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Franz Alpine Retreat

4.0 star property
4-star motel near Westcoast Wildlife Centre

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Photo gallery for Franz Alpine Retreat

Exterior
2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room
Exterior
2 Bedroom Cottage
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
2 Donovan Drive, Sh 6, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Place, Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Waiho Hot Tubs
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 69 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Chalet, 1 Bedroom

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 1 Bedroom

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 69 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area | Private kitchen

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 2 Bedroom Cottage

2 Bedroom Cottage | Living room

2 Bedroom Cottage

  • 80 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

  • 69 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View | Living area

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Unit, 1 Queen bed

Unit, 1 Queen bed

Unit, 1 Queen bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 69 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 69 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the area

Franz Josef Glacier

Close to the boardwalk/promenade.Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Franz Josef Glacier motel, you'll find Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Glacier Hot Pools. Sentinel Rock and Alex Knob are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Motels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Mapourika - 3 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 4 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 4 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 4 min drive - 5.1 km

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 112 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Full Of Beans Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Landing Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Monsoon Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪SnakeBite Brewery - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Franz Alpine Retreat

4-star motel near Westcoast Wildlife Centre
Franz Alpine Retreat offers its guests a terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden. WiFi is free in public spaces. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Franz Josef Glacier motel.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 2008
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Smoking in designated areas
Franz Alpine Retreat offers 17 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers with hydromassage showerheads, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 21-inch flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Irons/ironing boards and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
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The price is CA $82
CA $95 total
includes taxes & fees
May 2 - May 3
Alpine Glacier Motel

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: NZD 15 for adults and NZD 15 for children

Things to do

  • Helicopter/airplane tours

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 21-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service
  • Toaster

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.5 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 7 days before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 45.0 per night.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: NZD 50 per day
  • Breakage deposit: NZD 50 per day

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 15 for adults and NZD 15 for children
  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 45.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit or credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Guests may experience noise disturbance due to nearby construction work.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin
Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Cabin
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat
Franz Alpine Retreat Motel
Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat
Franz Alpine Retreat Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Alpine Retreat Motel Franz Josef Glacier

Frequently asked questions

How close is Franz Alpine Retreat to the airport?

Franz Alpine Retreat is 81.8 mi (112-min drive) away from the Hokitika (HKK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Franz Alpine Retreat?

As of Apr 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Franz Alpine Retreat on May 11, 2026 start from CA $87, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Franz Alpine Retreat.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Franz Alpine Retreat, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 15 for adults and NZD 15 for children. It's available every day from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Franz Alpine Retreat?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Franz Alpine Retreat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Franz Alpine Retreat?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat have a pool?

Franz Alpine Retreat does not have a pool.

Does Franz Alpine Retreat have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Franz Alpine Retreat to downtown Franz Josef Glacier?

Franz Alpine Retreat is 2 mi away from Franz Josef Glacier.

Franz Alpine Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 268 out of 497 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 157 out of 497 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 497 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 497 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 497 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Delightful young lady greeted us upon arrival at check in. Room very clean spacious and comfortable would certainly recommend and stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Baishali

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean new cabins, well equipped. Nice location, a little out of town but a short drive to shops. Amazing surroundings.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed 1 night here for our glacier flight. Very good and new accomodation. Easy parking at the door. Polite checkin. Comfy bed and warm accomodation. I would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew O

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were well kept.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

jan, marysville

Bathroom floor was filthy
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

James

Never made it to the property due to weather/road conditions.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Nikki

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Was ok for our 2 night stay, had to pay extra for a room with a kitchen. Overall not too bad for a couple of nights but definitely wouldnt refer to it as a 'retreat'.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overnight in glacier country

Just a one night stay on our roadie down the West Coast to the snow, to check out the glacier and have a walk. Unit was as expected, new and warm. Was fine for our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Hamilton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet, easy driving distance to Franz Josef township
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

imogen

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff weren’t overly friendly. They wore headphones while giving us our keys and when we needed any assistance they didn’t really talk to us and kept their headphones in. When we booked we were told we would have milk but there was no milk provided. The bed was as hard as a rock. There were towels labelled “make up” but then there was a sign above them saying if we used them to take our make up off and stained the towels we would be fined. Overall we were there for one night and can’t really find much positive to say about it
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Dustin

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The accommodations were fine, my wife and I booked a 2 bedroom cabin for one night. We had a friend traveling with us as well. When booking a 2 bedroom cabin I think most people would assume that would mean 2-4 people staying in the room. Upon check in we were charged an additional $50 for the third person. So in my mind they made an additional $50 on us for the use of one additional bath towel. A bit ridiculous considering we were the only guests for the entire night. There are plenty of other options around Franz.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good place to stay that is away from the city center but close enough. Great ability to see stars at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent a fabulous night here while waiting to go on the helicopter the next morning to visit the glacier. Greeted very wamly at reception and our accommodation was huge!! Two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dining and lounge areas. Was about a 5 min drive on the edge of town - we went to town to see the kiwis and have dinner. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haisam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Someonestarted
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alexandra

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Chetan

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel. Clean and modern. Fresh milk for coffee was a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Property was clean and in a good location for Franz Josef activities. It would have been useful to have a sink in the kitchen area, so you didn’t have to wash up in the tiny sink in the bathroom. There was an error when we checked in and we were chased for payment. The maid did not make our bed the next day and forgot to leave milk and a tea towel. When we mentioned these mistakes, they were quickly remedied.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large nice new facility. Loved it!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent choice. 7 minutes drive from Main Street, but great location. Quiet. Modern and fresh. Multiple choices of unit size, so look for the one that is right for you. I recommend this accommodation. Parking right at your individual unit, which I prefer.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

nevet

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025