Name: Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef, Franz Josef
Address: 3 Wallace Street, State Highway 6, Franz Josef, West Coast, 7856
Price range: US$589+
Rating: 8.3

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Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

3 Wallace Street, State Highway 6, Franz Josef, 7856

Near the West Coast Wildlife Centre

Great

8.3

9.3

/10

4.5

4.7

5-star eco-friendly luxury retreat in Franz Josef

Accommodation

Te Waonui Forest Retreat offers 97 luxurious guest rooms, showcasing the highest standard in sustainable accommodation. Each room includes private balconies overlooking the native forest, Super King or Queen bedding, and ensuite bathrooms with heated floors. The rooms incorporate organic materials, including natural wool carpets and cotton bedspreads.

Dining

The Canopy Restaurant provides a five-course degustation menu highlighting the freshest New Zealand produce. Guests can also enjoy cocktails and fine wines at the Frond Bar, set amid the serene rainforest surroundings. Each dining experience is crafted to reflect the essence of local flavors paired with premium ingredients.

Location

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is located in Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The retreat is surrounded by lush bush and offers direct access to the South West World Heritage Area. Guests can explore the nearby Franz Josef Glacier and other natural wonders, including mountains, rivers, and lakes.

Wellness

Guests can unwind and rejuvenate with various wellness activities nearby, including guided walks and glacier hikes. The retreat's eco-friendly design promotes a connection with nature, allowing guests to relax amid the serene environment. The local flora and fauna create an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.

Business Retreats & Incentives

Te Waonui Forest Retreat specializes in bespoke corporate retreats, accommodating up to 40 guests for theatre-style events. With an unparalleled setting, the retreat offers tailored itineraries that focus on relaxation and creativity. The experienced team can arrange both onsite and offsite experiences, enhancing any business agenda.

Highlights

Location: Scenic setting in the lush bush

Accommodation: 97 guest rooms with forest views

Dining: Five-course degustation at Canopy Restaurant

Wellness: Guided walks and glacier hikes

Business: Tailored itineraries for corporate retreats

Must-do experiences

Take a scenic helicopter tour of Franz Josef Glacier for stunning views.
Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see Kiwi birds up close.
Try a Fergburger in nearby Queenstown for the ultimate burger fix.
Hike to the beautiful Franz Josef Glacier lookout for breathtaking views.
Relax in the Glacier Hot Pools surrounded by lush rainforest.

Select your room type

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Twin Room

2 persons

33 sq. feet

2 Double beds

Air conditioning

Balcony

room details

Deluxe King Room

2 persons

33 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Air conditioning

Balcony

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

August 2026 - August 2027

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Wed

Thu

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August 2026

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Valet parking
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Canopy Restaurant at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef offers a delightful culinary experience where locally sourced produce shines. Guests can unwind in a serene setting surrounded by trees, indulging in thoughtfully crafted menus that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

The Canopy Restaurant
Local cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
Ambiance
Nestled among the trees, creating a tranquil dining atmosphere
Key Offerings
Indulgent five-course degustation dinner featuring the freshest regional delicacies
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM; Dinner from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM daily

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef Location

3 Wallace Street, State Highway 6, Franz Josef, 7856

Explore Franz Josef

Local Experiences

West Coast Wildlife Centre

15 minutes' walk

Native wildlife, including kiwi and tuatara, showcased in a conservation-focused facility with guided tours available.

Glacier Hot Pools

15 minutes' walk

Relaxing hot pools set within lush rainforest, offering a rejuvenating experience after outdoor adventures with stunning surroundings.

St James Church

10 minutes' walk

Historic church featuring stunning architecture and community events, suitable for a peaceful moment or a quiet visit.

Glacier Country Kayaks

10 minutes' walk

Guided kayak tours to experience Franz Josef Glacier and its breathtaking views, catering to both beginners and seasoned paddlers.

