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Welcome to Franz Josef - considered one of the most magical natural settings in New Zealand’s South Island, and home to Franz Josef Glacier and the impressive Westland National Park.

Glacier Gateway Motel is the perfect base for your Wild West Coast holiday and is proud to be the closest accommodation to Franz Josef Glacier! The well-appointed motel complex is nestled within a relaxing native bush setting with terrific views of the majestic Southern Alps. The unique location of the motel is a big attraction for repeat customers (check out our Testimonials for yourself)! Imagine private, peaceful accommodation only a short stroll from the township, with the Wahio River on one side and Westland Tai Poutini National Park and glacier access road on the other!

We recommend a stay of at least 2 nights or longer to really appreciate and enjoy all the fabulous local activities and attractions on offer. Guests can also take advantage of our hospitality at Glacier Gateway Motel with our complimentary booking service for all Attractions & Activities in the region. That’s right! At Glacier Gateway Motel we don’t charge any booking fee when you book all your activities and tours through us!

The motel complex features 23 serviced units designed for travellers seeking clean, comfortable Franz Josef accommodation at affordable budget rates. Only a 5 minute walk from Franz Josef village with its impressive selection of restaurants and cafes, guests can also enjoy a daily continental breakfast delivered to their door!

With a choice of studio, 1 and 2 bedroom motel units available, including a wheelchair access unit, there is a bedroom configuration to suit your personal accommodation requirements, from single person to large family groups travelling together. Families are well catered for with some units available with cooking facilities or baby cot (if required), while the large outdoor area with kid’s playground is always popular, as is the in-house video selection. All motel rooms are smoke free, well heated and feature the usual amenities you would expect in a motel unit. The complex also boasts a spa for guests to use, plenty of boat parking and a shared laundry area with coin operated washing and drying machines.

We encourage you to read our F.A.Q page for further information about our accommodation and the region, while our Rate Chart is kept well updated so you can confidently Make a Booking online or Check Availability and make a booking in realtime.

As a member of MANZ, Budget Motel Chain and AA Rewards programme, we recommend you Request a Quote if using an accommodation discount card or if you would like to request a room with glacier views.

Along with free booking services for all your tours and activities, the friendly staff at Glacier Gateway Motel are happy to share their local knowledge About Glaciers, including interesting Facts & History about Franz Josef Glacier. We can also assist with any New Zealand Information you may require during your journey.

Please do not hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions, alternatively drop us an email to info@franzjosefmotels.co.nz. All the latest local tourist news and any accommodation specials on offer can be read in our Message Board, or by joining our mailing list.

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Website editor - Rachael de Hek

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