Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request.

What accessibility features does the property offer?

The property offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The property is located within a 5-minute walk of Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Te Wahipounamu, and is 0.3 mi from Waiho Hot Tubs and Glacier Hot Pools.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and there is no minimum age for children to stay for free.

Glow Worm Accommodation in Franz Josef Glacier

Average nightly price at Glowworm Lodge by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$51
February	$55
March	$54
April	$50
May	$43
June	$43
July	$49
August	$53
September	$41
October	$46
November	$47
December	$49

What guests think

At Glow Worm Accommodation, travelers highlight a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a central Franz Josef location, with many appreciating clean, comfortable private rooms and handy extras like free evening soup, simple breakfast, a hot tub, and well equipped communal spaces.

Staff, including hands-on managers, earn praise for helpful local advice and for fostering a supportive, community feel. Some reviews mention Wi-Fi that slows or overloads at busy times, limited on-site parking, basic or dated rooms, occasional noise, and stretched shared bathrooms; a couple also noted minor cleanliness or pest issues. Overall, expect a hostel-style stay with handy perks and straightforward comfort.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Hot tub, communal kitchen and lounge are well liked. Some downsides mentioned are Wi-Fi that slows or overloads at peak times, limited on-site parking, and shared bathrooms that can be stretched.

Related guest reviews

10

Cheryl

Feb 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous little place, free soup and hottub, and manager Georgia was friendly and helpful, a little star, thank you! WiFi was slow at busy times.

10

Anna

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.

10

Wayne

Dec 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A very pleasant lounge, room, kitchen and hot tub. Perfect location in town. Quiet location

6

Shaun

Jan 15, 2023

·

Lovely staff a good kitchen & lounge 👍. However 1 toilet & 2 showers (both weather-beaten) between approximately 16 adults was a stretch. Also no bug screens anywhere. Free soup & breakfast appreciated however.

10

Maxima

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff is really friendly. The facilities are clean and it’s easy to get to town. After a hike the spa and soup are nice.

6

Tairini

Feb 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Na descrição do quarto para locação dizia que tinha fogão mas quando chegamos lá só tinha um fogão na cozinha compartilhada e não na nossa cozinha do quarto .

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10

Deborah

Mar 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic little place. Room brilliant and very quirky. Bed extremely comfortable. Great location to amenities, shops etc. Free soup in the evening and breakfast in the morning was a very nice touch. Didn't use the hot tub as we arrived late and it was about to close for the night but it looked awesome. Absolutely loved this place.

10

Latasha

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved it amazing room, friendly and helpful staff. So many facilities so worth the price my favourite place to stay ever!

10

Sam

Feb 16, 2023

·

Benjamin, the property owner, was absolutely amazing! Full of really helpful advice on all things Franz Josef and surrounding area. He will go out of his way to ensure that you have a wonderful trip, advise you on good days out/hikes and other excursions. He's always around, and so approachable, if you have any questions you won't feel afraid to ask them. He also makes an amazing soup every night, which is great and really unique amongst the hostels we have stayed in on our journeys. The other staff working there were also really friendly. Excellent location, parking was good, room was comfortable, and other guests were all very welcoming too. It has the feel of a really nice little community. Great hostel to stay in.

4

Lana

Mar 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good. Breakfast and soup great. Very limited parking on site, if you come late all spaces are taken and park somewhere on streets. Very limited Wi-Fi. No internet after 7pm - system completely overloaded. In night time ants come in hundreds. You will find them in morning covering all your food (

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Commonly described as clean, with several mentions of very clean facilities. A few reviews noted minor bathroom cleanliness issues, odors, or ants.

Related guest reviews

10

Emily

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming! We stayed in a private ensuite room and it was clean and comfortable. The water pressure of the shower was amazing. Didn't get a chance to partake in the free soup unfortunately but it's super cool that they offer that. Not sure if we'll be in Franz Josef again anytime soon, but would definitely book here again!

6

Petra

Mar 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Super nettes Personal 👍 es gibt abends sogar noch selbstgemachte Suppe 😊 Einrichtung schon etwas älter und das Bad war nicht so super sauber.

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8

Raphael

Nov 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sauber und zweckmässig eingerichtet.

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10

Anna

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.

10

Maxima

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff is really friendly. The facilities are clean and it’s easy to get to town. After a hike the spa and soup are nice.

