Is parking available at the property?

Free self parking is available on-site, but it is limited. No reservation is required.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Continental breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee of approximately NZD 15 for adults and children.

What are the standard 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, and guests should contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival to make arrangements.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible public areas. However, specific details regarding room accessibility should be confirmed with the property prior to arrival.

Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?

The motel is located in Franz Josef Glacier, within a 5-minute drive of Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Glacier Hot Pools. It is approximately 5.7 miles from Sentinel Rock and Alex Knob. Public transport availability may vary.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children are allowed at the property, and kids can stay for free up to a certain age, which should be confirmed with the property.

What are the policies regarding extra beds and cribs?

The property offers rollaway beds for a fee of NZD 45 per night, and advance request or confirmation is required. Cribs are not mentioned in the available information.

Franz Alpine Retreat

What guests think

At Franz Alpine Retreat, guests highlight a quiet rural setting a short drive from Franz Josef, generally spacious and clean chalets, parking by each unit, and occasional scenic views, though some report spotty Wi-Fi and basic, inconsistent in-room kitchen setups.

Service feedback is mixed: several found staff friendly and check-in easy, while others encountered unattended reception, impersonal interactions, and an unexpected extra-person fee. Some guests mention house rules about cooking odors and makeup towels, and a few note housekeeping lapses. It suits travelers seeking straightforward self-catering units rather than a full-service resort.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic overall: several units offer only a microwave or kettle and no kitchen sink, while others have full kitchens. Parking is right outside each unit.

Related guest reviews

6

Jeryl

Feb 21, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property was very nice as was the staff. My issue with the room was that there was only 1 tiny sink in the bathroom. In the living room / kitchen area there is a fridge, microwave, hot kettle and plates, bowls and silverware but there is no sink there. So if you eat a bowl of cereal or a bowl of yogurt, for example, you have to take those bowls into the bathroom and rinse them in the very tiny sink.

8

Anne Marie

Mar 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This property is a fair way out of town but it is nice and quiet with great views across the countryside to the hills. There is a small kitchenette with microwave, crockery and cutlery, and detergent, tea towel etc, but no sink for washing dishes. This is has to be done in the bathroom! Did we not learn anything during COVID about clean and dirty workflows! There is a warning about using the shower: if you get the bedroom carpet wet you will be charged a fee. This is because the shower tap is positioned such that the water temperature cannot be regulated with the door open so you have to get under a cold shower, close the door and then regulate the temperature. Poor design and installation become the problem of the guest. Two heaters in the room: one didn't work and the other was ineffective.

10

Jay

Feb 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Katherine

Jan 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved our stay. Very quiet and close to Franz Josef shops although need a car to get there. Parking was excellent (next to the unit). Facilities were excellent - we made use of the washing machine and drying racks. Lots of info available at reception for things to do in the area. Comfortable beds and everything you could need in terms of cooking and entertainment/tv.

10

Irwin

Mar 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Each unit was its own with parking in front. Unit was clean and staff was very friendly. The property is convenient to Franz Josef - about 10 min drive to town center.

10

Liz

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Carol

Feb 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

6

Julie

Oct 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The accommodation was okay for the time we were there. It's a short drive from Franz Josef. Facilities limited. Only microwave, kettle and toaster. No decent sink to wash up in, only the one in the bathroom and did not like the rules imposed. No strong food smells (although we didn't cook anything strong, not to wipe make-up on the towels, flannels). Heating wasn't on nor was the fridge when we arrived and no note to say the fridge needed to be switched on. Reception not manned either: had to telephone for someone to appear. All bars, restaurants, food stores 5km away in Franz Josef.

8

Maryanne

Dec 7, 2022

·

Stayed 19,332 nights

The place was very good, clean and comfortable. The only thing I found odd was that there was no kitchen sink. Very hard to wash crockery and cutlery in the small bathroom sink.

6

Robert

Feb 19, 2026

·

Stayed 2 nights

A kitchenette without a sink is a first in our travels.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Overall cleanliness is good, with many remarks about clean, well-kept rooms. A few guests reported issues such as a filthy bathroom floor and missed housekeeping tasks.

