Glenfern Villas welcomes guests with a peaceful garden, playground for families, and a library. Connect with nature or use in-room WiFi. Helpful staff assist with needs, and barbecue grills enhance the mountain retreat experience.
Located in Franz Josef Glacier, Glenfern Villas is in a rural area and in the mountains. Our Lady of the Alps and Sentinel Rock are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Westcoast Wildlife Centre and Alex Knob. Waiho Hot Tubs and St James Anglican Church are two other places to visit that come recommended. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, ecotours, and skydiving nearby. Visit our Franz Josef Glacier travel guide
Laundry facilities, a library, and tour/ticket assistance are available at this aparthotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a garden, gas grills, and a picnic area are onsite. Each apartment provides a kitchen with a refrigerator, an oven, a stovetop, and a microwave. Guests will appreciate conveniences like a sitting area and an electric kettle, while a flat-screen TV with digital channels and a DVD player provide a bit of entertainment. Housekeeping is available on request.
Glenfern Villas offers 18 accommodations with DVD players and rice cookers. Rooms open to patios. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas and include dining tables. Beds feature premium bedding. Accommodations at this 4.5-star aparthotel have kitchens with full-sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms include showers with hydromassage showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
This Franz Josef Glacier aparthotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). 43-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Hypo-allergenic bedding and change of towels can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Awards and affiliations
Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
Daily continental breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 20 for adults and NZD 20 for children
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Free rollaway/extra bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Bathroom
1 private bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Hydromassage showerhead
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Separate sitting area
Entertainment
43-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
DVD player
Library
Outdoor areas
Garden
Gas grill
Outdoor entertainment area
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Picnic area
Terrace
Laundry
Laundry detergent
Laundry facilities
Climate control
Air conditioning
Pets
Service animals only (pets not allowed)
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No elevator
Stair-free path to entrance
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Blackout drapes
Change of towels on request
Electrical adapters
Guidebooks
Housekeeping (on request)
Iron/ironing board
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Tour and ticket assistance
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the mountains
Things to do
Helicopter/airplane tours
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Skydiving nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
18 units
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Comprehensive recycling policy
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Garden
Housekeeping (on request)
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Soundproofing
Towels (changed on request)
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 8 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs are available on request at the property
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 20 for adults and NZD 20 for children
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
Alcohol is not served at this property
National rating
Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.
Property is also known as
Glenfern
Glenfern Villas
Glenfern Villas Apartment
Glenfern Villas Apartment Franz Josef Glacier
Glenfern Villas Franz Josef Glacier
Glenfern Villas Aparthotel
Glenfern Villas Franz Josef Glacier
Glenfern Villas Aparthotel Franz Josef Glacier
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenfern Villas pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Glenfern Villas?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Glenfern Villas?
Check-out is at 10 AM.
Where is Glenfern Villas located?
Situated in the mountains, this luxury aparthotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Waiho Hot Tubs, Westcoast Wildlife Centre, and Our Lady of the Alps. St James Anglican Church and Sentinel Rock are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
Glenfern Villas Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6
Cleanliness
8.8
Location
9.2
Staff & service
9.2
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 260 out of 375 reviews
10 - Excellent
260
Rating 8 - Good. 91 out of 375 reviews
8 - Good
91
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 375 reviews
6 - Okay
14
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 375 reviews
4 - Poor
5
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 375 reviews
2 - Terrible
5
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Martin
Sep 25, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The villa was spacious and the host was welcoming. View from the living area was great. Good place to relax
Martin
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ian
Apr 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very clean and well presented. Excellent views of the mountains.
Ian
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Margaret
Sep 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The perfect base to explore Franz Josef. Lovely area and beautiful setting.
Margaret
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Graham
Oct 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great accommodation with good facilities in the room. Couple minutes out of town but lovely area.
Graham
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Debrah
Mar 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A great place to stay if you want to visit the Franz Josef glacier. Clean, well equipped and quiet.
Debrah
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paul
Nov 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Management staff is very knowledgeable about what to see & do in the area. The accommodations were exceptionally clean & comfortable. 5 star rating.
