10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef 🛌🏼 [2025]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Franz Josef

Franz Josef might be home to one of the world’s most accessible glaciers, as well as the most breathtaking rainforests and reflective lakes, but enjoying them all isn’t exactly cheap. One way you can save money, however, is by choosing more budget-friendly accommodation. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best budget accommodations in Franz Josef, including motels, hostels, holiday parks and more.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Franz Josef and The Travel Guide to Franz Josef on a Budget.

1. Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge

Hostels are a good way to go to do budget accommodation in Franz Josef and an excellent example of that is the Franz Josef Montrose Hostel Lodge. The hostel offers free soup, free WiFi and free movie and popcorn depending on the season, but that’s a whole lot of free stuff that budget travellers can’t refuse! Franz Josef Montrose also has a good central location close to all the essential town services. Off-street parking is also available – something worth noting in the busy but limited streets of Franz Josef. See more recommendations like this in the 5 Best Backpackers in Franz Josef.

Check Franz Josef Montrose out:

2. Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat is a huge accommodation complex nestled in the beautiful Franz Josef rainforest. Budget accommodation comes in many forms, from “flashpacker” hostel accommodation to campervan power sites to motel rooms to houses in the forest and the list goes on. As well as free breakfast with some rooms, free WiFi, free hot tub and use of the sauna, there are also regular pizza and beer deals at their on-site bar and restaurant. With its cosy cabins nestled in rainforest, this accommodation also features in our 5 Best Romantic Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Rainforest Retreat out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef ???????? [2023]

3. Glow Worm Accommodation

Let’s not beat around the bush… Free WiFi, free vegetable soup in the evenings and free breakfast are all drawcards for this backpacker hostel accommodation in Franz Josef. After a day on the glaciers, Glow Worm Accommodation is on a mission to make you as warm as possible with a free communal spa pool, log fire and cosy TV room with free popcorn. As you might be interested in what rooms are available, choose from dorm rooms, private double and twin rooms with either shared facilities or ensuites, and a family room.

Check Glow Worm Accommodation out:

4. Alpine Glacier Motel

It’s all too easy at the Alpine Glacier Motel nestled in the township of Franz Josef with car parking right outside your unit. Enjoy the convenience of kitchenettes in the affordable studios for couples, groups of three and groups of four. The “Queen Studio” is your cheapest option which captures the sun but lacks the mountain views, while the “King Family Studio” is an affordable choice for families with a DVD player and movies available at reception to keep the little ones entertained. See more like this in 10 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Alpine Glacier Motel out:

5. Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park

Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park provides the most styles of accommodation that budget travellers are looking for. Choose from motel rooms, units with ensuites, budget cabins and camping sites with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Other facilities at the holiday park include a barbecue area, games room, children’s playground and a TV room with Sky TV.

Check Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

6. The Terrace

Set in the centre of Franz Josef township, The Terrace is your more affordable hotel option. Find basic hotel rooms, as well as self-contained motel rooms, many of which take in the views of the Croz Glacier and the Franz Josef Glacier valley. Room types include “King Studios” with kitchenettes, a selection of apartments with multiple bedrooms and spa baths, as well as the more luxurious “Mountain View Studios” with a kitchen (should you want to splurge on this occasion). Additional features include Sky TV, plunger coffee (in most rooms), breakfast available and towels for the nearby hot pools. See how The Terrance compares to the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef.

Check The Terrace out:

7. Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier

By the time you’ve reached Franz Josef (and you’ve stayed in a few motels), you probably recognise the Bella Vista brand. Bella Vista Franz Josef offers a similar motel set-up to the rest in the motel chain: well-appointed, modern furnishings and super practical. Choose from a “Compact Queen Studio”, “Queen Kitchenette Studio”, “Twin Studio”, “Mountain View King Studio” or a “One Bedroom Family Unit”. Most rooms have kitchen facilities, while spa baths are a luxurious addition to others.

Check Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef out:

8. 58 On Cron Motel

An affordable motel in Franz Josef township, 58 On Cron Motel is located on one of the main streets in Franz Josef (Ok, so there aren’t many but it’s still worth mentioning, right?) There are five room types, from budget-friendly “Studio Units” sleeping up to three people to the “King Studio Spa” with a spa bath. Other facilities at the motel include a guest barbecue, Sky TV, free WiFi, car parking and a full kitchenette in every room. Compare this motel with others in our 10 Best Motels in Franz Josef.

Check 58 On Cron Motel out:

9. Glacier View Motel – Franz Josef

With the Tartare River running alongside the motel grounds and being 2km (1.2 miles) from town, Glacier View Motel offers a tranquil retreat from the busy town centre. Although there are enough room types to make your head explode, find reassurance in the fact that all units cover more than just the basics with a shower ensuite, a TV, plunger coffee, kitchen facilities, heating and undercover parking.

Check Glacier View Motel out:

10. JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat

Far enough away from town to escape the hustle and bustle but close enough for convenience, JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat is well worth considering. The accommodation 4 km (2.5 miles) outside of town is a top choice for those with their own transport, offering one-bedroom units, chalets and cottages, the cheapest of which eliminate self-catering facilities that the more expensive rooms have. Nevertheless, it’s not something a drive to Franz Josef’s restaurants can’t solve!

Check JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat out:

[UPDATE] 10 Cottages

[Update: 10 Cottages have increased their prices a little outside of the “budget” category since we first featured this accommodation in our list of the best budget accommodations in Franz Josef. For more upscale stays, also take a look at the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef].

Surrounded by beautiful West Coast rainforest yet only a short walk from town, 10 Cottages offers “Studio Cottages” with hotel-style amenities and “Two-Bedroom Cottages” with self-contained facilities. Each cottage has a private deck to enjoy views of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, while the inside is kept cosy and warm year-round with electric heating, electric blankets and double glazing. What’s more, free unlimited WiFi is available.

Check 10 Cottages out:

[CLOSED] YHA Franz Josef

On the edge of the rainforest, YHA Franz Josef has a stunning backdrop for your stay in Franz Josef. Relax in the free sauna or cosy up by the fire after a long day of ice exploring. Room types include dorm rooms, private double and twin rooms with either shared bathrooms or ensuites and family rooms with an ensuite. The eco-friendly hostel uses solar energy and offers communal facilities such as a kitchen, TV lounge, drying room, picnic area and more. YHA members benefit from free WiFi and discount. Find out more in BBH, YHA, BASE or NOMADS: What is the Best Hostel Network?

More About Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Franz Josef, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar Franz Josef travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Franz Josef on a Budget.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

About Laura About Our Team