Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

75 photos

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Amenities photo

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Interior photo

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Business photo

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

36 Main Road, Franz Josef, New Zealand

Close to the Tatare Tunnels Walk

Great

8.0

8.1

/10

3.7

4.3

Loved by Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier guests

Friendly staff
Clean room
Good breakfast
Great location

"We were upgraded to the legend site and wow these guys understand comfort."

Nyree from Australia

read full review

"We were given a complimentary room upgrade to Room 12 which had a view to the mountains."

Melissa from United Kingdom

read full review

"We only stayed in this hotel 1 night.. it was placed for sight seeing.. hotel was placed perfectly for this."

Russell from Australia

read full review

Location

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is situated on State Highway 6, the main route to this famed glacier. The hotel's proximity to Franz Josef township, just 2 minutes away, offers easy access to unique outdoor activities. Regional airport Hokitika is a 2-hour drive from the hotel, simplifying travel arrangements for guests.

Dining

Canavans Restaurant provides hearty West Coast fare with a focus on local produce, ensuring a taste of the region. The Moa Bar features an inviting open fireplace, creating a cozy setting for guests to unwind. A la carte dinner options enhance the dining experience with a range of choices from traditional to contemporary dishes.

Accommodation

The hotel offers a variety of guest room configurations, including Standard, Superior, and Superior Suites for up to four guests. Superior Suites include added space and a balcony off the separate living area, enhancing the overall experience. All accommodations come with essential amenities, including mini fridges and en-suite bathrooms.

Activities

Guests can explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Franz Josef using electric bikes, available for hire at the hotel. These bikes promote an environmentally friendly way to experience the area's natural beauty. The hotel is situated close to several walking tracks, enhancing opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

Wellness

Moa Bar invites guests to enjoy a drink beside the open fireplace after a day of exploration. The hotel is located near Amaia Luxury Spa, providing options to rejuvenate post activities. This refreshing escape aligns well with the adventurous nature of nearby attractions.

Highlights

Location: Just 2 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier

Dining: Canavans Restaurant with local produce focus

Accommodation: Superior Suites featuring separate living areas

Activities: Electric bike hire for exploring nature

Wellness: Access to Amaia Luxury Spa nearby

“This property stands out for its commitment to both comfort and the environment, offering electric bike rentals alongside West Coast dining. I was particularly struck by the spacious rooms and convenient location near Franz Josef Glacier, making it a worthy base for exploring the national park. Though some past guests mention noise from the parking area, the hotel's sustainability initiatives and overall service impressed me.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

DiningTasty Food

The cook went out of their way to make us delicious Indian food. The breakfast had great variety and fresh choices.

Priya Patel from India

Review on

Room FeaturesOutdoor Relaxation

Our spacious room included a nice outdoor space. The mountain view from the window was magnificent.

Hans Müller from Germany

Review on

Guest ParkingFree Parking

Free parking was available. The location is close to restaurants and scenic helicopter rides.

Kenji Tanaka from Japan

Review on

BathroomUpdated Bathrooms

Bathrooms were clean and updated. Quality bathroom products were provided. The shower had excellent water pressure.

Isabelle Dubois from France

Review on

View all

Select your room type

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior King Room

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Superior Twin Room King & Single

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Superior Twin Room Queen & Single

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Canoeing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Dining Onsite

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier invites guests to indulge in the rich flavors of the West Coast with onsite dining options that celebrate local ingredients. Experience hearty meals in a warm and inviting setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Restaurant photo

Canavans Restaurant

Local West Coast fare

Ambiance

Cozy and welcoming, featuring an open fireplace that creates a warm atmosphere for dining.

Key Offerings

Savor classic West Coast dishes alongside unique offerings such as duck and hot smoked salmon, providing a delightful taste of the region.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for breakfast and dinner; hours vary.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Location

36 Main Road, Franz Josef, New Zealand

Map view

36 Main Road, Franz Josef, New Zealand

City landmarks

Landmark

Terrace Walk

2400 ft

Landmark

Lake Wombat

1.3 mi

Landmark

Canavans Knob

1.4 mi

Landmark

Canavan's Knob Walk

1.6 mi

Landmark

Start Alex Knob Trail

1.8 mi

Landmark

Lake Wombat Track

1.8 mi

Landmark

Peters Pool

2.3 mi

Landmark

Sentinel Rock

2.7 mi

Nearby

Zoo

West Coast Wildlife Centre

800 ft

Nature reserve

Tatare Tunnels Walk

600 ft

64 Cron Street

Glacier Country Kayaks

900 ft

21 Cowan St

Callery Gorge Walk

1100 ft

Restaurants

The Landing

1000 ft

Sh 6

Alice May

700 ft

30 Cron Street Corner of Cron & Cowan Street

Grill N Wok Cafe

1100 ft

29 Main Road Alpine Adventure Building

Canavan's Restaurant

1200 ft

36 Main Road

Full Of Beans

1300 ft

Main Road

Monsoon Bar & Restaurant

800 ft

46 Cron St. Franz Josef Glacier

Explore Franz Josef

West Coast Wildlife Centre

3 minutes' walk

Wildlife exhibits showcase native species of New Zealand. Unique conservation efforts include hands-on interaction with animals.

Tatare Tunnels Walk

2 minutes' walk

An easy and scenic trail leads to historic mining tunnels amidst lush landscapes. A fascinating glimpse into the area's history.

Glacier Country Kayaks

4 minutes' walk

Guided kayaking trips offer stunning views of glaciers and lush rainforests. Ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Callery Gorge Walk

4 minutes' walk

Short trail featuring picturesque views of the gorge and pristine landscapes. A peaceful setting for nature lovers.