Related guest reviews

2

jan

Nov 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathroom floor was filthy

10

James

Mar 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel. Clean and modern. Fresh milk for coffee was a nice touch.

10

Shah

Feb 2, 2023

·

Nice clean and tidy, also our unit had a separate lounge from the bedroom which was great. Beautiful place

8

Andrew O

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were well kept.

10

Colin

Oct 21, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

very clean and staff were very obliging

8

Carol

Feb 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

10

D. Eliana

Nov 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice room, clean, comfortable, warm plenty of hot water, convenient for our plans. Although our accommodation was small we love the small details very nice.

10

Lucy

Mar 24, 2024

·

Clean, spacious room - 5 minutes drive to the town centre.

8

Maryanne

Dec 7, 2022

·

Stayed 19,332 nights

The place was very good, clean and comfortable. The only thing I found odd was that there was no kitchen sink. Very hard to wash crockery and cutlery in the small bathroom sink.

10

Lisa

Oct 9, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic clean, comfortable, quiet, spacious accommodation just out of Franz Josef township. Close to everything and in a beautiful setting. Unit had everything we needed for our family or five and was a really lovely comfortable place to stay. Would definitively recommend Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Many reviews highlight spacious, modern, and comfortable units with scenic views and a quiet atmosphere. Some guests mention spotty Wi-Fi and occasional heating or ventilation limitations.

Related guest reviews

8

Warwick

Feb 25, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Rural location. Quiet. We had a two bedroom unit which was very spacious

8

Vonida

Mar 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place that’s not too far of a drive for food and shops. Franz Josef is small so everything was within 15 min drive. I would say WiFi is spotty so I rarely used it.

10

Matthew

Jan 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Gorgeous view of the Franz Josef glacier from our chalet. Large and spacious, it was an accommodation we will never forget staying at. Conveniently located just outside of town, we were able to get what we needed, visit where we wanted, and finish the day with a beautiful stay.

6

Sofia

May 18, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are not isolated so its very difficult to heat them up. The room has a "kitchen" with no sink so its very difficult to clean the dishes. Not what we expected.

8

Sue

Feb 18, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good size rooms, no air con quite stuffy, a fan would have been good. Was probably unusually warm in Franz Josef.

10

Connie

Nov 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful mountain view. No nonsense room with just what you need at a great price.

8

Gregory

Apr 16, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

2 bedroom units very spacious. Quite modern, warm and comfortable.

10

Liz

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Jill

Feb 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was alright..but not walking distance to town and the internet was very sporadic.

10

Anton

Apr 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Enjoyed our stay at this resort, clean cabin,comfortable. Could not get a good internet service. Highly recommend this stay.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is mixed: several guests praised friendly staff and smooth check-in, while others cited unattended reception, poor communication, and an unexpected extra-person charge.

Related guest reviews

10

Gladys

Oct 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff lovely

6

Dustin

Jun 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

10

Colin

Oct 21, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

very clean and staff were very obliging

10

Irwin

Mar 5, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Each unit was its own with parking in front. Unit was clean and staff was very friendly. The property is convenient to Franz Josef - about 10 min drive to town center.

10

Liz

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

4

imogen

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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

8

Carol

Feb 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

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.

6

Julie

Oct 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The accommodation was okay for the time we were there. It's a short drive from Franz Josef. Facilities limited. Only microwave, kettle and toaster. No decent sink to wash up in, only the one in the bathroom and did not like the rules imposed. No strong food smells (although we didn't cook anything strong, not to wipe make-up on the towels, flannels). Heating wasn't on nor was the fridge when we arrived and no note to say the fridge needed to be switched on. Reception not manned either: had to telephone for someone to appear. All bars, restaurants, food stores 5km away in Franz Josef.

10

Scudder

Oct 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was hard to find a person who would monitor the front desk. Other than that, it was a very nice stay.

8

David

Mar 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived after hours and the reception was closed but they left precise instructions and the room key taped to the office door.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Peaceful rural setting a 5–10 minute drive from Franz Josef; a car is recommended. Some guests felt it was too far to walk to town.

