Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier© Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

12 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef 👪 [2024]

© Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Family-Friendly Hotels, Motels, Holiday Parks and Holiday Homes in Franz Josef

The adventure playground of Franz Josef Glacier is an amazing destination for both adults and kids alike! But where should you stay after checking out the kiwi chicks at the West Coast Wildlife Centre or exploring the glaciers if you have older kids? Well, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite family accommodations in Franz Josef to suit a range of budgets, needs and tastes. Check out our kid-friendly hotels, holiday parks, motels and holiday parks in Franz Josef in the list below!

Plus, get inspiration for activities in The Guide to Franz Josef for Families and the 10 Things to Do in Franz Josef with Kids.

1. Aspen Court Franz Josef

A modern motel nestled in native forest, Aspen Court Franz Josef is a quality find in the Glacier Country. The five-star motel offers two spacious units for families of four: their “One and Two-Bedroom Units”. Each room has all the necessities you need for a home-away-from-home experience including a kitchen, dining and lounge area and a TV. Plus, there’s free WiFi, free milk on arrival, and a continental breakfast available to order.

Check Aspen Court Motel out:

Aspen Court Franz Josef © Aspen Court Franz Josef

2. Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier

By the time you’ve reached Franz Josef, you probably recognise the Bella Vista brand. Bella Vista Franz Josef offers a similar motel set-up to the rest in the chain: well-appointed, modern furnishings and utterly practical. While the “Twin Studio” is a great choice for a family of three, the “One Bedroom Family Unit” is the most popular choice for families. The full kitchen makes preparing your own meals a breeze while the spa bath in the bathroom is a welcome addition after a day in the alpine outdoors. For more motels worth discovering, check out the 10 Best Motels in Franz Josef.

Check Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef out:

Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier© Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier

3. Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat is a huge accommodation complex nestled in beautiful West Coast rainforest, having a room type for just about anyone. If you’re not travelling in a campervan where you can stay in the powered camping sites, then you have a choice of motel rooms sleeping up to three people or full houses/lodges with plenty of space for your tribe. Either way, you’ll have a kitchen, bathroom and oodles of space inside and out for the kids to roam. What’s more, many of the holiday houses come with board games to keep the little ones occupied. Rainforest Retreat is also within walking distance of the town centre.

Check Rainforest Retreat out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Franz Josef© Rainforest Retreat

4. 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 an excellent base for families. The motel, just 4km (2 miles) outside of town, is a top choice if you have your own transport, offering two-bedroom chalets and cottages with self-catering facilities and a choice of garden or mountain view. The cottages are the best option for more budget-conscious families, while the chalets provide a little more space.

Check JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Franz Josef© JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat

5. Alpine Glacier Motel

It’s all too easy at the Alpine Glacier Motel located in the township of Franz Josef with car parking right outside your unit! Enjoy the convenience of kitchenettes in affordable studios for families of three and four. The “King Family Studio” is an affordable choice for families with a DVD player and movies available at reception. There is also a “Two-Bedroom Apartment” available for larger tribes and a more home-like experience. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Alpine Glacier Motel out:

© Alpine Glacier Motel

6. Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park

Holiday parks are the go-to family accommodation for a reason! At Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park, the reason could well be the number of options kids have for entertainment during your family’s downtime, from a kids’ playground to a games room. Plus, extra facilities like a family bathroom, cot hire and a wide range of accommodation choices help with the challenges of a family getaway. Choose from motel rooms, units with ensuites, and camping sites with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Note that it’s best to have your own vehicle, as the holiday park is a little out of town.

Check Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Franz Josef© Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park

7. Kahere Retreat

Inspired by nature, and lapping up so much of it in stunning forest and mountain surroundings, Kahere Retreat offers gorgeous chalets for discerning travellers. Stay in one of the five handcrafted self-contained chalets, each made with locally-sourced materials and accommodating up to four guests. With rainwater supply, power from the local hydro station and using eco-brand toiletries, they are one of the most sustainably-minded accommodations in the area. For more self-contained stays, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Kahere Retreat out:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef© Kahere Retreat

8. Stony Creek Holiday Home

If you would rather have your own piece of alpine paradise, then choose the Stony Creek Holiday Home. This three-bedroom holiday home on the quiet residential outskirts of Franz Josef basks in mountain views which you can enjoy from your private deck. This accommodation has all of the home essentials, from a contemporary open-plan kitchen to laundry machines. It could be the ideal retreat for your family.

Check Stony Creek Holiday Home out:

10 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef© Stony Creek Holiday Home

9. 10 Cottages

Surrounded by beautiful rainforest yet only a short walk from town, 10 Cottages offers “Two-Bedroom Cottages” sleeping up to seven guests. Each cottage has kitchen facilities, a private deck to enjoy views of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, electric blankets, TVs and parking. What’s more, free unlimited WiFi is available. All in all, 10 Cottages is a great choice for an independent family holiday.

Check 10 Cottages out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Franz Josef© 10 Cottages

10. Glenfern Villas

Located 3km (2 miles) north of the Franz Josef township, Glenfern Villas is a peaceful venue for a family stay. The apartment-style two-bedroom villas are ideal for families with oodles of space, two levels and a private deck outside to soak in the mountain views. Each villa has a fully-equipped kitchen and free WiFi, while the complex also has bike hire and a playground. See more stays like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Glenfern Villas out:

10 Best Family Accommodation in Franz Josef© Glenfern Villas

11. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

For families seeking more of a hotel-style stay in Franz Josef then set your sights on the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. The four-star hotel offers three styles of rooms with flexible bed layouts for families of three or four. The “Standard Room” is your more budget-friendly option, while the “Superior Rooms” and “Superior Suites” amp up the experience with a more roomy and stylish design or a separate lounge area. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, bar, private spa pools (at the nearby Te Waonui Retreat) and free WiFi. For more hotel stays, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef.

Check Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier out:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier© Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

12. Glow Worm Accommodation

Finally, families on a tight budget can find relief in some of the town’s hostels which have family rooms available with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. But book quickly, as these rooms are limited! One fine example is the Glow Worm Accommodation which offers free WiFi, free vegetable soup in the evenings and free breakfast. After a day on the glaciers, relax in the free communal spa pool or by the log fire or cosy TV room with free popcorn. See more accommodation like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Franz Josef.

Check Glow Worm Accommodation out:

Glow Worm Accommodation© Glow Worm Accommodation

More About Family Accommodations in Franz Josef

That’s it for our list of the best family 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 for Families.

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:

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.

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