Alex Knob Trail

6 minutes' drive

Challenging hike rewards with breathtaking views of the glacier. Notable for the stunning photo opportunities along the way.

Relaxation at Glacier Hot Pools

2 minutes' walk

Natural hot pools in a rainforest setting offer a perfect spot to unwind. Booking is recommended, especially in the evening.

Alice May

3 minutes' walk

Cozy atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients. Signature dish includes lamb rack, with vegetarian options available.

Grill N Wok Cafe

4 minutes' walk

Casual eatery serving delicious Asian fusion dishes. Known for fresh stir-fries and customizable noodle bowls. Reservations not required.

Canavan's Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Warm pub atmosphere specializes in hearty meals. Chef's favorites include wild game and vegetarian specialties.

Glacier View Bar

4 minutes' walk

Inviting bar with local beers and wines. Offers live music events on weekends, creating a friendly vibe for all ages.

Pavilion Theater

3 minutes' walk

Family-friendly theater featuring recent film releases. Special screenings often include popular children's movies during holiday seasons.

Getting around

City Centre

Franz Josef4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Hokitika (HKK)204 min · 84.4 mi

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:30

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of NZD 35 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2012

Number of rooms:

130

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is frequently praised for its convenient location within Franz Josef village, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and the helicopter flight office. Many guests appreciate the spacious and comfortable rooms, some even enjoying mountain views from their upgraded rooms with balconies. The breakfast buffet is often mentioned favorably, with a wide selection including fresh fruit; however, a few guests have found some aspects of the rooms or breakfast needing refurbishment or improvement. Free onsite parking adds to the convenience.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 615 verified reviews

7.5/10

Very good

70%

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Location

9.2/10

Breakfast

7.5/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Pros

Mountain views

Spacious rooms

Comfortable beds

Friendly staff

Breakfast variety

Cons

Thin walls

Small shower

Poor service

Liam from Ireland

Couple

Superior Twin Room Queen & Single

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 04, 2026

8.5/10

Excellent Base for Glacier Adventures

central locationclean bathroombroken door

The location is definitely a plus. It's very central. Staff at the front desk provided a nice welcome. The bathroom was spacious and very clean, I found. The hotel rooms were also quite spacey.

I felt the room was small. It was the smallest room I have been in for a long time, actually. The bed seemed soft, and the fridge door was broken, I noticed.

Service

9/10

The staff was helpful. They addressed all inquiries promptly. The reception area was well kept. Staff showed attention to detail, and provided quick and efficient service, I noticed.

Dining

8/10

The breakfast selection included a range of options. The breakfast setup was efficient. The dining area was very clean, I observed. The staff kept the area well-stocked during the service hours

0 Helpful

Show less

Harry from United Kingdom

Family with children

Superior Twin Room Queen & Single

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 25, 2026

7/10

decent stay, some minor issues

friendly staffawesome locationcomplimentary breakfastoutdated bathroomdirty carpetnoisy environment

The staff was super friendly at the front desk. they gave us an upgrade to a nice room. the location was awesome for glacier views, i tell you! also, the breakfast was really good. My kids got it free, a total win.

The room felt old. the carpet was not clean and had marks everywhere. the bathroom seemed really outdated, i think. plus, it was noisy. our room was right by the car park. Vehicles were reversing, and parking was just outside our window, how terrible?

0 Helpful

Bob from United States

Couple

Superior Twin Room Queen & Single

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 18, 2025

8/10

Solid Choice for Exploring the Area

friendly receptionistlong benchbreakfast buffetfrousty smell

Check in went quick. The receptionist was friendly. My room had a long bench. I used it for my luggage. Breakfast had a buffet. It was busy with tour groups.

My room smelled frousty. There was condensation in the morning. It was in a separate building. This felt disappointing.

Location

9/10

The hotel is near many restaurants, which makes meals easy. Shops are also nearby. They are only a short walk. Many tour companies are within a five minute walk. Highway 6 is very accessible.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

What dining options are available for those following a vegetarian diet during breakfast?

25 March 2024

A buffet breakfast is offered with a variety of vegetarian options. Additionally, there are vegetarian meals available on the à la carte menu.

Are laundry facilities available at the hotel for guests' use?

10 April 2024

The hotel provides laundry facilities for guests, making it convenient for travelers to refresh their clothing during their stay.

Can I find safety deposit boxes in the rooms for securing valuables?

15 May 2024

Each room is equipped with a safety deposit box. Alternatively, guests can utilize safety deposit facilities available at the reception.

What transportation options are nearby for reaching the hotel?

30 June 2024

The hotel is conveniently located on State Highway 6, accessible by car or bus. The nearest airport is Hokitika, approximately a 2-hour drive from the hotel.

Is there a bar at the hotel for guests to enjoy after a day of exploring?

20 July 2024

Yes, the Moa Bar is available on-site, offering a cozy atmosphere with an open fireplace for guests to unwind.

What types of room accommodations can I choose from at the hotel?

5 August 2024

The hotel offers a range of room types, including standard, superior, and suites, accommodating various group sizes and preferences.

Are there any biking options or rentals available for exploring the area?

12 September 2024

Electric bikes are available for hire at the hotel, allowing for convenient and eco-friendly exploration of the stunning landscapes surrounding Franz Josef.

What can I expect from the dining experience at Canavans Restaurant?

19 October 2024

Canavans Restaurant serves hearty West Coast fare, featuring local produce and a welcoming ambiance for both breakfast and dinner.

Do all rooms have access to free Wi-Fi during my stay?

14 November 2024

Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, ensuring guests can stay connected throughout their visit.

Are there any special events or holiday meals planned at the restaurant?

23 December 2024

Yes, Canavans Restaurant hosts special events such as a Christmas buffet, providing a festive dining experience with a range of delicious options.