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Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

3.0 star property
Eco-certified hostel in Franz Josef Glacier with free parking

Photo gallery for Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

Property amenity
Indoor spa tub
Lobby lounge
Double Room, Ensuite
Dining

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$72
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dorm)

  • 4 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 6 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • 3.0 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Twin Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Kitchenette
Fridge
Smart TV
Private bathroom
Microwave
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Satellite channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dorm)

Highlights

Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 3 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
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About the area

Map
27 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886

What's nearby

  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Our Lady of the Alps - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • St James Anglican Church - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 117 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Snakebite - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Restaurant at Rainforest - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Full of Beans - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Landing Restaurant & Bar - Franz Josef - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Alice May - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel

Eco-certified hostel
An arcade/games room, a library and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities provided at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Tour/ticket information, luggage storage and barbecues
Room features
All guest rooms at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel offer amenities, such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and limited housekeeping

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Languages

English, German

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View from property

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 83 reviews
The price is NZ$85
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Hot tub
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 17 and older; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 16 days prior to check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

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
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Glow Worm Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel Franz Josef
Glow Worm Accommodation Hostel
Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef
Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation
Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

As of 5 Jul 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel on 6 Jul 2025 start from NZ$72.00, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel?

Checkout is at 10 AM.

Where is Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel located?

Situated in Franz Josef Glacier, this eco-certified hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Westcoast Wildlife Centre, Te Wahipounamu and Our Lady of the Alps. Waiho Hot Tubs and Glacier Hot Pools are also within 10 minutes.

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Glow Worm Accommodation - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 60 out of 158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 23 out of 158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 158 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location easy access to restaurants, supermarkets & all walks & hikes. Accommodation was exceptional in cleanliness & lots of kitchen equipment free to use available - would definitely recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very pleasant lounge, room, kitchen and hot tub. Perfect location in town. Quiet location
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was an amazing stay, didnt expect to get welcomed so friendly and we got taken to a pizza bar for dinner. Definitely a place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Marion

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable and good location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really great hostel - perfect location in the centre of the small Franz Josef town. Close to a few pubs and importantly the skydive centre. The staff were really friendly. They offered free veg soup every evening and the kitchen was very well equipped. Private room was comfy and the showers were great. Lovely touch to have the hot tub available too. Everywhere was very clean. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Glow Worm is a great to stay at. It is very affordable. Very handy to the village and nearby walking tracks
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place, glad we found it! Will definitely be back 😊

8/10 Good

Judith I

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Enjoyed stay very much

Enjoy the friendliness and warmness of the hosts. Soup and breakfast a wonderfull touch. Hope to be back for a longer stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hostel we’ve started at in New Zealand. Incredibly welcoming and has everything you need

10/10 Excellent

Maxima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is really friendly. The facilities are clean and it’s easy to get to town. After a hike the spa and soup are nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Free continental breahfast and free soup at night. Can’t beat that for hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dag Henrik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The host, Benjamin, was incredible. Great atmosphere, social and just all over amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the rustic look of the place but didn't appreciate the neighbours banging doors and windows until late at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cool spot in beautiful location.

I had a great stay. The owner Benjamin was friendly and takes care of his guests. The room was comfortable with a tv, en-suite, fridge and everything else I needed. The hot tub was a nice bonus! Located in the middle of town and I could walk everywhere, the glacier was a short drive away
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Marcel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spartan but suitable
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Benjamin the host is welcoming and friendly. He runs the accommodation efficiently and nothing is ever too much trouble. He provides a good breakfast every day and veg soup from 6pm which is welcome after a day out hiking. Would thoroughly recommend a stay here. Also, his assistant Jackie is lovely, always helpful. Thanks for a great stay.

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very friendly place but very basic room. Sadly my room smelt of wet dog and the window catch was broken so i had to secure it using a wash bag! Free soup, popcorn and breakfast is a nice touch.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Absolutely loved this place

Fantastic little place. Room brilliant and very quirky. Bed extremely comfortable. Great location to amenities, shops etc. Free soup in the evening and breakfast in the morning was a very nice touch. Didn't use the hot tub as we arrived late and it was about to close for the night but it looked awesome. Absolutely loved this place.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

4/10 Poor

Lana

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is good. Breakfast and soup great. Very limited parking on site, if you come late all spaces are taken and park somewhere on streets. Very limited Wi-Fi. No internet after 7pm - system completely overloaded. In night time ants come in hundreds. You will find them in morning covering all your food (
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Benjamin, the property owner, was absolutely amazing! Full of really helpful advice on all things Franz Josef and surrounding area. He will go out of his way to ensure that you have a wonderful trip, advise you on good days out/hikes and other excursions. He's always around, and so approachable, if you have any questions you won't feel afraid to ask them. He also makes an amazing soup every night, which is great and really unique amongst the hostels we have stayed in on our journeys. The other staff working there were also really friendly. Excellent location, parking was good, room was comfortable, and other guests were all very welcoming too. It has the feel of a really nice little community. Great hostel to stay in.

10/10 Excellent

Latasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it amazing room, friendly and helpful staff. So many facilities so worth the price my favourite place to stay ever!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Tairini

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Na descrição do quarto para locação dizia que tinha fogão mas quando chegamos lá só tinha um fogão na cozinha compartilhada e não na nossa cozinha do quarto .
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Rudy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice hostel with helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really enjoyed staying here - kind of funky, an accommodation with personality. Free soup every night is a great touch and much appreciated. Friendly and helpful staff, clean rooms, good communal kitchen and other spaces.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Petra

Liked: Staff & service
Super nettes Personal 👍 es gibt abends sogar noch selbstgemachte Suppe 😊 Einrichtung schon etwas älter und das Bad war nicht so super sauber.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024