Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

The village of Franz Josef, in which the hotel is located, is accessible by road and is a five-hour drive from either Queenstown or Christchurch. Both the drives treat travellers to beautiful vistas of lakes, forests, mountains and wide plains, which just showcases the country’s beauty. Travellers can also fly in from Queenstown to Hokitika, and then take a cab to the hotel.

Accommodations at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

The hotel offers modern rooms for travellers, highlighting the location’s panoramic beauty and yet keeping them ensconced in warm comfort. Each room comes with a choice of bedding, ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, wide floor-to-ceiling glass windows, comfortable sitting furniture, WiFi internet access and tea/coffee making facilities. Check out room details, pictures and amenities above.

Dining at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

The hotel’s Canavans Restaurant offers guests a wide choice when it comes to breakfast and dinner, as well as a competent bar menu. The Canavans’ cuisine and highlights the region’s cuisine as well as using fresh local produce. Dietary requirements and restrictions are catered to, and guests can sample Kiwi specialities to their heart’s content. The Moa Bar is well-stocked and offers a welcome hearth after a day of fun and exertion.

Things to do at Franz Josef Glacier

The Franz Josef Glacier and the nearby Fox Glacier together make up what the locals affectionately call ‘glacier country’ and they’re considered one of the most accessible wilderness zones in the world. Regardless of fitness and age, we’d recommend a helicopter tour of the glacier to truly appreciate the size and magnificence of the natural wonder. Besides the ‘heli-hike’, there are aerial tours by fixed-wing aircraft, too. For those who want a physical challenge, ask the reception desk for a guided ice-walk to the terminal face of the glacier. There’s also plenty of hiking in the nearby forests, and the village is as picturesque as it’s remote. But worry not, there’s more. Add kayaking, cruising, long walks by the beach, visits to the nearby wildlife conservation centre and fishing to the list. Surprised? But that’s just New Zealand for you. Check out our New Zealand travel blogs for more travel ideas.

Feel free to build your own New Zealand holiday here with the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier as your base. Just select dates, add flights, transfers, meals and you’re good to go. Or, check out the season’s best New Zealand Hot Deals – you never know what’s on sale. And finally, our South Pacific Specialists are ready to make you a bespoke New Zealand itinerary – just call 1300 991 751!