Fox Glacier Accommodation: 6 Best Places To Stay | West Coast
This post is a guide to the best accommodation and places to stay in Fox Glacier, located on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand.
Fox Glacier is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the West Coast of the South Island. For travellers doing a tour of the South Island, a road trip along the West Coast is almost a guarantee on your itinerary. With only one highway along the West Coast, you will pass through the small township of Fox Glacier.
There are many wonderful things to see and do in Fox Glacier, so it is worth spending a couple of days to enjoy the area.
I lived in Fox Glacier for around 9-months and I really enjoyed my experience there. During my time living in Fox Glacier, I got to know many of the accommodation options in the town. I know that it can be difficult to choose the best place to stay, so that is why I wanted to write this post to help others enjoy their time in Fox Glacier.
In this post, we take a look at the top accommodations in Fox Glacier, that suit diverse needs, preferences and budgets. From campsites to luxury hotels, each Fox Glacier accommodation will offer a memorable stay in this wonderful West Coast village.
Let’s discover the best accommodation options for your trip to Fox Glacier on the West Coast!
Fox Glacier Accommodation: Top Places To Stay | West Coast, New Zealand
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Read my New Zealand Travel Guide for all my blog posts and tips for travel in New Zealand!
In my Travel Resources page I share everything I use and love – check it out here for great tips on accommodation bookings, tours, travel money, insurance and more.
Did You Know?: Fox Glacier is named after the famous glacier of the same name – Fox Glacier. But the town does have an original Maori name – Weheka. The history of the area dates back to the 1860s, with the nearby coastal settlement of Gillespies Beach a hub of gold mining activity.
6 Best Places To Stay In Fox Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand
Here are my recommendations of where to stay in Fox Glacier. There are different options to cater depending on your budget and needs. This includes campervan and tent sites, budget hostels, motels and hotels, and boutique accommodations.
1. Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge Fox Glacier
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Backpackers, Solo & Budget Group Travellers
Summary Of Ivory Towers Hostel
- 📍Location: 33/35 Sullivan Road, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand (Google Maps) Located in Fox Glacier centre
- 🏨Type of accommodation: Hostel
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: Single rooms, Twin rooms, Shared Dorm rooms, Double rooms, Group rooms and Family rooms
- 👫Great For: Singles, couples, and budget travellers.
- 💲Budget & Cost: $ – Rates from $34 for a dorm bed, $85 for a standard double room, per night.
- 🛋️Facilities: Kitchen/dining area, lounge with fireplace, games room, showers/bathrooms, hot spa pool and sauna, laundry, bicycle hire, BBQs, outdoor area, WiFi, free luggage storage, free tea/coffee/sugar, car parking.
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: No
- ➡️How To Book: Book Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge on Booking or Hostelworld.
Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge in Fox Glacier is a cosy, budget-friendly accommodation. It has a relaxed, social atmosphere that is ideal for solo and budget group travellers exploring New Zealand’s stunning West Coast.
There are a mix of private rooms of different occupancies and shared dorm rooms.
Ivory Towers Hostel Facilities
There are shared facilities such as a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, a hot tub and a cosy communal fireplace.
The hostel is located in Fox Glacier Center, so it offers easy access to local attractions, restaurants and bars.
Ivory Towers Hostel provides free on-site parking for guests.
It has a welcoming vibe and helpful staff, so it makes a great base for meeting other travellers while exploring the area’s amazing landscapes and attractions. You never know, you might meet your next travel buddy or hiking partner at the hostel!
2. Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Camping & Self-Contained Units For Family Groups & Couples
Summary Of Fox Glacier TOP 10
- 📍Location: Kerr Road, Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand (Google Maps) 10-minute walk from town centre.
- 🏨Type of accommodation: Holiday Park
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: Powered/Non-Powered Sites, Grass Pitch Sites, Self-Contained Motel Units
- 👫Great For: Campervans, tents, singles, couples, groups and families.
