5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Franz Josef 🎒 [2023]

1. Glow Worm Accommodation

Let’s not beat around the bush; free WiFi, free vegetable soup in the evenings and free breakfast are all decent drawcards for the Glow Worm 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 spa pool, log fire and cosy TV room with free popcorn. All of this is on top of your expected backpacker hostel facilities.

Check Glow Worm Accommodation out:

• Glow Worm Accommodation on Booking.com
• Glow Worm Accommodation on HostelWorld
• Glow Worm Accommodation on Trip.com
• Glow Worm Accommodation on Expedia

© Glow Worm Accommodation

2. Rainforest Retreat

Rainforest Retreat is a pretty huge accommodation complex nestled in beautiful Franz Josef rainforest. Campervan power sites and dorm room accommodation are included in the mix with communal kitchens and laundry facilities for doing all your travel chores. As well as free WiFi and free hot tub and sauna, there are also regular pizza and beer deals at their on-site bar – one of the 9 Great Backpacker Bars in New Zealand.

Check Rainforest Retreat out:

• Rainforest Retreat on Booking.com
• Rainforest Retreat on HostelWorld
• Rainforest Retreat on Trip.com
• Rainforest Retreat on Expedia

3. Franz Josef Montrose

Another hostel with free breakfast, free soup, free Wi-Fi and free movie and popcorn? You can count us in! Franz Josef Montrose has a good central location in Franz Josef close to all the essential services. There’s off-street parking available too – something worth noting in the busy but limited streets of Franz Josef.

Check Franz Josef Montrose out:

• Franz Josef Montrose on Booking.com
• Franz Josef Montrose on HostelWorld
• Franz Josef Montrose on Expedia

© Franz Josef Montrose

4. Chateau Backpackers & Motels

Enjoy your own space in the pod dorm rooms of the Chateau Backpackers & Motels. Each bunk has a pull-across curtain with your own individual light, USB and plug socket. Find out more about pod hostels in What are Pod Hostels (and Why You Have to Try Them in New Zealand)? Plus, this is yet another hostel in Franz Josef with a generous offering of freebies including unlimited WiFi, soup in the evening, breakfast in the morning and a spa pool!

Check Chateau Backpackers & Motels out:

• Chateau Backpackers & Motels on Booking.com
• Chateau Backpackers & Motels on HostelWorld
• Chateau Backpackers & Motels on Trip.com
• Chateau Backpackers & Motels on Expedia

© Chateau Backpackers & Motels

5. Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge (Fox Glacier)

And if all else fails, you can always enjoy some glacier adventures in the neighbouring township of Fox Glacier – just 20 minutes away! Your top hostel option there is Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge spread among several buildings with a wide range of budget accommodations available. There are several kitchen and lounge areas to relax in, as well as a free spa pool and sauna. See more hostels in Fox Glacier and further down the West Coast in our 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Fox Glacier & Haast.

Check Ivory Towers out:

• Ivory Towers on Booking.com
• Ivory Towers on HostelWorld
• Ivory Towers on Trip.com

© Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge

[CLOSED] YHA Franz Josef

On the edge of the rainforest, YHA Franz Josef has a stunning backdrop for your stay in Glacier Country. Relax in the free sauna or cosy up by the fire after a long day on the glaciers. YHA members benefit from free WiFi and discount. Find out more in BBH, YHA, BASE or NOMADS: What is the Best Hostel Network?