Would we stay again? YesYes Yes

7. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

36 Main Rd off State Hwy 6, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
Excellent
38%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1047 reviews

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in two separate hotel ‘wings’. Stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. Our hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.Our professional, friendly staff look forward to welcoming you and helping to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Your visit will be made even more memorable by the many natural wonders in the area. Just be sure to bring your camera!

A wonderful stay - beautiful hotel and amazing Team!

Reviewed By mariejohn

Joy the manager greeted us enthusiastically when we arrived. We were given a big room. We had dinner in the restaurant on our first night and it was awesome. Had a great meal. All of the staff that we encountered in the restaurant throughout our stay were very accommodating and efficient and just so friendly. We couldn’t fault our stay at scenic hotel Franz Josef. The weather did close in a bit on us during our stay and We noticed it was very quite in the town and also at the hotel! I’m so happy that the tourists will soon be returning to the South Island because so many communities seem to have been impacted by the lack of tourists for more than 2 years. The South Island of nz is amazing so do yourself a favour and book a trip to nz soon!

8. Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Kerr Road Off Cook Flat Rd, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 848 reviews

Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels

Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels offer a wide range of accommodation types to suit all travellers. We have modern motels, self-contained units, lodges, standard cabins, powered and non-powered vehicle sites and tent sites. This accommodation range is matched with excellent communal facilities, and our peaceful rural setting, with the towering Southern Alps visible from all around the park. GET OUTFOXING! Our guests often tell us that they love the local walks, but wish there was more information about what they are looking at. To help you get the most out of your stay we have produced some excellent guide booklets for the best local walks. We call them OUTFOXING Guidebooks, and each booklet takes you to several points of interest along one of the walks, and tells you something incredible about what you're looking at.

great stay

Reviewed By Vonzy9

great location near the township of fox glacier and very close to lake matheson mirror lakes. fast and helpful service at the front desk. great place to park your campervan as you get the views of the mountains. fast wifi and big spacious communal kitchen and tv room. average bathroom - needs renovating.

9. Punga Grove Motel & Suites

40 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
Excellent
40%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 421 reviews

Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Punga Grove offers stylish motel accommodation in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village. Set amongst beautiful native bush with the lush rainforest at your doorstep with a stunning backdrop of high alpine peaks, Punga Grove is your natural West Coast accommodation choice for your stay in Glacier Country in New Zealand.

Fabulous motel

Reviewed By Linley N

Unit was spacious and well appointed. I loved the little extra touches like salt and pepper. Staff friendly and helpful and the location is excellent! Great value and look forward to going back one day!

10. Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

55 Main Road Main Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
Excellent
45%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 513 reviews

Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier

Newest accommodation complex in Fox Glacier. Superior accommodation in the heart of the Village. Stroll to restaurants and cafes.

Can't recommend enough! Great place to stay.

Reviewed By Jadeykims

We had a great experience at Bella Vista. Karen was super accommodating with our after hours check in and left us a cute note with all of the info we needed. Very knowledgable and informative. The room was spotless and well equipped and the motel is in a great location. Walking distance to everything we needed. Highly recommend!! :)

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