Related guest reviews

10

Lisa

Jan 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Large 2 bed unit with beautiful views. A few min drive into town so would need a car.

10

Paul

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very quiet, easy driving distance to Franz Josef township

8

Laura

Feb 4, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Too far out of town

10

Jay

Feb 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Katherine

Jan 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved our stay. Very quiet and close to Franz Josef shops although need a car to get there. Parking was excellent (next to the unit). Facilities were excellent - we made use of the washing machine and drying racks. Lots of info available at reception for things to do in the area. Comfortable beds and everything you could need in terms of cooking and entertainment/tv.

10

Liz

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

6

Jill

Feb 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was alright..but not walking distance to town and the internet was very sporadic.

10

Lucy

Mar 24, 2024

·

Clean, spacious room - 5 minutes drive to the town centre.

10

Shailesh

Mar 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The motel is conveniently located and reasonably priced. Even being close to Hwy 6, it was quite. There was separate parking near cottage. It's very well maintained.

10

Jeff

Apr 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A good place to stay that is away from the city center but close enough. Great ability to see stars at night.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Guests mostly self-cater or drive into town for meals; one review mentioned poor breakfast options. A few note rules discouraging strong-smelling cooking and variable provision of fresh milk.

Related guest reviews

8

Vonida

Mar 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place that’s not too far of a drive for food and shops. Franz Josef is small so everything was within 15 min drive. I would say WiFi is spotty so I rarely used it.

10

James

Mar 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel. Clean and modern. Fresh milk for coffee was a nice touch.

10

Ariana

Apr 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The views from this place were fantastic. It was very calm and relaxing with a nice quiet start to every morning. This is about a 5 minute drive to the main area with cafe and shops so you’ll need a car to get to and from food, but would definitely book here again without a doubt. We did not have a kitchen but the option to have one is good out here.

10

Sheila

Feb 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place to stay,just outside Franz josef.great little place,heater if it’s cold,has microwave for simple stuff. Not keen on washing up in the sink you wash in tho. Has a fridge and utensils for two people.really nice to have chairs and table outside to sit in the sun

10

Katherine

Jan 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved our stay. Very quiet and close to Franz Josef shops although need a car to get there. Parking was excellent (next to the unit). Facilities were excellent - we made use of the washing machine and drying racks. Lots of info available at reception for things to do in the area. Comfortable beds and everything you could need in terms of cooking and entertainment/tv.

10

Liz

Apr 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

8

Girish

Dec 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The property seams clean, close to the main highway, not too far from the main town center. Breakfast options are terrible, its best to go into town and grab a bite. The folks running/managing the place could improve their communication skills/style.

4

imogen

Aug 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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

8

Haritha

Dec 29, 2022

·

Stayed 19,351 nights

Comfortable stay but the guidance against cooking spicy foods seems disrespectful against certain cultures - don’t really see the need to restrict what people eat/cook

10

Lisa

Oct 9, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic clean, comfortable, quiet, spacious accommodation just out of Franz Josef township. Close to everything and in a beautiful setting. Unit had everything we needed for our family or five and was a really lovely comfortable place to stay. Would definitively recommend Jag Escape Franz Alpine Retreat.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $124	2 $137	3 $129	4 $139	5 $137	6 $125	7 $136
8 $156	9 $172	10 $247	11 $171	12 $204	13 $247	14 $176
15 $160	16	17 $207	18 $171	19 $204	20 $204	21 $160
22 $201	23 $169	24 $201	25 $170	26 $175	27 $159	28
29 $182	30

Franz Alpine Retreat

About this property

Location

Room options

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed, Kitchen, Courtyard Area

Chalet, 1 Bedroom

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Garden View

Unit, 1 Queen Bed

Unit, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Mountain View

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Courtyard Area

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms, Mobility Accessible

Chalet, 2 Bedrooms

2 Bedroom Cottage

Guest reviews of Franz Alpine Retreat

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Franz Alpine Retreat

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 $136	22	23 $76	24 $76
25 $76	26 $125	27 $122	28 $75	29 $83	30 $76	31 $102