Skydive Franz

15 minutes' walk

Adrenaline-pumping skydiving experience with panoramic views of the glaciers, ideal for thrill-seekers looking for adventure.

The Canopy Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Relaxed setting with a focus on local produce, offering seasonal dishes with vegetarian options available. Reservations recommended.

Monsoon Bar & Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Casual dining with an eclectic menu featuring Asian fusion dishes. Perfect for families, with gluten-free options available.

Snake Bite Brewery

5 minutes' walk

Lively brewery offering craft beers and live music sessions, creating a vibrant atmosphere for socializing and relaxation.

Alice May

4 minutes' walk

Cozy restaurant and bar featuring local art, serving hearty meals and hosting events like trivia nights for relaxed entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre
Franz Josef 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Hokitika (HKK) 204 min · 84.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 06:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Legacy Te Waonui Franz Josef guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

te waonui forest retreat

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 475 verified reviews

8.6 /10

Great

85 %

Recommend

Breakfast

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Comfort

8.9/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Free WiFi

9.7/10

Location

9.2/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Staff

8.9/10

Value for money

7.3/10

Olivia from United States

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 18, 2026

7/10

wood accents excellent shower rainforest courtyard limited bar improper cleaning daytime drink

The room decor included wood accents. The shower was excellent. I enjoyed the rainforest courtyard (it felt very serene).

The bar did not open until 5pm. I could not get a soft drink during the day. The room was not cleaned properly after my first night (i was really disappointed).

0 Helpful

Benjamin from Canada

Single

Deluxe King Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 05, 2026

9/10

charmed by the serene setting

forest view comfortable bed separate shower

The room had forest views, I found it very restful. the bed was great, i had excellent sleep. the bathroom included both a bath and a separate shower. It felt luxurious.

the bar had limited hours, i think it closed too early

Service

9/10

The staff greeted guests with warm towels. I considered it a nice touch. they were efficient during check-in. also, they responded to requests quickly and with a friendly attitude. i felt well cared for.

0 Helpful

Steven from United States

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

9.3/10

a cozy moment to remember

tasty dinner verdant vegetation comfy bed friendly staff

the 5 course dinner seemed so tasty and i found myself in love with the breakfast buffet. the rooms shine with views overlooking verdant vegetation. the comfy bed gave me such a good sleep. i was treated with complimentary water, a little touch .

Dining

9/10

The hotel meals provided wide selections and my gluten intolerant partner found great choices. the downstairs restaurant shows true passion. It reminded me of a culinary journey. i could savor every bite.

Location

9/10

the position offers short access to the high street and walks, so it felt ideal. i felt nestled in nature, yet close to village action. it allowed for easy exploration.

Rooms

10/10

our room came with an suite bathroom. our beautiful king room was clean. i must say that they kept it that way throughout our three day stay. we had ample coffee and tea.

Facilities

9/10

massages booked in the lobby feel just right. the masseuse ranzim seemed amazing, a professional touch created extreme relaxation. the massages add to a unique experience.

0 Helpful

Owen from Australia

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 14, 2025

6/10

bad food uncomfortable mattress

the staff was friendly, i guess, and did their job.

I expected a five-star experience, but the food was just not good. I think they used frozen stuff. my room was so humid, it took forever for my clothes to dry, and that mattress, so uncomfortable. i regret eating there. The breakfast and dinner were not great.

0 Helpful

Billy from Australia

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 10, 2025

9/10

Comfortable and Helpful

helpful staff welcome drink convenient parking hot towels

From start to finish, my experience went smoothly. The staff was always willing to help. I particularly appreciated the hot towels and welcome drink upon arrival. The hotel also had convenient, free parking on its grounds.

My room was a bit dated. I found a slight musky smell, perhaps due to the humidity of the area.

Rooms

9/10

The room featured local flora to make it appear forest-like. It was nicely decorated. it had lovely toiletries. The bathroom included both a bath and a separate shower, so you can choose based on preference.

0 Helpful

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