Luxury Accommodation in Franz Josef – Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Our specially personalised 24-hour reception area & concierge service and array of in-room features and facilities give our guests choice and a feeling of total relaxation, while the Frond Bar & Restaurant offers a dining experience to remember.

Situated on the ground floor of the main public building, directly inside from the covered vehicle unloading bay, is the 24-hour hotel reception. Guests are greeted and farewelled by our friendly attentive front office team ensuring they feel secure and cared for during their stay. Within this facility you will find twin check-in desks for independent travellers, a designated tour check-in area, local activity desk, comfortable seating area and elevator access to the restaurant and first floor guest rooms.

A truly innovative retreat, Te Waonui Forest Retreat raises the bar for unique luxury accommodation in New Zealand.

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef on the West Coast of the South Island, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Franz Josef is located a two hour drive from Hokitika (which has the nearest regional airport), three hours drive from Greymouth (and the TranzAlpine railway station), and a 6 hour drive from Christchurch.

Encircled by native bush, it’s only natural to find Te Waonui Forest Retreat at the cutting edge of sustainable accommodation. Natural lighting is abundant, building materials have been chosen to minimise environmental impact, and the Retreat’s carbon footprint is reduced with energy efficient design. Furniture and fittings incorporate natural wool carpets, organic cotton bedspreads and even possum skin cushioning, in-keeping with the character of the region.

The sustainable, eco-friendly feel is enhanced by soft timbered detailing, natural colour schemes and recycled local materials to make the hotel at one with its magical surroundings. Te Waonui Forest Retreat welcomes you to experience this spectacular place with us. Come, take a deep breath, and simply unwind in this remarkable setting.

If the brief calls for a ‘place like no other’ and one where relaxation and immersion in nature is paramount, then Te Waonui Forest Retreat is the perfect incentive or executive retreat.

Whether you are looking for a place to facilitate work or want to offer a memorable reward to staff and customers, our experienced team can create an itinerary that caters to your individual needs and goals. We also offer an ‘exclusive use’ option for the ultimate private retreat. Read more about how we can make your event one to remember on our Business Retreats & Incentives page.

The moment you arrive in the South Island’s West Coast, you step into what feels like another world – native and untouched and a wild contrast to New Zealand’s busier city life.

Franz Josef / Waiau is a small village located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand in Tai Poutini National Park. With a population of no more than 450, it may be small but there are plenty of amazing things to keep you occupied during your stay. Check out a list of tourist attractions and activities around Franz Josef Glacier.

The township is a short distance from the Franz Josef Glacier, which is one of the most popular sights on the West Coast of the South Island. Its wild location provides plenty of opportunity for amazing experiences.

Explore the beauty of Franz Josef and its stunning scenery at a pace of your choosing with our electric bikes. These bikes can be hired for $15 per hour or $90 for an entire day of exploration.