- 💲Budget & Cost: $ – Rates from $30 for a single adult in an unpowered site; $60 for 2 adults in a powered site; $99 for a double bed self-contained unit per night.
- 🛋️Facilities: Kitchen/dining area, lounge/games room, showers/bathrooms, hot spa pool ($15 for 30 minutes), laundry (from $6 per wash/dry), playground with trampoline, tourist information and maps in reception, WiFi, dump station, small glowworm walk.
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: Yes, for an additional charge
- ➡️How To Book: Book Fox Glacier TOP 10 on Booking or Tripadvisor.
The Fox Glacier TOP 10 is one of the best holiday parks on the South Island of New Zealand. It is set in a gorgeous location, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest.
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Accommodation Options
It is a large site, with over 40 guest rooms, including self-contained units, motels, and apartments. Almost all of the rooms have full kitchen facilities with all the equipment you need to cook your own meals – perfect for travellers who like to self-cater. All accommodation has its own parking spaces, and some have covered car ports.
There are also powered/non-powered vehicle and tent sites across the site, including hard sites and grass pitches. Picnic tables are dotted around the site and the sites are never far from the facilities.
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Facilities
The communal facilities include a large kitchen/dining area with fireplace, an outdoor camp kitchen, BBQs, a lounge/games room, showers/bathrooms, and a self-service laundry room (washers and dryers) and outside washing lines. For kids, there is a large playground with a trampoline and fun bikes available.
A surprising secret at Fox Glacier TOP 10 is that there is a trail into the woods just next to the campsite where you can see glowworms at night!
The best amenity at Fox Glacier TOP 10 is the hot spa pool, which has views that look out over the mountains. It is an absolutely delightful way to relax! The hot spa pool is available to be booked for a private 30-minute session with your group of up to 4 people.
The location is a short walk to Fox Glacier Center, where there are good options for eating out. I recommend trying Betsy Jane’s steak and burgers!
The prices for TOP 10 are very reasonable, considering the facilities on-site.
TOP 10 Membership – 10% Discount On Your Stays
TOP 10 offers a membership club which entitles you to discounts on your stays – around 10% off. Many travellers to New Zealand that road trip in campervans will join. It costs around $55 for the 24-month membership. You can join the TOP 10 members club when you check-in to the TOP 10 at the front desk.
TOP 10 Holiday Parks Across New Zealand
Fox Glacier TOP 10 is a franchise operation of the TOP 10 Holiday Parks Group. With so many TOP 10’s all across New Zealand, staying in these holiday parks is a popular option for a lot of travellers in New Zealand.
Being a franchise, the holiday parks have certain criteria they have to meet in terms of amenities. That can be helpful if you want consistency in your accommodation and know what you’re going to get.
3. Gillespies Beach DOC Campsite
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Cheap, Basic Camping By The Beach!
Summary Of Gillespies Beach DOC Campsite
- 📍Location: Gillespies Beach Road, Westland National Park, 7886, New Zealand (Google Maps) Located right next to the beach!
- 🏨Type of accommodation: DOC Campsite
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: Non-Powered Sites, Grass Pitch Sites – 8 sites available
- 👫Great For: Campervans, motorhomes, tents
- 💲Budget & Cost: $ – Rates from $15 per adult, per night. DOC Campsite Pass can be used.
- 🛋️Facilities: Toilets, shelter, water (boil before use). (Sandflies mandatory, of course)
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: Yes, on leash only
- ➡️How To Book: Book on the DOC website.
The Gillespies Beach Campsite is a Department of Conservation campsite. It is very basic and offers minimal facilities. It is a rural location, about 30-minute drive from Fox Glacier township, so you must be prepared and take everything you need with you. The road is unsealed/gravel and narrow in some sections.
If you camp in this lovely beachside camp, you can enjoy all the walks nearby including the Gillespies gold mining history walks, lagoon, tunnel track and seal colony. Being on the West Coast, the sunsets from this beach are beautiful. You can also see the mountains of the Southern Alps from the Gillespies Beach Campsite, so overall it is very scenic.
