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Franz Alpine Retreat

4.0 star property
This tranquil retreat offers nature's wonders, from local wildlife encounters to spectacular aerial tours of Franz Josef's dramatic landscapes.

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Photo gallery for Franz Alpine Retreat

Exterior - Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef Glacier)
Exterior - Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef Glacier)
2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room | 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV - Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef Glacier)
2 Bedroom Cottage | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef Glacier)
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef Glacier)
Franz Alpine Retreat is steps from the Westcoast Wildlife Centre, offering peaceful gardens and a sunny terrace. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi and proximity to the soothing Glacier Hot Pools. Helicopter and airplane tours offer unforgettable views of the alpine scenery.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Portable fan
  • 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
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Portable fan
  • 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 | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Portable fan
Private bathroom
  • 40 sq m
  • 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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Portable fan
  • 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
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Portable fan
Private bathroom
  • 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 | 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels, TV

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Highlights

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

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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Private bathroom
Hydromassage showerhead
Hair dryer
  • 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 cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
  • 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 cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
  • 69 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds
  • Garden view

About the neighborhood

Located in Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Alpine Retreat is in a rural area and near a boardwalk/promenade. Sentinel Rock is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Alex Knob. Glacier Hot Pools and Roberts Point are two other places to visit that come recommended. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowshoeing. Visit our Franz Josef Glacier travel guide
View more Motels in Franz Josef Glacier
Map
2 Donovan Drive, Sh 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886

What's nearby

  • Whilst driving in the early frosty morning in June on the final leg of our road trip around New Zealands South Island, we spotted a flash of Lake Mapourika through a little open space in the trees. We had to turn around to check it out, and were treated to a beautiful view of the morning mist rising from the lake. #Blue Travel Photo Contest
    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

  • Landing Bar & Restaurant
    4 min drive
  • Full Of Beans Cafe
    4 min drive
  • Monsoon Bar
    4 min drive
  • Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar
    4 min drive
  • SnakeBite Brewery
    4 min drive

About this property

Franz Alpine Retreat

Upscale motel near Westcoast Wildlife Centre
Located close to Glacier Hot Pools, Franz Alpine Retreat provides a terrace and a garden. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), laundry services, and helicopter/airplane tours
  • Tour/ticket assistance and a front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms at Franz Alpine Retreat offer comforts such as free WiFi and room service.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and portable fans
  • Hydromassage showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • 21-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies or patios, refrigerators, and microwaves

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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
  • 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

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

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Construction is underway at a neighboring building and there may be noise disturbance from the 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 Franz Alpine Retreat pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Franz Alpine Retreat located?

Situated in the mountains, this motel is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Westcoast Wildlife Centre and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Glacier Hot Pools. Sentinel Rock and Alex Knob are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

Franz Alpine Retreat Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 263 out of 484 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 151 out of 484 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 484 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 484 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 484 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Delightful young lady greeted us upon arrival at check in. Room very clean spacious and comfortable would certainly recommend and stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean new cabins, well equipped. Nice location, a little out of town but a short drive to shops. Amazing surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed 1 night here for our glacier flight. Very good and new accomodation. Easy parking at the door. Polite checkin. Comfy bed and warm accomodation. I would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 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

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

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

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very clean and staff were very obliging
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ong

Beautiful snow Mountain View

Very beautiful and nice place stay, viewing the mountains cover with snow.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Louvain

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

Katherine

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Shailesh

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

Perfect stay

The motel is conveniently located and reasonably priced. Even being close to Hwy 6, it was quite. There was separate parking near cottage. It's very well maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous view of the Franz Josef glacier from our chalet. Large and spacious, it was an accommodation we will never forget staying at. Conveniently located just outside of town, we were able to get what we needed, visit where we wanted, and finish the day with a beautiful stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

Great place to stay

Great place to stay,just outside Franz josef.great little place,heater if it’s cold,has microwave for simple stuff. Not keen on washing up in the sink you wash in tho. Has a fridge and utensils for two people.really nice to have chairs and table outside to sit in the sun
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Dustin

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

Ariana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The views from this place were fantastic. It was very calm and relaxing with a nice quiet start to every morning. This is about a 5 minute drive to the main area with cafe and shops so you’ll need a car to get to and from food, but would definitely book here again without a doubt. We did not have a kitchen but the option to have one is good out here.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Warwick

Rural location. Quiet. We had a two bedroom unit which was very spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Vonida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place that’s not too far of a drive for food and shops. Franz Josef is small so everything was within 15 min drive. I would say WiFi is spotty so I rarely used it.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Julie

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

8/10 Good

Anne Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is a fair way out of town but it is nice and quiet with great views across the countryside to the hills. There is a small kitchenette with microwave, crockery and cutlery, and detergent, tea towel etc, but no sink for washing dishes. This is has to be done in the bathroom! Did we not learn anything during COVID about clean and dirty workflows! There is a warning about using the shower: if you get the bedroom carpet wet you will be charged a fee. This is because the shower tap is positioned such that the water temperature cannot be regulated with the door open so you have to get under a cold shower, close the door and then regulate the temperature. Poor design and installation become the problem of the guest. Two heaters in the room: one didn't work and the other was ineffective.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liz

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

6/10 Okay

Nikki

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Was ok for our 2 night stay, had to pay extra for a room with a kitchen. Overall not too bad for a couple of nights but definitely wouldnt refer to it as a 'retreat'.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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