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Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

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

Photo gallery for Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

Enter a warm and inviting space with a cozy kitchen area featuring a stove, sink, and ample storage.
Enjoy a casual dining experience on the wooden deck, surrounded by a stone fireplace and rustic charm.
Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere in our café with ample seating and a view of the outdoors.
Relax in a spacious living area with comfortable seating and a convenient coffee table.
Relax in a secluded hot tub surrounded by lush greenery and a natural atmosphere.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$62
includes taxes & fees
27 July - 28 July

Explore the area

Map
27 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Waiho Hot Tubs
    ‪7 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

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

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

  • 4 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • 3.0 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

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

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

Highlights

Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 3 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

About the area

Franz Josef Glacier

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel places you steps from Westcoast Wildlife Centre and within a short 5-minute stroll of Te Wahipounamu. Highlights at this eco-friendly hostel include free self-parking and Access to hot tub. .This hostel has free WiFi in public areas, a games room and a library. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, barbecues and a picnic area. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .In proximity to this 3-property class Franz Josef Glacier hostel you'll find Mount Cook National Park.
View more Hostels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • St James Anglican Church - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

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
As a guest of Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel, you'll find a hot tub, a library, and barbecue grills. Public spaces have free WiFi. An arcade/games room, tour/ticket assistance, and a picnic area are also featured at the eco-certified Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Franz Josef Glacier hostel.

  • 23 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Games room or arcade
  • Library
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Smoking in designated areas
Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel offers 23 accommodations. This Franz Josef Glacier hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. An iron/ironing board and hairdryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

English, German

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 83 reviews
The price is AU$70
includes taxes & fees
15 July - 16 July
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site 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 lift (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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

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 older; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 16 days prior to check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. 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 over; guests must have received their complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 16 days prior to check-in.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

As of 14 July 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel on 27 July 2025 start from AU$62.49, including 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 at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Yep, Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

Is there a spa on site at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

No, there is no spa at this property. Waiho Hot Tubs is a short 5-minute walk away.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

No, Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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.