10 BEST Motels in Franz Josef 🏘️ [2023]© Glenfern Villas
10 BEST Motels in Franz Josef 🏘️ [2023]

12 BEST Motels in Franz Josef 🏘️ [2024]

© Glenfern Villas

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is on the bucket list of almost every traveller coming to New Zealand, so rest assured there are plenty of motels to house you all. Regardless, the choice is still a little overwhelming, even in a town where you can see both ends of it by standing in the middle! To take the guesswork out of your accommodation search, we’ve put together this list of the best motels in Franz Josef. There are motels to suit a range of styles, needs and budgets – so let’s get started!

For alternative accommodations, be sure to browse our 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef. Meanwhile, you might also like to open up the 25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef for more trip-planning success!

1. Aspen Court Motel – The Best Motel in Franz Josef

A modern five-star motel nestled in native forest, Aspen Court Motel is a fantastic option for travellers looking for a finer-than-average motel. Aspen Court Motel offers high-quality units and studios with kitchenettes, as well as some ensuites with a spa bath. Each room has all the necessities most travellers need plus free WiFi, free milk on arrival and a continental breakfast is available. What’s more, the motel offers extra convenience with its super central location. Because this motel is a little special, we also include this accommodation in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Aspen Court Motel out:

Aspen Court Franz Josef© Aspen Court Franz Josef

2. 58 On Cron Motel – Motel in Franz Josef with Spa Baths

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 convenient nonetheless). The motel offers five room types, from budget-friendly “Studio Units” sleeping up to three people to the “King Studio Spa” with a spa bath. Other facilities include a guest barbecue, Sky TV, free WiFi, car parking and a full kitchenette in every room.

Check 58 On Cron Motel out:

58 On Cron Motel© 58 On Cron Motel

3. Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier – Central Motel in Franz Josef

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:

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

4. Alpine Glacier Motel – Cheap Motel in Franz Josef

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 recommendations like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Alpine Glacier Motel out:

10 BEST Motels in Franz Josef© Alpine Glacier Motel

5. Glacier View Motel – Affordable Out-of-Town Motel 

Glacier View Motel offers a tranquil retreat 2km (1.2 miles) away from the Franz Josef township. The Tartare River running alongside the motel grounds adds to the peaceful ambience, but choosing a room type from the excessive menu is a little more of a headache. Nevertheless, find reassurance in the fact that all units cover more than just the basics with a shower ensuite, a TV, heating, undercover parking, plunger coffee and kitchen facilities.

Check Glacier View Motel out:

Glacier View Motel Franz Josef © Glacier View Motel Franz Josef

6. Rainforest Retreat – Pet-Friendly Motel in Franz Josef

When it comes to accommodation, Rainforest Retreat really has it all, including motel rooms! Aside from campervan sites, hostel accommodation, units and huts nestled in native rainforest, Rainforest Retreat also offers motel studio units with either a queen and a single bed or a queen and a bunk set, as well as an ensuite, kitchen and TV with Sky TV. Guests can also make use of the on-site bar and restaurant, as well as spa pools, sauna and more.

Check Rainforest Retreat out:

10 Best Motels in Franz Josef© Rainforest Retreat

7. JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat – Self-Catering Motel Near Franz Josef

Far enough away from town to escape the hustle and bustle but close enough for convenience, JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat is a peaceful base. The motel just 4km (2.5 miles) outside of town is best if you have your own transport, but also if you want the flexibility of self-catering. Choose from one-bedroom units and one/two-bedroom chalets and cottages – the latter two with kitchen facilities and a choice of garden or mountain view. See more self-catering accommodations in our list of the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat out:

10 Best Motels in Franz Josef© JAG Escape Franz Alpine Retreat

8. 10 Cottages – Central Self-Contained Motel Units in Franz Josef

Surrounded by beautiful rainforest yet only a short walk from town, 10 Cottages offers “One-Bedroom Cottages” sleeping one to three guests, as well as a couple of “Two-Bedroom Cottages” sleeping up to seven. The One-Bedroom Cottages are more motel-style with a studio layout and kitchen facilities. You’ll also have a private deck to enjoy views of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. What’s more, free unlimited WiFi is available. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check 10 Cottages out:

12 BEST Motels in Franz Josef 🏘️ [2023]© 10 Cottages

9. The Terrace – Spa Motel in Franz Josef

Set in the centre of Franz Josef township, The Terrace offers a convenient stay with free unlimited WiFi. Many rooms offer 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 more upmarket “Mountain View Studios” with a kitchen. Additional extras include Sky TV, plunger coffee (in most rooms), breakfast available and towels for the nearby hot pools. For more information on its hotel rooms, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef.

Check The Terrace out:

The Terrace© The Terrace

10. Punga Grove – Motel in Rainforest Surroundings in Franz Josef

It’s hard to beat the setting of this motel nestled in the rainforest. The motel is designed to maximise the views of the surrounding landscape through outdoor decking areas, conservatories and floor-to-ceiling windows. Choose from studios of different styles and prices to two-bedroom units for groups of families. What’s more, Punga Grove is centrally located just a short walk from the town’s services and attractions.

Check Punga Grove out:

Punga Grove© Punga Grove

11. Glenfern Villas – Luxury Motel in Franz Josef

Located 3km (1.9 miles) north of the Franz Josef township, Glenfern Villas is a peaceful venue for a couples’ getaway or family stay. The apartment-style one and two-bedroom villas have oodles of space running out to a private deck soaking in the mountain views. Each villa has a fully-equipped kitchen and free WiFi for that home-away-from-home experience. Extra facilities include bike hire, Sky TV and a children’s playground. Discover more upscale stays like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Glenfern Villas out:

10 BEST Motels in Franz Josef© Glenfern Villas

12. Kahere Retreat – Eco-Friendly Motel in Franz Josef

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.

Check Kahere Retreat out:

10 BEST Motels in Franz Josef© Kahere Retreat

[CLOSED] Glacier Highway Motel

A modern motel set 4km (2.5 miles) north of Franz Josef township, Glacier Highway Motel is another fantastic motel option. The accommodation has 12 units with a modern architectural design and fresh furnishings. Families and groups are well catered for here with one and two-bedroom spa units, as well as family units with kitchens and a dishwasher (yes, you read that right – a dishwasher!) Other facilities include free WiFi, Sky TV, free milk and baby cots and highchairs.

More About Motels in Franz Josef

That’s it for our list of the best motels 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 Complete Travel Guide to Franz Josef.

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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