Gillespies Beach Campsite Facilities
The facilities are very basic, with only a toilet and water that is not suitable for drinking. But due to the low price, if you need a cheap place to camp for the night on the West Coast, Gillespies Beach Campsite could make a very good option. Dogs are also allowed (on leash only) so if you’re travelling with a pet it is a good choice. Sandflies are guaranteed so make sure you take insect repellent!
There are only a few spaces available, so booking in advance is recommended during busy periods, such as the summer season, popular weekends and public holidays. DOC wants campers to book online for most campsites, but during quieter periods I do think it is possible to just turn up and pay on-site into the honesty box.
4. Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Affordable & Comfortable Modern Motel Rooms
Summary Of Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier
- 📍Location: SH6, Haast Highway, 55 Main Road, Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand (Google Maps) Located in the heart of Fox Glacier.
- 🏨Type of accommodation: Motel
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: King, queen & twin studio units with kitchenettes.
- 👫Great For: Couples, singles, groups and families.
- 💲Budget & Cost: $$ – Rates from $125 for a queen studio, per night
- 🛋️Facilities: WiFi, car parking, EV charger, laundry, BBQ.
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: No
- ➡️How To Book: Book Bella Vista Motel on Booking or Tripadvisor.
Bella Vista Motel in Fox Glacier is a comfortable and modern accommodation option, ideal for travellers seeking convenience and quality.
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier Accommodation Options
The motel has a range of rooms, from studios to larger family units. All of the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes that include a kettle, microwave, fridge and toaster. It is enough to do a basic meal or breakfast, but without a hot plate or oven it isn’t suitable for complete self-catering for a long period of time.
The Bella Vista in Fox Glacier is located in the heart of the town, so it is close to local restaurants, shops and conveniently it is just off the highway. If you’re looking for an option to eat, I recommend trying the Cook & Saddle Cafe & Saloon for their traditional pub food with a western twist.
Next door to the Bella Vista is the start of the Minnehaha Trail – a gorgeous circular walking route through the rainforest. If you go there at night, you have a good chance of seeking glowworms!
Bella Vista Motels Across New Zealand
Bella Vista is a chain group of motels across the country, and they offer very similar services at each location. I have stayed at a Bella Vista Motel and I really enjoyed the level of comfort and amenities that the motel provides, especially for the price. It is a very affordable option for a private hotel room that has a kitchenette.
5. Rainforest Motel Fox Glacier
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Simple, Self-Contained Motel Rooms (Pet Friendly)
Summary Of Rainforest Motel Fox Glacier
- 📍Location: 15 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier 7859, New Zealand (Google Maps) Located 5-minutes walk from Fox Glacier centre
- 🏨Type of accommodation: Motel
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: Double & twin studios, one & two bedroom apartments.
- 👫Great For: Couples, groups and families.
- 💲Budget & Cost: $$ – Rates from $125 for a double studio, per night
- 🛋️Facilities: WiFi, car parking, laundry.
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: Yes (cats allowed too), free!
- ➡️How To Book: Book Rainforest Motel on Booking.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly, no frills motel in Fox Glacier then the Rainforest Motel could be a good choice.
For those travelling with pets, you’ll be glad to hear that the Rainforest Motel is probably the most pet-friendly accommodation in Fox Glacier. The motel can accommodate dogs and cats (maybe other animals too, if you ask the friendly owner in advance), including big cats, for no additional charge.
Self-catering is possible at this motel as units have kitchenettes and some have full kitchen facilities, all cooking equipment provided.
The rooms are simple but have everything you need for a comfortable 1-2 night stay.
6. Te Weheka Boutique Hotel Fox Glacier
Best Fox Glacier Accommodation For Luxury & Spacious King-Size Hotel Rooms
Summary Of Te Weheka Boutique Hotel
- 📍Location: 15 Main Road, Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand (Google Maps) Located in Fox Glacier centre
- 🏨Type of accommodation: Hotel
- 🛏️Accommodation options available: Superking or Single Beds. Interconnecting rooms available. Modern, spacious rooms with satellite TV. Each room has a balcony, overlooking the lush countryside.