Paul
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Edwin
Nov 30, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Just outside of the town with great views of the mountains. The farm animals are fun to feed and pet. The staff were super friendly and accommodating.
Edwin
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
TITUS
Nov 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very very quiet
Clean and neat
Views are unbelievable
TITUS
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Adrienne
Nov 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
What an excellent place to stay - home away from home. Great property; great views; excellent staff - could not be more helpful and a relaxing setting. Highly, highly recommended
Adrienne
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
Sandra
Nov 18, 2023
Disliked: Amenities
Property was in a great location just outside of Franz Josef. Villa was clean and well equipped and staff were friendly
Sandra
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
8/10 Good
David
Apr 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Some areas a bit tired and needing upgrade/maintenance to justify the expensive price tag (but that seems to be franz josef all over) but on the whole it was a comfortable nice place to stay. Friendly helpful staff
David
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bruce
Feb 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely beautiful rooms! Wonderful staff! Our unit though was a little close to the road and wish we were facing mountains instead.
Bruce
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Annabel
Aug 17, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Clean and comfy
Clean and comfy stay. Close to the glacier.
Annabel
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Victoria
Dec 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
My only regret was not booking more than one night here. It was a great property with comfortable amenities and so much green space for the kids to run around and play in. They also loved the sheep and cows on the property. The staff was super friendly and helpful too.
Victoria
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carol
Mar 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved this place! Big enough for our family of 5. Kitchen area was super well stocked. They had games and videos to borrow - Yahtzee! Enjoyed the things to do in the area.
Carol
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia
May 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely gorgeous setting with a view of the glacier. Villa was comfortable (except for the lack of bedside lamps) with a nice kitchen and good beds. Loved that they had free DVDs available (which we took advantage of thanks to a very rainy afternoon and evening) and laundry facilities. The town of Franz Joseph Glacier was cute but food options weren't great - I'd suggest cooking in. Glad we had 2 nights here!
Cynthia
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Erine
Apr 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Immaculate 2 bedrooms villa, beautiful mountain view and plenty of space for a family of 4. They offered free DVDs, very clean coin operated laundry room. Plenty of coffee, tea selection and generous milk provided. Highly recommend to stay at 5 stars Glenfern villa.
Erine
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Deborah
Nov 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
We were very pleased with Glenfern Villas. The apartment was very clean and comfortable with a great covered parking area. This came in very handy since it was pouring rain. The staff was excellent and provided advice when our route was closed due to flooding.
Deborah
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia
Feb 18, 2024
Very nice one bedroom villa. Full kitchen with everything you need. Nice staff. Very quiet. Short drive into FJ. Wish we could have stayed longer to explore more.
Cynthia
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Vincent
Jan 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
A place to retreat
Amazing. Courteous staff. Comfortable. Serene.
Vincent
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paul Philip
Mar 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Winderfull
Spotless roomy had everything within villa & also washing facilities & driers near their reception Becky wonderful at reception wonderful area peacefully tranquil it's an amazing area.Air liquid gold all the trees,quiet.Loved it.
Paul Philip
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
David
Mar 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a minor plumbing issue (no hot water) which the staff addressed immediately…on a weekend no less.
David
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Taylor
Sep 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I wish we had more time in Franz Josef! Our 1 night stay was wonderful. The villa was extremely clean, spacious, and had all the amenities we needed. There was complementary laundry soap provided and we were able to use the coin operated washer and dryer. The owner (I think she was the owner) was very friendly and gave us great tips about the area. It’s a quick 3 minute drive into town where there are restaurants, shops, cafes and a little grocery store. Best of all was the welcome party - her sweet dog!
Taylor
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
SETH
Nov 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very nice property. Sheep were on the property, which you could pet and feed. The villa was nice. We had a two bedroom. One queen bed and two twin beds for our kids. One full bathroom, another would have been nice, but the one worked well. It was very close to the downtown area, about one KM. there are several good restaurants and all the companies running excursions. Would have me problem recommending.