The Rainforest Retreat is located in the heart of Glacier Country on the West Coast of the South Island. We stumbled upon this gem and originally planned to stay just one night. We were still there three days later and completely hooked on how cosy and welcoming this place felt.

They have plenty of accommodation options ranging from powered sites to luxury cabins, as well as modern facilities like a kitchen, spa pool and hot showers. Their onsite dining is incredible, serving comforting, home-cooked-style meals and cocktails that are way too easy to order "just one more" of.

How to get there

Franz Josef is located on the West Coast of the South Island, about 2 hours south of Hokitika. The drive from Hokitika to Franz Josef is incredible, and I highly recommend exploring and stopping off at a few of my other listings on this map! Once you arrive, the Rainforest Retreat is just off State Highway 6, right in the heart of town.