Best Hostels in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier get two nights in my own itinerary, the same as Queenstown. Weather decides more here than anywhere else on the route, since glacier flights and hikes both depend on it. Where you base yourself and how flexible your accommodation is both matter here.
This is a rundown of the hostels that come up most often for this leg. It also covers how to think about which of the two towns to base in. If you haven’t read our general guide yet, check out How to Book a Hostel. It covers the booking basics that apply everywhere, not just here.
Franz Josef or Fox Glacier: Which Town to Base In
The two towns sit about 25 minutes apart by car. Most visitors pick one as a base and day-trip to the other. Franz Josef is the larger of the two, with more hostels, restaurants, and a bigger range of tour operators to choose from.
Fox Glacier is smaller and quieter, which some travelers prefer after the more social stops earlier in a New Zealand trip. Neither town is inconvenient for the other’s glacier, so the choice mostly comes down to atmosphere rather than logistics.
Chateau Backpackers & Motels (Franz Josef)
Chateau is one of the more established hostels in Franz Josef, known for a lively common area and central location. It’s a straightforward walk to most of the town’s restaurants and tour desks.
It offers both dorm and private rooms, which makes it a flexible base whether you’re traveling solo or as a pair.
Glow Worm Cottages (Franz Josef)
Glow Worm Cottages takes its name from the glow worm dell within walking distance. It’s a low-key attraction worth doing on an evening when the weather rules out glacier activities.
It tends to run quieter than some of the larger backpacker hostels, with a mix of dorms and private cottage-style rooms.
Ivory Towers Backpackers (Fox Glacier)
Ivory Towers is one of the better-known budget options in Fox Glacier. It’s a straightforward, no-frills backpacker setup with a shared kitchen and common area.
It’s a solid pick if you’re spending a night in Fox Glacier rather than basing in Franz Josef.
Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels
This is more of a holiday park than a traditional hostel. It has a mix of budget cabins, motel units, and campervan sites alongside standard rooms.
It’s worth considering if you’re already leaning toward a campervan or want more space than a typical dorm-style hostel offers.
Booking Tips Specific to This Leg
Weather cancels or delays glacier flights and hikes more often here than almost anywhere else on this itinerary. It’s worth booking accommodation with free cancellation if your schedule has any flexibility at all.
Book activities for the first full day you’re in town rather than the last. That way, a weather delay still leaves you a backup day before you have to move on.
When to Visit and Weather Considerations
Weather affects this leg more than the calendar does. Summer, roughly December through February, offers the best odds of clear conditions for glacier flights, but even then, delays happen.
Winter brings a real chance of road closures on the approach. It’s worth checking conditions before you commit to a tight schedule through here.
Hostels vs. Other Options
Both towns have a mix of motels and small hotels alongside their hostels. The selection is smaller than in bigger stops like Queenstown, though. Whole-home rentals are limited here compared to the rest of the South Island.
For most travelers doing a short stay, a hostel or holiday park remains the simplest option. Our VRBO vs. Airbnb guide covers whole-home rentals if you’d rather compare that route.
What to Pack for This Leg
Glacier activities run cold even in summer, so layers matter more here than almost anywhere else on the itinerary. Pack a proper waterproof jacket, since the West Coast gets more rain than the rest of the South Island.
Sturdy shoes are worth having even if you’re not doing a hike, since most hostel-to-town walks and viewpoint trails aren’t paved. A change of dry clothes for after a glacier flight or hike is also worth keeping accessible in your bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights should I spend in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier?
Most itineraries budget one to two nights, enough for a glacier activity plus a weather buffer day if needed.
What happens if bad weather cancels my glacier flight?
Most operators offer a rebooking or refund policy, but you’ll need flexibility in your schedule to actually use it. Booking early in your stay rather than late helps.
Is it better to stay in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier?
Franz Josef has more options and a livelier atmosphere. Fox Glacier is quieter and smaller. Both put you within easy reach of either glacier.
Do I need a car to get between the two towns?
Yes, effectively. There’s no regular public transit between them, so a rental car or organized tour transfer is the practical option.