Where to Stay in Franz Josef for Backpackers
Fly over a glacier, skydive over a glacier, walk on a glacier, hike to a glacier… Whatever you intend on doing in Franz Josef, which is bound to be glacier-related, save on the accommodation by staying in one of the awesome backpacker hostels in Franz Josef!
Most of the hostels in Franz Josef have generous offerings of free WiFi, breakfast and even soup in the evening so you can stretch those dollars further or save them for the 7 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers. However, there are heaps more on offer in Franz Josef like horse trekking and kayaking, so get wised up by looking at Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Guide for Backpackers.
So here are, what we consider, the best backpacker hostels in Franz Josef!
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 Accommodation2. 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 Montrose4. 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 & Motels5. 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 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?
More About Franz Josef for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best hostels 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:
- 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Franz Josef
- 25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the Franz Josef & Fox Glacier – Guide for Backpackers and 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 [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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