Westwood Lodge
Franz Josef, Canterbury and the West Coast, New Zealand
At a Glance
Westwood Lodge couldn't be any better located for the Glacier National park
The roaring fire in the main lounge is wonderful on chilly evenings
A cosy and welcoming luxury bed and breakfast in the heart of glacier country
Views of New Zealand's unique coastal rainforests and the mighty mountains
Perfect for a relaxed stop-over whilst enjoying the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
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Best time to Visit
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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.
Insider's View
The Maori name for the glacier is 'Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere' or 'the tears of Hine Hukatere', named after the Maori legend of lovers Hine Hukatere and Tuawe. Tuawe fell to his death while exploring Fox Glacier and Hine's tears of grief formed the Franz Josef Glacier.
Head to best restaurant in town, The Alice May, to grab a drink and bite to eat. There is an outdoor area for warm evenings with heaters should the sun be shining.
Book the Ice Explorer if the weather is good. You will be dropped by helicopter onto the Remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Your guide will navigate you through the maze of ice, explaining how climate change is impacting it and give you a thorough overview of the enthralling world of ice.
If you're looking for a unique experience, the Franz Josef Heli Hike is must or enjoy a one of the many walks that leads up to and around the surrounding areas of the glacier.
If you're looking for a cosy venue and some tasty comfort food, Alice May is a good option for dinner in Franz Josef.
To start planning your vacation to Westwood Lodge
Description
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Glacier Country, Westwood Lodge is a stylish Bed and Breakfast located just moments from the South Island's majestic Southern Alps and the World Heritage Westland National Park.
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 organized 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.
Reviews
Charlotte Winter (Staff)
For those that are looking to take part in a heli-hike at Franz Josef, Westwood Lodge is a great choice of accommodation. The property is less than a 5-minute drive away from the heli-hike center, as well as the various restaurants and cafes in town. The property is made up of a small number of suites, both in and away from the main house, all of which are comfortable and cosy with a real alpine feel to them. Away from the bedrooms, the lodge also has a charming lounge area with a large fireplace and spectacular views up to the mountains (when you get a clear day!). As well as lovely owner Kaz, the lodge is also home to two resident labradoodles!
Anna Chaplin (Staff)
These lodges are well located close to the center of Franz Josef. The overall feel is reminiscent of an alpine lodge, with wood running throughout the property and the rooms are all very spacious and comfortable. The main communal dining area is large, so you never feel like your on top of others, yet it still feels intimate. No children are allowed to stay at Westwood Lodge so it is the perfect option for those who are looking to enjoy Franz Josef in a quiet and peaceful setting.
Katie Kennard (Staff)
An incredibly comfortable bed and breakfast just a 10 minute walk from Franz Josef's buzzing center. The bedrooms are spacious yet cosy and the bathrooms are incredibly light. After a day exploring the glacier, this is a great option being both incredibly comfortable and warm with an alpine feel to it. The villa Franz Josef has plenty of cafes and a couple of good restaurants including Alice May. Franz Josef made me feel like I was in a small ski resort.
Sarah Rowan (Staff)
This lodge provides everything you need for your stay in Franz Joseph; it is just outside the main town, so you can easily access all the activities in the area and is comfortable and private. It has a lovely alpine feel to it, brilliantly in keeping with the area and for a night stay while visiting the glacier is just the ticket. The rooms are spacious and light, with their own parking space just outside, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please. They have a TV in every room, a DVD collection to take advantage of should you need a break after a days activities and breakfast in the morning.
Olivia Smith (Staff)
Westwood Lodge is a wonderfully located property, perfect for those exploring the rugged West Coast of the South Island and the amazing Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
All rooms have a real wooden chalet feel with wooden-clad walls and the most fantastic outlook over the Glaciers. This rustic, wooden warmth reflects the west coast forest environment and is really welcoming and relaxed. Whilst the Lodge doesn’t pretend to be a super luxurious property, competing with the likes of Huka Lodge and Cape Kidnappers, it is cosy and friendly and ideally located for experiencing these ice giants.
Experiences
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Dolphin Encounter off the coast of Kaikoura - Shared
Make one of life's dream a reality and not only watch dolphins in the wild but get the chance to swim with them as well, just off the coast of Kiakoura.
Vacation Ideas
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Active New Zealand
Waiheke Island, Taupo, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef & Queenstown
from $15000 pp 16 nights
- The perfect vacation for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies
- Bungy, sky dive, hike, ride, ski and surf your way across New Zealand
- Explore some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth
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Road Trip around South Island
Abel Tasman, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown
from $8000 pp 11 nights
- Adventurous trip covering the mountains, lakes and oceans of New Zealand's South Island
- Road trip through some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery
- Particularly lovely in the New Zealand spring (October) with snow on the mountains and lambs in the fields
Location & directions
Franz Josef, Canterbury and the West Coast, New Zealand
Westwood Lodge is situated just 1km from the center 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.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator