West Coast beach at sunset  © Paula Sheridan

 There are all types of accommodation to choose from on the West Coast, from budget to luxurious, from remote beach getaways to forest lodges, motels, hotels, B&B's and more.  Here you can find some of our handpicked recommendations which offers some of each of these to help you choose your nest for the night.

West-Coast-Accommodation

West Coast Accommodation and Beyond

Hari Hari
Whataroa
Okarito
Franz Josef Glacier
Fox Glacier
Bruce Bay
Lake Moeraki
Stewart Island
 

Hari Hari
 © Paula Sheridan

Paramata Lodge

Paramata Lodge is located approximately 30 minutes drive south of Hokitika and off State Highway 6.  It offers West Coast Luxury Accommodation and Wilderness Tours with three superking/king bedrooms and ensuites. 

Set in a spectacular New Zealand landscape of indigenous forest stretching from the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea, Paramata Lodge offers a rare location where wind and ocean collide with the mountainous land, while forest, wetlands and wildlife create dramas along the coast.

Tariffs range from $280 to $340 for double occupancy. Visit their website at  Paramata Lodge

FlaxBush Motels

FlaxBush Motels offer accommodation in the centre of Hari Hari, just a twenty minute drive to the Hari Hari Coastal Walk and 1-hours drive north of the Glaciers.  They have 9-1 & 2 Bedroom self contained units. Tariffs are $90-$120.  Intl'l phone: 011 64 3 753 3116.
Local phone: 03 753 3116

Mount Adam Lodge - B&B

This comfortable lodge is located just 35 minutes drive north of Franz Josef Glacier and 1hr 10mins drive south of Hokitika. It is surrounded by farmlands and beautiful native bush at the foot of Mt Adam Mountain.The lodge offers comfortable ensuite queen or twin rooms and a fully licensed restaurant. Visit their website for bookings and information.  Mount Adam Lodge.
 

Whataroa
 © Paula Sheridan

White Heron Sanctuary Motels

White Heron Sanctuary Tours also offer motel accommodation in the township of Whataroa.  Studio and self-contained units are available from $95-$125.  Visit their website for more information on accommodation and tours.  White Heron Motels.

 Whataroa Holiday Homes

Holiday homes are a popular type of accommodation in New Zealand and Whataroa offers some cottages near streams for fishing, or more isolated settings to enjoy the dawn chorus.  Vist the Holiday Homes website for more details. Holiday Homes Whataroa.

 

Okarito

Okarito Campground

A delightful off the beaten track campground which offers peaceful nights in a treed setting adjacent to the beach.  There is a small shelter for relaxing in and hot showers available.  Reservations required for groups only.  Tariffs are $10 per person per night.  For more information, contact Swade or Paula of Okarito Boat Tours at info@okaritoboattours.co.nz.  or visit the Okarito Community Website for information on this and other accommodation options available in the village. 

Okarito Holiday Homes

 © Paula Sheridan

Okarito offers a number of holiday beach homes for hire within the village. Tariffs are from $70 to $130 and range from a one bedroom cottage to a more spacious 3 bedroom house.  Visit the Holiday Homes website for more details.  Holiday Homes Okarito.

The Okarito Beach House and Royal Hostel

The Royal Okarito Hostel is a real haven, away from the main tourist trail, situated within a stone's throw of dramatic West Coast beaches, close to the glacier township of Franz Josef. They offer a range of accommodation options, from single rooms, to a new and spacious 3 bedroom lodge.  Tariffs range from $60 for double occupancy. Visit their website for plenty of photos and detailed information.  Okarito Beach House. 

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreal

This luxury lodge is set in 200 acres of peaceful family farmland, overlooking picturesque Lake Mapourika, only 5 minutes from the Franz Josef village centre and 20 minutes drive to either Whataroa or Okarito.   Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat building’s design was inspired by a historical West Coast homestead and offers 12 rooms of luxury accommodation facilities and home cooked breakfast.Tariffs are from $330 for double occupancy and include full breakfast.  Visit their website for more information.  Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat.

Glen Fern Villas

Glenfern Villas is located just 5 minutes drive north of Franz Josef township, about 20 minutes drive to Whataro or Okarito.  They offer roomy, luxurious, stylish and contemporary apartment style accommodation with one and two bedroom suites, complete with fully equipped kitchens.  Tariffs range from $145 - $245 for double occupancy.  Visit Glen Fern Villas for more information.

Westwood Lodge

Set in a beautiful bush garden, Westwood Lodge offers well-appointed bed and breakfast accommodation with views of the West Coast’s rainforests and the mountains of the Southern Alps.  They are just a minute from the main township of Franz Josef Glacier and an easy 25 minute drive to Whataroa or Okarito.  Tariffs range from $295 for double occupancy and include a full breakfast.  Visit Westwood Lodge for more information.