6

Amanda

Feb 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly place but very basic room. Sadly my room smelt of wet dog and the window catch was broken so i had to secure it using a wash bag! Free soup, popcorn and breakfast is a nice touch.

10

DAVID

Dec 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location easy access to restaurants, supermarkets & all walks & hikes. Accommodation was exceptional in cleanliness & lots of kitchen equipment free to use available - would definitely recommend

8

Carl

Jan 20, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean but a little tired The staff did their job as in explained their offerings but they did not engage and were not welcoming

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable, with some private ensuites and strong showers. Several comments mention basic or dated decor, occasional maintenance issues or smells, and noise from other guests.

Related guest reviews

10

Emily

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming! We stayed in a private ensuite room and it was clean and comfortable. The water pressure of the shower was amazing. Didn't get a chance to partake in the free soup unfortunately but it's super cool that they offer that. Not sure if we'll be in Franz Josef again anytime soon, but would definitely book here again!

8

Marcel

Mar 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Spartan but suitable

10

Anna

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.

8

Marion

Feb 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable and good location

10

Deborah

Mar 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic little place. Room brilliant and very quirky. Bed extremely comfortable. Great location to amenities, shops etc. Free soup in the evening and breakfast in the morning was a very nice touch. Didn't use the hot tub as we arrived late and it was about to close for the night but it looked awesome. Absolutely loved this place.

10

Latasha

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved it amazing room, friendly and helpful staff. So many facilities so worth the price my favourite place to stay ever!

10

Brett

Oct 6, 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

I had a great stay. The owner Benjamin was friendly and takes care of his guests. The room was comfortable with a tv, en-suite, fridge and everything else I needed. The hot tub was a nice bonus! Located in the middle of town and I could walk everywhere, the glacier was a short drive away

6

Amanda

Feb 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly place but very basic room. Sadly my room smelt of wet dog and the window catch was broken so i had to secure it using a wash bag! Free soup, popcorn and breakfast is a nice touch.

8

Peter

Jan 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the rustic look of the place but didn't appreciate the neighbours banging doors and windows until late at night.

8

Carl

Jan 20, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean but a little tired The staff did their job as in explained their offerings but they did not engage and were not welcoming

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely praised as friendly and helpful, with managers or owners offering local tips and creating a sociable feel. One review felt staff were less engaging.

Related guest reviews

10

Emily

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming! We stayed in a private ensuite room and it was clean and comfortable. The water pressure of the shower was amazing. Didn't get a chance to partake in the free soup unfortunately but it's super cool that they offer that. Not sure if we'll be in Franz Josef again anytime soon, but would definitely book here again!

10

Cheryl

Feb 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous little place, free soup and hottub, and manager Georgia was friendly and helpful, a little star, thank you! WiFi was slow at busy times.

10

James

Dec 18, 2022

·

Best hostel we’ve started at in New Zealand. Incredibly welcoming and has everything you need

10

Karl

Oct 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Was an amazing stay, didnt expect to get welcomed so friendly and we got taken to a pizza bar for dinner. Definitely a place to stay!

8

Rudy

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hostel with helpful staff.

10

Sam

Feb 16, 2023

·

Benjamin, the property owner, was absolutely amazing! Full of really helpful advice on all things Franz Josef and surrounding area. He will go out of his way to ensure that you have a wonderful trip, advise you on good days out/hikes and other excursions. He's always around, and so approachable, if you have any questions you won't feel afraid to ask them. He also makes an amazing soup every night, which is great and really unique amongst the hostels we have stayed in on our journeys. The other staff working there were also really friendly. Excellent location, parking was good, room was comfortable, and other guests were all very welcoming too. It has the feel of a really nice little community. Great hostel to stay in.

8

Carl

Jan 20, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean but a little tired The staff did their job as in explained their offerings but they did not engage and were not welcoming

6

Torsten

Jan 27, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The stuff was very friendly

10

Kim

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very friendly

8

Johan

Feb 11, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff, weln organized hostel.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Central, walkable base close to restaurants, pubs, and walks; the glacier is a short drive.

Related guest reviews

10

Anna

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.

10

Geoffrey

Apr 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The Glow Worm is a great to stay at. It is very affordable. Very handy to the village and nearby walking tracks

8

Marion

Feb 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable and good location

10

Wayne

Dec 28, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A very pleasant lounge, room, kitchen and hot tub. Perfect location in town. Quiet location

10

Maxima

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff is really friendly. The facilities are clean and it’s easy to get to town. After a hike the spa and soup are nice.

