Franz Josef Glacier
Cindy and Jim welcome you to our friendly motel in Franz Josef.
The property has been independently assessed by Qualmark as 4 star quality accommodation.
Franz Josef village is the perfect place to stay when exploring New Zealand’s glaciers. Our Franz Josef motel is easy to find on Cron Street in the centre of the village.
From the moment you arrive, you'll enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to shops, restaurants and other activities. We are also a short walk to the Waiho Hot Tubs and kiwi incubation unit at the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
Our motel in Franz Josef has ample safe parking so you can explore on foot.
Our superior smoke-free motel in Franz Josef includes a variety of studios and one-bedroom units. Our purpose-built access units have been designed with parking at the door for your convenience. You have a choice of king, queen or single beds with electric blankets for those cooler nights.
Along with great accommodation, Bella Vista motel Franz Josef also offers free and unlimited WiFi.
Wireless internet is available with a spacious work desk in every room. Rooms vary from just tea and toast-making facilities to those with cooking facilities. We offer continental breakfasts and evening meals charge back facilities, dine in or dine out.
You can be assured of a warm welcome at reception where we will assist you in every way possible.
Use the BOOK DIRECT booking panel to get an instant update on availability, rates and rooms at Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Gacier.
FEATURES
- 18 superior fully serviced motel units
- All designated non Smoking
- Family Units
- Studio Units (some with spa baths)
- Freeview Smart TV
- DVD Player & DVDs available
- Type 2 EV chargers. Please pre-book.
- Modern Guest Laundry
- Continental breakfast available
- Local Activity Booking Centre
- Portable Cot/Highchair available
- Eftpos & major credit card facilities
Room Options
Deals
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Join Bella Vista Rewards
Stay 10 times across 3 locations within 24 months and we'll send you a $100 voucher!
Soak, Stay & Dine at Franz Josef
Bella Vista Franz Josef has a great combination package in association with Waiho Hot Tubs and Snakebite Brewery. Let us know if you would like to add an extra night!
REVIEWS
LOCATION
Location Highlights
Getting to Glacier Country is an important part of the West Coast experience. If you are travelling from the south we recommend visiting the waterfalls through the Haast Pass and taking a jet boat ride with Waiatoto River Safaris. Go for a walk along the beach at Bruce Bay and make time to visit both the Fox Glacier and Lake Matherson.
From the north check out the historic village Shantytown and the glass blowing, Gold crafting and Greenstone carving skills found in Hokitika. Even stop at the Ross Gold Fields and do some gold panning for yourselves!
Franz Josef Glacier Village is the perfect stopover for a night or two offering stunning glacier views, proximity to hiking trails, and unique attractions like the glacier hot tubs. Experience the beauty and adventure of the West Coast and enjoy are charming Franz Josef motel accommodation set just moments from restaurants, shops, cafe's and attractions.
- 1 minute walk to shops and restaurants
- 3 minute walk to the Waiho Hot Tubs
- 8 minute drive to Lake Mapourika
- 10 minute drive to Franz Josef Glacier walk
- 1 hour 50 minute drive to Hokitika Airport
- 2 hours 30 minutes to Greymouth Railway Station
Travel Distance to Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier
From :
- Ashburton - 409 Kms
- Blenheim - 496 Kms
- Christchurch - 379 Kms
- Dunedin - 555 Kms
- Fox Glacier - 23 Kms
- Greymouth - 172 Kms
- Hanmer Springs - 387 Kms
- Hokitika - 134 Kms
- Invercargill - 525 Kms
- Kaikōura - 499 Kms
- Mosgiel - 541 Kms
- Nelson - 459 Kms
- Oamaru - 503 Kms
- Queenstown - 353 Kms
- Te Anau - 510 Kms
- Wānaka - 285 Kms
- Westport - 272 Kms
OUR STORY
Introducing your hosts, Jim & Cindy
We are both originally from China and came to study Hospitality Management in New Zealand in New Plymouth. We have worked and lived in a few cities and towns in New Zealand, gaining experience and working in the hospitality industry in different roles since 2014. In 2019 we moved to Franz Josef Glacier and slowly build a big love for this little town, particularly its beautiful scenery and friendly local community.
Cindy continued working at various local hotels while Jim started working at Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier as a cleaner and receptionist. Then in 2023 the opportunity came to makes our dream come true to become the business owners of our own motel. We are very proud to offer you comfortable accommodation that is also our home, invested with love. We look forward to welcoming you and are ready to introduce you to this beautiful New Zealand destination.
Franz Josef Glacier, Westland - Your Destination
The Glacier region of South Westland is a land rich in natural wonders from majestic snow-capped peaks and vast forests to sand dunes, lagoons and beaches of the varied coastline. This region is the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu, the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, which includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks and surrounding conservation lands.
It is an almost continuous stretch of wilderness where the impact of humans is confined to a few small settlements and the narrow strip of the main highway. World Heritage status means this part of New Zealand has been recognized as being among the world’s foremost natural landscapes. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is the main natural feature of the glacier region, encompassing the two famous glaciers – Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox/Te Moeka o Tuawe. But there is more to see than these two magnificent rivers of ice.
The park stretches from isolated beaches beside the Tasman Sea to some of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Within these boundaries are an incredible variety of natural landscapes. In many places the conservation areas are in continuous sequence from sea to mountain, a sight now rare in the world. The region is home to a number of rare and endangered birds including the Okarito brown kiwi, whio (blue duck), kaka and kakariki.
The glacier region is also rich in human history. Its coastline, river valleys and alpine passes were known to Maori long before the first European settlers stepped ashore. The main attraction was pounamu (greenstone) found in South Westland, a precious stone to Māori for tools, weapons and jewellery. There were large settlements of Māori at Okarito, Mahitahi (Bruce Bay) and Makawhio (Jacobs River). European interest began with sealers pursuing New Zealand fur seal along the coast. Later, gold was discovered. The black sand beaches near Okarito, with their hidden layers of fine alluvial gold, were some of the richest gold claims in all Westland. Settlers used the region’s extensive forests for timber and river flats and valleys were cleared for farmland. However, such was the wild nature of the country, much was left untouched and has, over the years, been protected for all to enjoy in a series of parks, reserves and wilderness areas.
There is so much to explore, so make sure you book yourself enough nights at Bella Vista Franz.
Our Community Involvement
- We have a commitment to support local businesses regarding purchasing.
- We are members of Hospitality New Zealand.
- We hire staff locally
- We support and sponsor the Kiwi chicks at The West Coast Wildlife Centre.
- We have business partnership with local restaurants and activities.
Our Sustainability Practices
- We buy local to reduce transport emissions
- We change all light bulbs to led to reduce energy usage.
- We measure our carbon footprint
- We use refillable dispensers for soap and shampoo to reduce plastic waste from individual pack ones.
Bella Vista Franz Josef Glacier is a 4 star Qualmark rated property and awarded Silver status under the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Founded in 2007, the GSTC is a United Nations-initiated programme which sets the global baseline standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
We look forward to hosting you!