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Glenfern Villas, Franz Josef Glacier

Glenfern Villas

Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, New Zealand

Surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape, the Glenfern Villas are just a short distance from the village of Franz Josef, the hub for Fox and Franz Josef Glacier tours and attractions.

The spacious apartment-style accommodation allows you the flexibility to come and go as you please, designed in a tasteful contemporary style that doesn't impact on your surroundings.

Whether you’re hiking, ice climbing or just enjoying the local hot springs, Glenfern makes a welcome home-from-home retreat in which to relax after a day of exploring.

OUR OPINION:

This is a great base for exploring the great outdoors, with plenty to do in the surrounding area and wonderful scenery that you'll never tire of. The apartments are stylish and comfortable, working particularly well for families.

OUR RATING: Medium

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Barbara

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists

Rooms

The spacious one or two bedroom villas are stylishly furnished and fully self-contained, providing comfortable accommodation and a cosy base for cooler west coast days. As all the apartments have fully equipped kitchens, they're great for families or those seeking a more flexible, independent stay. A large sitting room and a dining room ensures guests have ample space, with the lounge area's glass doors opening out onto a furnished deck. Guests can choose to have king, queen or twin beds in the bedrooms.

All the villas have heating and air conditioning, Sky TV and free Wi-Fi. Gas barbecues are available to borrow if you wish to cook out on the deck, and DVDs can be hired from the library if the weather is bad or you'd prefer a quiet night in.

Location

Nestled in a peaceful countryside setting, with stunning mountain and native bush views, Glenfern Villas is perfectly situated just north of Franz Josef township and five kilometres from the glacier itself.

Food and drink

Continental breakfast is available to purchase at Glenfern, and with self-catering facilities in your apartment you can prepare your own lunches and dinners at times that suit you. You can purchase supplies from Franz Josef village.

Families

The spacious villas are ideal for families who prefer to self-cater. Children will enjoy interacting with the local alpacas and sheep, as well as playing on the on site playground.

Facilities and activities

Many activities can be arranged from the property, including glacier helicopter flights and flights over the incredible scenery of Milford Sound. Mountain bikes are available to hire, allowing you to explore the local trails.

Tour ideas in Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Glenfern Villas as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
      Helicopter landing, Fox Glacier

      Flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

      Flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

      This is a 30-minute scenic flight that will take you high above the spectacular scenery of both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, with views across to Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

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    • Fox Glacier Heli Hiking
      Helicopter landing, Fox Glacier

      Fox Glacier Heli Hiking

      Fox Glacier Heli Hiking

      The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of the fastest moving in the world, sometimes at a rate of up to 20 m a year. This means that the terrain is ever-changing as crevasses close and new ones open so your guide leads you on an unplanned route which is a true adventure.

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    • Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier
      Helicopter on Franz Josef Glacier

      Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier

      Heli-Hike on Franz Josef Glacier

      Join your crew at The Helicopter Line Officer, Main South Road to commence a heli-hike tour. A scenic 10-minute helicopter flight takes you over Franz Josef Glacier to its icefall, where the helicopter lands and you start a two-hour guided walk among its ice caves, pinnacles and seracs.

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    Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers and nearby places