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Franz Alpine Retreat

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

Photo gallery for Franz Alpine Retreat

Exterior
Exterior
2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
2 Bedroom Cottage

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$207
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec

Explore the area

View 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
  • 69 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
  • 69 sq m
  • 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

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Cottage

2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room

2 Bedroom Cottage

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
  • 80 sq m
  • 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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
  • 69 sq m
  • 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

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Hydromassage showerhead
  • 35 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Unit, 1 Queen bed

Unit, 1 Queen bed

Unit, 1 Queen bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Hydromassage showerhead
  • 35 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
  • 69 sq m
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
  • 69 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the area

Franz Josef Glacier

At Franz Alpine Retreat you'll be 4.7 km (2.9 mi) from Westcoast Wildlife Centre and 4.8 km (3 mi) from Glacier Hot Pools. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and balconies. .This motel has free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Other amenities include tour/ticket assistance and a front desk safe. Continental breakfast is available daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 15-minute drive of this 4-property class Franz Josef Glacier motel include Sentinel Rock and Alex Knob.
View more Motels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Mapourika - 3 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 4 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 4 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 4 min drive - 5.1 km

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
Franz Alpine Retreat offers its guests a terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Franz Josef Glacier motel.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 2008
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Smoking in designated areas
Franz Alpine Retreat offers 17 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower with a hydromassage showerhead, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. 21-inch flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. An iron/ironing board and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • 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/aeroplane 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 lift
  • 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 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 property charges 2.5 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit or credit 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Guests may experience noise disturbance due to nearby construction work.

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

Is parking available at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Yep, Franz Alpine Retreat has a free self car park.

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

As of 17 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Franz Alpine Retreat on 18 Dec 2025 start from AU$207.00, 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.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat serve breakfast?

Yep, continental breakfast is offered daily between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Franz Alpine Retreat?

No, Franz Alpine Retreat does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Franz Alpine Retreat?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Franz Alpine Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 258 out of 479 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 151 out of 479 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 479 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 479 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 479 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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