Hi there - I'm planning on submitting our SI itinerary for feedback in the next few days, but I'm currently booking our night's accommodation (Sun 2nd Jan) in Franz Josef and have short-listed it to either Glenfern Villas or Punga Grove. Our budget is up to NZ$200/night (inc taxes) - I've read some reviews on both establishments but was hoping there is someone who has stayed at both. To be honest, both look fine (preference leaning towards Punga Grove). Alternatively, is there somewhere else we should consider all suggestions welcome - not opposed to staying in Fox Glacier either. Thanks.

Sorry, haven't stayed at both places, but have stayed at Punga Grove and I can recommend it. We had a large apartment on the second floor - plenty of space, nice location, walking distance to the village (as are most places in Franz Josef).

You might also consider Waiho Stables near Franz Josef, for a unique B&B experience. I don't know their current rates, but I suspect they may be a bit higher than the range you've given. It's a great place to stay, but they're not right in town, so if you don't have a car, you might want something closer.

We stayed at the Westland Motor Lodge in Fraz Josef years ago - I think it's now the Glacier Gateway Motor Lodge (not positive though) - it was nice enough, but not worth the extra $ IMO.

You might want to consider Lake Matheson Motel in Fox Glacier. We stayed there two years ago and really enjoyed it.

We've considered staying at Te Weheka Inn in Fox Glacier - there have been some positive reviews about it on this site, so you might want to take a look at it as well.

Have fun.

A word about food in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier -

We've had trouble finding good food (restaurants) in the area. Maybe because tourists tend to just pass through, so repeat business isn't a priority, who knows. IMO the best restaurants are The Blue Ice in Franz Josef and The Saddle in Fox Glacier.

Thanks Melnq8; I will go ahead and book a night at Punga Grove. Thanks also for the food tip - really appreciate it. Cheers.

We stayed at Glenfern villas last year and were quite satistfied with it. Modern, clean with lots of room. Our accommodation had a queen bed I believe upstairs and our children had a sofa bed downstairs. Kitchen quite useful. Laundry in another building. Short drive to town.

Couldn't get into Punga Grove so have settled with Glenfern Villas - thanks again for your tips. Cheers.

how long does it take to drive from Glenfern villas to Franz Josef Glacier hiking area?

One advantage to Glenfern is that they are listed on <i>wotif.com</i>, and when they are not busy, the rooms are offerred at a good discount. We hope to stay there next March.

both Glenfern Villas and Punga Grove r not available on the day we r going...sad.

Re food: We really liked Cafe Neve in Fox Glacier. Tried it our first night and went back twice the next day. Even got the recipe for one of their biscuits.

Dhui -

According to their web site, Glen Fern is only a few kms from the township of Franz Josef. FJ is tiny, so regardless of where you stay in the vicinity, you aren't far from the glacier (unless you're walking that is)

KT - will have to try those biscuits at Cafe Neve next time we're in Fox Glacier.

Hi, Melnq8. I don't know where you're from, but I meant biscuits in the NZ sense, not the US sense, and Cafe Neve had a nice variety of baked goods -- several kinds of good cookies and bars. Hey, why not try them all?

KT - I'm American, so I guess I'll try those &quot;cookies&quot; next time I'm in Fox Glacier. I also like biscuits and bars...