Description
Westwood Lodge is a friendly, welcoming lodge and is architecturally styled to reflect the New Zealand West Coast forest environment with the warmth of natural timber throughout the rooms. Crackling open fires and stunning alpine views make this luxury bed and breakfast an idyllic spot from which to enjoy the mountain and National Park surrounds.
During your time at Westwood Lodge, relax in the lodge's beautiful sitting area with large open fire, the billiards room, the lounge and bar or cosy conservatory which has magnificent views out to the Mountains and Glacier beyond. All six of the Lodge Suites, split between the main building and the Coach House are spacious and stylish.
The surrounding region is home to ice glaciers, soft flowing streams, plunging waterfalls, primeval forests, serene lakes and rugged coastline. From scenic flights to heli-hikes, eco-tours and a range of water sports activities - New Zealand’s stunning West Coast is buzzing with adventure activity throughout the year.
Accommodation
The six Lodge Suites are designed to blend with the West Coast forest environment and warm natural timber is used throughout the large open plan rooms, with cosy electric blankets on the beds and under floor heating in the stylish bathrooms. Suites can be found in the Coach House (for great alpine views) and in the main house, where there is also one larger Grand Suite with a separate living area.
Childcare
Only children over the age of 12 years are welcome to come and stay at Westwood Lodge as it is not suited to younger children.
Facilities
Westwood Lodge's breakfast restaurant serves hearty breakfasts to prepare you for the day's adventures ahead and the lodge also has a games room with billiards table, sumptuous lodge lounge and bar with impressive fireplace and a cosy conservatory.
Activities
Activities in the surrounding region can all be organised by the lodge's hosts and include glacier climbs, quad biking, helicopter flight seeing, Okarito Lagoon kayak and boat tours, glacial hot pools and hiking.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Central South Island, New Zealand
Westwood Lodge is situated just 1km from the centre of Franz Josef and easily accessible by car or by a pleasant 15-minute walk along a designated footpath. Franz Josef is in New Zealand Glacier Country on the West Coast of the South Island.
How to get there
The nearest airport is at Hokitika which is an approximate 90-minutes' drive (150km) from the lodge. Alternatively, Christchurch is 395 kms away, a drive of 5-hours 30-minutes.
