At Glenfern Villas
Visit our farmlet 'Tatare Peaks' and meet our friendly farm animals. You can interact with our sheep (Mollie, Millie, Mandy and Pandora).
Enjoy a DVD from our library if the weather is not so good or you just feel like enjoying a quiet night in the comfort of your spacious Villa.
We have gas barbecues available allowing you to cook your meal out on the deck of your Villa.
Enjoy our Continental Breakfasts. We deliver your breakfast basket to your Villa the evening prior for you to enjoy at your leisure in the morning.
A children's play area with a springless trampoline and a pétanque court.
Use our free Travel Desk to plan your adventures while in Glacier Country.
There are plenty of ways to spend your time at Glenfern Villas when you are between excursions.
Things to do in and around Franz Josef
There are numerous stunning lake, beach, bush and river walks to enjoy at your leisure, not to mention a wonderful array of great cafés and restaurants. Or for more interactions we recommend the following:
Guided Walks
Do you love nature, stories and history? Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a New Zealand owned-and-operated local family business who specialise in small-group guided walking tours in Glacier Country, West Coast, New Zealand.
Lake Tours
Discover the true beauty of the West Coast in a personalised cruise on Lake Mapourika. The Jurassic rainforest-fringed bays which reflects the surrounding Alps and Glaciers will leave you in awe of its beauty. Tour Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours.
Scenic Flights
When was the last time you flew across a glacier? Rarely does the opportunity to encounter such unique and jaw-dropping natural scenery arise. So, what better way to fully appreciate the vast scale and grandeur of New Zealand's famous West Coast glaciers than by helicopter with Glacier Helicopters?
Photography Galleries
Petr Hlavacek Gallery is located in a quiet, secluded private setting, right at the foothills of the Southern Alps – 2km north of a small village of Whataroa on the West Coast and only 20 min drive north from Franz Josef Glacier. 20 collectable Fine Art Prints of unique and pristine landscape photographs are on display here.
Spa Treatments
Situated in Franz Josef Glacier township surrounded by beautiful native bush and stunning mountain views, Amaia Luxury Spa offers outstanding skin and body therapies in a peaceful and relaxed environment. Gorgeous facial therapies that will restore your natural radiance and balance your skins needs.
Greenstone Carving
Te Koha Aotearoa is a family-run workshop and gallery space, nestled in a dramatic Franz Josef valley. Let them guide you through the process of carving a special piece of jewellery from their beautiful range of pounamu, much of which has been sourced from local West Coast riverbeds.
Wildlife Viewing
West Coast Wildlife Centre is the home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi called the Rowi and now the Haast Kiwi! All weather and indoor wildlife attraction with glacier and West Coast storytelling areas.
Quad Bike Rides
Experience the thrill of riding unique 2-seater quad bikes or 3-seater buggies through a variety of terrain including a stunning rainforest, splash through rivers and ride over ancient glacial riverbed and grassland. Have fun in the sun and see spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the famous Franz Josef Glacier.
HeliServices
HeliServices.NZ is an experienced helicopter flightseeing company providing you with a diverse range of South Island scenic helicopter flights and private charters in some of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine heights and coastal regions. HeliServices.NZ has an experienced team with a total focus on the safety and wellbeing of everyone who flies with us. We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
Hot Tub Soaks
Enjoy your own private tubs, nestled in a lush rainforest setting on New Zealand's West Coast. The wood-fired hot tubs combine the soothing comfort of warm water with the unique atmosphere of wood smoke to give you an unforgettable experience.
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours have various fantastic scenic tours and knowledgeable nature guides while paddling or standing on a paddleboard enjoying the tranquil Lake Mapourika. Perfect for couples, families and friends to embrace one of West Coasts most beautiful lakes.
Skydiving
Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz & Fox has New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left.