10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef 🍸 [2023]© Rainforest Retreat
10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef 🍸 [2023]

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef 🍸 [2024]

© Rainforest Retreat

Where to Find Luxury Hotels and Lodges in Franz Josef Glacier

A special destination like the majestic Franz Josef calls for a special place to stay. While the offering of luxury accommodations in Franz Josef is quite exclusive, what you’ll find is sure to impress. From rainforest retreats to charming B&Bs, there’s a luxury stay in Franz Josef to suit a range of tastes, styles and needs. We’ll go through our top picks in this list of the most lavish places to stay in Franz Josef.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in  The Luxury Guide to Franz Josef, or at least the 10 Best Luxury Experiences in Franz Josef.

1. Te Waonui Forest Retreat

A five-star experience nestled in the glorious rainforest, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is one of the most luxurious accommodations in Franz Josef. The soundproofed rooms to the five-course degustation menu in their restaurant are just some of the features that set this accommodation apart from the rest. As for the rooms, enjoy peaceful nights’ sleep with woollen underlays and plush down bedding, while enjoying the convenience of walk-in showers (in most rooms) and a private balcony stretching out into the native forest. Either king or twin rooms are available sleeping up to a maximum of three. If all of that wasn’t enough, the complex also includes a luxury spa with a full menu of rejuvenating treatments which feel extra heavenly after a day exploring the glaciers.

Check Te Waonui Forest Retreat out:

Te Waonui Forest Retreat © Te Waonui Forest Retreat

2. Rainforest Retreat

Scattered across the bush-clad property of Rainforest Retreat are accommodations for travellers right across the spectrum, including travellers wishing to treat themselves. The most premium rooms are the “Deluxe” rooms, consisting of one- and two-bedroom tree houses with a spa pool, more cosy tree huts with underfloor heating nestled in forest, and slightly more spacious tree lodges. All Deluxe rooms have features like an espresso machine, plush bedding, a large ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, a private deck and a continental breakfast included.

Check Rainforest Retreat out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef 🍸 [2023]© Rainforest Retreat

3. Westwood Lodge

Experience ultimate comfort at this cosy luxury lodge on the outskirts of Franz Josef town. With spacious suites across the main lodge and outbuildings, exuding warmth with timber-lined interiors and twin-basin ensuites with a freestanding bathtub, Westwood Lodge is certainly an enticing place to return after a day exploring Glacier Country. Relax in the sumptuous guest lounge with a roaring fire or “take your cue” in the billiards room. A continental and cooked breakfast are also available, although not included in all room packages.

Check Westwood Lodge out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef© Westwood Lodge

4. 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 Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef© Kahere Retreat

5. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

While Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the Scenic’s five-star retreat, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is the four-star hotel experience by the same hotel group. The fabulous hotel in an enticing setting of mountain views, rainforest and manicured gardens offers three styles of rooms with flexible bed layouts. The “Standard Room” is your entry-level option, while the “Superior Rooms” and “Superior Suites” amp up the experience with a roomy and stylish design or a separate lounge area. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant serving hearty South Island specialities and also provides access to the nearby day spa and hot pools at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Discover more hotel-style accommodations in 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

6. Franz Josef Treetops

Secluded on the edge of a small campground, yet within walking distance of town, Franz Josef Treetops is not only convenient but wrapped in luxury. Who needs to head to the hot pools when you have your own double spa baths nestled in the verdant gardens?! The three-bedroom house sleeping up to six guests is modernly furnished including an open-plan kitchen and a deck complete with a barbecue. You need to check-in to this property at The Terrace, which manages it, just a short stroll away.

Check Franz Josef Treetops out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef© Franz Josef Treetops

7. Holly Homestead B&B

For a stay in Franz Josef with a bit of character and Kiwi hospitality, choose Holly Homestead B&B. The bed and breakfast accommodation radiates historical charm set in a rimu colonial homestead and decorated in “country chic” style. The adults-only accommodation offers king, queen and twin rooms, as well as a “Deluxe Super-King” room for that extra bit of luxurious flair. All rooms are kitted out with quality linen, bathrobes and slippers, while the ensuites have heated towel rails and demister mirrors. The homestead is just 1.5km (0.9 miles) out of town. See more couple-centric stays like this in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Holly Homestead out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef 🍸 [2023]© Holly Homestead B&B

8. Glenfern Villas

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. See more motel-style accommodations in our 10 Best Motels in Franz Josef.

Check Glenfern Villas out:

10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef© Glenfern Villas

9. Franz Josef Oasis

A luxury boutique hotel just a few minutes north of the Franz Josef township, Franz Josef Oasis is a fine choice of accommodation in the Glacier Country. All of the 20 luxuriously-appointed rooms are on the ground floor soaking in the views of the mountains, forest, farmland and garden of the hotel. Rooms feature special extras like your own fireplace, spa baths, extra-long beds and more. The luxury hotel also features a restaurant with a generous buffet breakfast of espresso coffee, fresh fruit, local cheese and free-range eggs. An a la carte menu is also available on an evening with New Zealand favourites like New Zealand lamb, Marlborough king salmon and South Island rib eye steak.

Check Franz Josef Oasis out:

Franz Josef Oasis © Franz Josef Oasis

10. Stony Creek Holiday Home

If your idea of luxury is completely having 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 group or family. See more family-friendly like this in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Check Stony Creek Holiday Home out:

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

More About Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef

That’s it for our list of the best luxury 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 Luxury Guide to Franz Josef.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

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