10

Deborah

Mar 23, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic little place. Room brilliant and very quirky. Bed extremely comfortable. Great location to amenities, shops etc. Free soup in the evening and breakfast in the morning was a very nice touch. Didn't use the hot tub as we arrived late and it was about to close for the night but it looked awesome. Absolutely loved this place.

10

Sam

Feb 16, 2023

·

Benjamin, the property owner, was absolutely amazing! Full of really helpful advice on all things Franz Josef and surrounding area. He will go out of his way to ensure that you have a wonderful trip, advise you on good days out/hikes and other excursions. He's always around, and so approachable, if you have any questions you won't feel afraid to ask them. He also makes an amazing soup every night, which is great and really unique amongst the hostels we have stayed in on our journeys. The other staff working there were also really friendly. Excellent location, parking was good, room was comfortable, and other guests were all very welcoming too. It has the feel of a really nice little community. Great hostel to stay in.

10

Brett

Oct 6, 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

I had a great stay. The owner Benjamin was friendly and takes care of his guests. The room was comfortable with a tv, en-suite, fridge and everything else I needed. The hot tub was a nice bonus! Located in the middle of town and I could walk everywhere, the glacier was a short drive away

4

Lana

Mar 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good. Breakfast and soup great. Very limited parking on site, if you come late all spaces are taken and park somewhere on streets. Very limited Wi-Fi. No internet after 7pm - system completely overloaded. In night time ants come in hundreds. You will find them in morning covering all your food (

10

DAVID

Dec 29, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location easy access to restaurants, supermarkets & all walks & hikes. Accommodation was exceptional in cleanliness & lots of kitchen equipment free to use available - would definitely recommend

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Free evening soup and a simple continental breakfast are frequent highlights that guests enjoy.

Related guest reviews

10

Emily

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very welcoming! We stayed in a private ensuite room and it was clean and comfortable. The water pressure of the shower was amazing. Didn't get a chance to partake in the free soup unfortunately but it's super cool that they offer that. Not sure if we'll be in Franz Josef again anytime soon, but would definitely book here again!

6

Petra

Mar 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Super nettes Personal 👍 es gibt abends sogar noch selbstgemachte Suppe 😊 Einrichtung schon etwas älter und das Bad war nicht so super sauber.

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10

Cheryl

Feb 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous little place, free soup and hottub, and manager Georgia was friendly and helpful, a little star, thank you! WiFi was slow at busy times.

8

Maria

Nov 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Gezellig, ondanks veel backpackers toch rustig, met popcorn, groentesoep en eenvoudig ontbijt als toetje!

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10

Anna

Mar 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.

10

Gary

Feb 21, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Friendly staff. Free continental breahfast and free soup at night. Can’t beat that for hospitality

10

Sanne

Sep 21, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Helt fantastisk service! Så lækkert med gratis morgenmad og suppe til aftensmad - hver aften! Der var en rigtig hyggelig atmosfære!

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8

Judith I

Dec 7, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Enjoy the friendliness and warmness of the hosts. Soup and breakfast a wonderfull touch. Hope to be back for a longer stay.

6

Amanda

Feb 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly place but very basic room. Sadly my room smelt of wet dog and the window catch was broken so i had to secure it using a wash bag! Free soup, popcorn and breakfast is a nice touch.

4

Lana

Mar 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location is good. Breakfast and soup great. Very limited parking on site, if you come late all spaces are taken and park somewhere on streets. Very limited Wi-Fi. No internet after 7pm - system completely overloaded. In night time ants come in hundreds. You will find them in morning covering all your food (

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $50	2 $117	3 $117	4 $117	5 $50	6 $50	7 $117
8 $115	9 $129	10 $50	11 $117	12 $129	13 $141	14
15 $141	16 $129	17 $129	18 $117	19	20	21 $50
22 $50	23 $49	24 $49	25 $50	26	27 $49	28 $50
29 $50	30 $49

Glowworm Lodge

Prices for Glowworm Lodge

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Ensuite

Family Room

Twin Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Guest reviews of Glowworm Lodge

Who stays here?

What guests think

No written reviews

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Glowworm Lodge

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23 $50	24 $50
25 $50	26 $50	27 $50	28 $58	29 $50	30	31 $88