- 👫Great For: Couples and singles.
- 💲Budget & Cost: $$$ – Rates from $240 for a king or twin room, per night
- 🛋️Facilities: The restaurant serves breakfast daily (can be included with room rate). WiFi, car parking, EV charging, guest lounge with fireplace, laundry.
- 🐶Dogs allowed?: No
- ➡️How To Book: Book Te Weheka Boutique Hotel on Booking or Tripadvisor.
If you’re visiting Fox Glacier and want to stay in a luxury hotel, then Te Weheka Boutique is sure to tick a lot of boxes. Te Weheka offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat for travellers to Fox Glacier seeks a premium experience.
The boutique accommodation features spacious, elegantly designed rooms. They have modern amenities including armchairs, satellite TV, tea/coffee, sink and fridge, ensuites with shower and bath, private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Guests can enjoy warm hospitality from the staff.
A cooked breakfast is offered at this hotel for an additional charge.
The hotel is located on the highway Route 6 and is just a 2-minute walk to the centre of Fox Glacier town.
Fox Glacier Travel Tips & FAQ
Is It Better To Stay In Fox Glacier Or Franz Josef?
A common question that travellers ask when planning a trip to the West Coast is whether they should stay in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef. This is a very valid question and I know I had the same thoughts before visiting the West Coast. I think that an answer to this question deserves a post in its own right, but to give you a quick answer now depends on what kind of traveller you are and what you want to get from the experience.
To compare Franz Josef and Fox Glacier in simple terms, you can consider the following when deciding which town to stay in:
Fox Glacier Is Smaller & Has Less Amenities Than Franz Josef
Franz Josef has more amenities for tourists than Fox Glacier does because Franz Josef is a larger township than Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier still has restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels but not as many as Franz Josef.
For example, in Fox Glacier, there is only a small independent grocery store and it has quite high prices. In comparison, Franz Josef has a small supermarket called Four Square which is owned by one of the bigger supermarket chains so it has more competitive prices and options.
Similarly, Franz Josef has more options for restaurants and cafes than Fox Glacier does. That said there are still great options for eating out in Fox Glacier! You can get recommendations for where to eat in Fox Glacier in this blog post.
Fox Glacier Is Quieter & More Scenic Than Franz Josef
Fox Glacier is less developed compared to Franz Josef so if you’re the kind of traveller who likes to feel closer to nature then you would enjoy Fox Glacier.
I would say Fox Glacier is more scenic and feels closer to nature as it is less built up. This means you can get beautiful views of the countryside and mountains from almost anywhere in the town. Franz Josef is still of course incredibly beautiful, as is everywhere on the West Coast. But you won’t get the same stunning views right from the town centre that you can get in Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier Feels More ‘Off The Beaten Path’ & Has Incredible Hidden Gems
Fox Glacier is less ‘touristy’ compared to Franz Josef so if you enjoy exploring hidden gems then Fox Glacier will feel like an adventure.
Franz Josef is more on the ‘tourist trail’ as many tourists will simply pass through Fox Glacier and head straight in either direction. If you aren’t paying attention you may even drive straight through Fox Glacier without noticing, as there really isn’t much to the town from the roadside! To enjoy the best of Fox Glacier, you need to get off the highway and go exploring!
There are plenty of hidden gems to explore from Fox Glacier that are off the tourist trail. For example, you can take hikes to amazing natural hot pools or a secret lake hidden in the mountains. There are also free glowworms to be found in the rainforest at night, just a short walk from the town. Additionally, you can explore the fascinating gold mining heritage of the area at the beach, just a short drive from Fox Glacier.
How Long To Spend In Fox Glacier
Most travellers only pass through Fox Glacier and barely make any time to stop! Those who do stay overnight tend to only stay one night in the village before moving on.
