Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier | Spa & Near Glacier $230

Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef
Address: 36 Main Road, Franz Josef, West Coast
Price range: US$230+
Rating: 8.1

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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier Amenities photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

36 Main Road, Franz Josef

Close to the Tatare Tunnels Walk

Great

8.1

/10

3.8

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

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

Melissa from United Kingdom

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

Russell from Australia

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4-star accommodation near Franz Josef Glacier

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

9.3/10Review score

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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

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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

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
20 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior King Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Superior Twin Room King & Single
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

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

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review 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.

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

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 Josef 4 min · 1000 ft
Airports
Hokitika (HKK) 204 min · 84.4 mi

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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 the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of NZD 35.0 per person.

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.

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Review score

Based on 637 verified reviews

7.5 /10

Very good

70 %

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Location

9.3/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Free WiFi

8.1/10

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 location clean bathroom

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

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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 staff awesome location complimentary breakfast outdated bathroom dirty carpet noisy 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 receptionist long bench breakfast buffet

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

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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.