We welcome all questions or concerns. Feel free to contact us with any other questions you have.
Do you supply breakfast?
We can supply a continental boxed breakfast that can be ordered the night before. Our village restaurants and cafes offer superb cooked breakfasts and can also provide packed lunches for your tour or walk.
We have been told it is very cold in Franz Josef. What do we have to bring with us?
Franz Josef, being in a rainforest, can be wet so we suggest that you bring a good, all-seasons wet weather jacket. During the winter months of June through October, you should bring regular winter-style clothing. Note: All the tour operators supply the correct clothing and footwear for their activities.
I am travelling by bus. How far is the bus stop from your motel and is there a taxi service or courtesy bus?
The coach and bus lines travelling to and from Franz Josef generally drop off and pick up passengers from their motels or hotels. The bus stops for heading north or south are in the main street approximately 5-6 minutes’ walk. There is a shuttle bus service within the town that travels to the Glacier car park and back; this service will also pick up and drop off at other destinations within Franz and Fox Glaciers. All our bars and restaurants do offer a “home safe” service and encourage a sober driver policy.
I am planning a fishing trip to Franz Josef and the Glacier Lakes. Where can we fish around Franz Josef?
There are several good fishing areas around Franz Josef. Lake Mapourika is one and several of the rivers and creeks offer some good sport. However, you must have a licence to fish in the rivers and lakes; these can be purchased at the Service station or any of the West Coast information centres. Fishing off the West Coast beaches is free and Okarito is a great spot for fishing; you can fish off the wharf if you don’t want to get your feet wet or surf cast from the beach. There are also some great areas for rock fishing; it is advisable if fishing off the rocks you use a life jacket. Every February, Lake Mapourika hosts its fishing contest — a 3-day event with lots of prizes and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the local fishermen and learn their secrets (plenty of beer is required to extract this fruitful information). We have seen the numbers of participants in the contest rise steadily with each passing year!
We are travelling with children, are there playground facilities?
We don’t have playground facilities on site, but there are 2 playgrounds within the Township, just a short walk from the Motel. There are ongoing developments within the Franz Josef Community to improve and provide more public amenities for our visitors.
What child care facilities are available in Franz Josef?
We have a playgroup that operates Monday and Friday mornings at our local Community Centre. Other than that, the answer is none. However, some parents within the Town are happy to look after children while parents are on guided walks or tours. We may also be able to arrange a baby-sitting service while you are dining. Note if you think you may need this type of service, it is best to let us know before your arrival so we can make prior booking arrangements.
We are travelling through in December and bringing our hunting dogs. Do you allow dogs at your motel?
Normally pets and animals are not permitted at the Motel. Depending on the season, allowances may be made. However, prior approval must be sought before arrival. We also suggest you read through the Department of Conservation’s policies on dogs within the Westland National Park.