Holly Homestead B&B

Gerard and Bernie invite you to share the ambience and charm of this character 1920s homestead which was originally a farmhouse built for the Paganini family in 1926 and now lovingly restored and extended. This impressive colonial homestead is now perfect for guest comfort with a touch of luxury. There are 5 unique rooms available, all with private nesuite bathroom facilities. Holly Homestead is onveniently located 1.5km north of the Franz Josef village, a short drive or an easy 20 minute walk.  It is just 25 minutes to Okarito or Whataroa.  Tariffs are from $200 and include a full breakfast.  Visit Holly Homestead for more information.

Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park

This holiday park offers motels, self-contained units, deluxe standard units, caravan, powered and tent sites. It is set amidst an awe-inspiring NZ West Coast backdrop just 1.4 kims north of Franz Josef Glacier.  Visit Franz Josef Top 10.

Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef

The Bella Vista is located within Franz Josef village and is an easy walk to all shops and activity bases.  Bella Vista offers a quality range of modern studio and family accommodation. Tariffs start at $105 for 1-2 people. Visit Bella Vista Franz for more information.

YHA Franz Josef Glacier

YHA Franz Josef Glacier is a recently refurbished 5 star hostel offering comfortable and modern backpacker accommodation. Nestled into a stunning backdrop of rainforest and mountain views, YHA Franz Josef Glacier offers backpacker accommodation comprising of shared, double, twin (some with ensuite bathrooms) and family rooms. Visit YHA Franz Josef for more information.


Fox Glacier
 © Paula Sheridan

Fox Glacier Mountain View Bed and Breakfast

Your host Karen Simpson (K2) is a well travelled New Zealander and she is a wealth of knowledge for her guests.  Her peaceful accommodation offers a variety of comforatable ensuite rooms with a full breakfast to start you on our day. Her modern country home is set in wide-open landscape with breathtaking views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, and surrounded by bush-clad hills. Tarriff:From $160 - $185.  Visit Fox Glacier Mountain View for more information.


Bruce Bay

Mahitahi Lodge

 © Paula Sheridan

Mahitahi Lodge is ideally located for the quiet enjoyment of wonderful south Westland - 30 minutes (47 kilometres) south of Fox Glacier, 50 minutes south of Franz Josef Glacier, 3 hours north of Wanaka and 50 minutes north of Haast.

It offers a marvelous place to ‘unwind’ and just simply relax with a five minute walk to the Mahitahi River and the isolated, uncrowded and rugged Bruce Bay beach.  There are 3 lovely ensuite rooms to choose from at a rate of $295 for two.  Rates Include a generous breakfast as well as ‘almost’ anything you require while a guest in the lodge, whether it be internet access or telephone calls to make your next booking.  Dinner with wine is offered at an additional charge of $70 per person. Visit Mahitahi Lodge for more information.


Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
 © Paula Sheridan

The Wilderness Lodge at Lake Moeraki is a paradise for nature lovers and for those wanting a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world.  Few places on earth can match its unique natural setting in the heart of the 2.7 million hectares South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, Te Wahi Pounamu ( Maori translation: the place of greenstone jade).  The lodge has 24 well appointed rooms and 4 more luxurious rooms overlooking the rapids of the Moeraki River. Visit Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki for more information.

 

Stewart Island

Sails Ashore Boutique Lodge

A birding enthusiasts trip to New Zealand would not be complete without a visit to Stewart Island and Ulva Island.   Ulva Island is home to species of birds rarely seen elsewhere in the country and your hosts Peter and Iris can help you with all your plans.  Overlooking Halfmoon Bay and the islands of Foveaux Straits beyond Sails Ashore is a short 4 minutes stroll from the village waterfront, set in a private native and flower garden. Guests enjoy their own wing, each room with a private entrance.  Visit Sails Ashore Boutique Lodge for more information.

 Stewart Island - a birders paradise.  © Paula Sheridan

 Hari Hari, Whataroa and Okarito

Heading south from Hokitika the West Coast unravels in a blend of pasture land and native rainforest.  With the Southern Alps to one side of you, and the Tasman Sea on the other, this  narrow strip of land  winds along the edges of both mountains and beaches.  These three locations  are small, quiet villages and all offer a myriad of birding opportunities amongst spectacular scenery. 

 

The Glaciers - Franz Josef and Fox

Just south of Okarito and Whataroa lies glacier country.  This is a fascinating geological area where the ice reaches incredibly close to the Tasman Sea.  Franz Josef is a bustling town with many activities on offer while Fox Glacier, 25 kms south, is a little more laid back. Both offer outstanding hiking opportunities to view the glaciers.

South of the Glaciers - Bruce Bay and Lake Moeraki

Continuing south of the glaciers you leave much of the farmland behind.  Bruce Bay is a tiny settlement situated on a stunning piece of coastline.  Past Bruce Bay you will find yourself drawfed by the ancient rainforest, predominantly untouched in this area.  Lake Moeraki is set in a rainforest setting with the Wilderness Lodge the sole accommodation in the area.