If you have any more time on your schedule then I would recommend you spend another night in Fox Glacier (2 nights total). Many travellers do not realise how much there is to see and do. You can fill 1-2 days full of fun, adventurous and relaxing activities in Fox Glacier. Many hotels also offer discounts if you stay more than 1 night.
That said, if you are on a really tight schedule then you can do the best of Fox Glacier in 1 day. In that case, my recommendation is to focus on the Fox Glacier Viewpoint and Lake Matheson Loop Walk.
Where To Buy Groceries & Get Fuel In Fox Glacier
NPD Fox Glacier is the only fuel station in Fox Glacier. It is the last place to get fuel before going south to Haast and further south of that is Wanaka.
The Allied Fuel Station in Franz Josef, a 20-minute drive north of Fox Glacier, is slightly cheaper than the Fox Glacier NPD.
On The Spot in Fox Glacier is a small supermarket that sells basic items. It is open from 8 am and closes around 6 pm. The shop is expensive compared to other grocery stores because it is remote and is the only supermarket in Fox Glacier. There are limited fresh food options but it will have all the essentials and shelf-stable foods you need.
You can visit the Four Square in Franz Josef (a 20-minute drive) for a larger supermarket and more options.
The Best Things To Do In Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier welcomes thousands of visitors every year, who visit the area to discover Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The national park is famous for two glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Here are my ideas for what to do in Fox Glacier:
West Coast Glacier Country
- View Fox Glacier: See the glacier that gives Fox Glacier its name! There are two easy ways to see the Fox Glacier – the first is to visit the Fox Glacier Viewpoint, the second is to take the Southside Walk hiking trail. Discover more about visiting Fox Glacier and other New Zealand glaciers in this blog post: 10 Epic Glaciers To Visit In New Zealand
- Helicopter Tour: A glacier helicopter tour is the most popular activity in Fox Glacier. You can take a scenic ride in a helicopter to view the Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, or both! For tips on taking a helicopter tour in Fox Glacier, check out my recommendations for Helicopter Tour Companies here.
Walking Trails
- Lake Matheson Loop Walk: Located a short drive from Fox Glacier village is Lake Matheson – a well-known ‘reflective lake’ and one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. Discover the beautiful ‘reflective’ Lake Matheson on a gorgeous and easy loop walk. I’ve written a whole blog post about this beautiful lake – check it out: Lake Matheson Loop Walk: Easy & Beautiful Track In Fox Glacier
- Minnehaha Walk: See beautiful ancient rainforest by day and glowworms by night on the Minnehaha Walk. Just a 5-minute walk from Fox Glacier town centre is the start of the Minnehaha Walk. This gorgeous trail will take you through beautiful ancient rainforest in the day and is a cheeky spot to see glowworms at night!
Wild West Coast Beach
- Gillespies Beach: Explore the beautiful, wild, West Coast beach of Gillespies! This small township was once a thriving gold mining community. Now, it has remnants of its active past to be explored on the gorgeous Gillespies walking trails. You may even find the local seal colony! Gillespies Beach is a wonderful place to see a magical West Coast sunset! Not to be missed!
For further information on these activities and more ideas, check out my blog post for the best 18 FREE & Cheap Things To See & Do In Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier Accommodation: The Best Places To Stay – Thanks For Reading!
In this post, we looked at the best accommodation in Fox Glacier. There are different options to cater depending on your budget and needs. This includes campervan and tent sites, budget hostels, motels and hotels, and boutique accommodations. I hope that by reading this guide you have an idea of where to stay for trip to Fox Glacier to make the most of your visit. – Lauren x
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Lauren | Wild Lovely World
Lauren is a coffee and cat obsessed travel writer from the U.K., specialising in travelling on a budget as a solo female and in a couple. She moved to Australia solo at age 19 and has since lived in 7 different countries around the world, including teaching English in Japan, living in a campervan in New Zealand and hiking all across Scotland. Her style is travelling slow and she is an expert on moving abroad and long-term travel. She spends a lot of time working on her blog WildLovelyWorld.com, cuddling her partner Fiachra and day-dreaming of her next trip.
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