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Hotels of Earth

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef

★★★★★ 3 Wallace Street, State Highway 6, Franz Josef, NZ

9.2 guest rating· 522 reviews

The five stars

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef holds a five-star rating in its official classification, the requirement for every property in the Hotels of Earth collection.

The service side of those stars shows in its listing: Terrace, Spa/wellness center, Valet parking and Sun terrace.

Guests score it 9.2/10 across 522 reviews.

About this hotel

Luxurious Rainforest Retreat

Organic Luxury : Te Waonui Forest Retreat boasts luxuriously appointed rooms with organic cotton bed sheets and spacious private bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly stay.

Culinary Delights : Indulge in the best of New Zealand produce at the hotel restaurant, serving delicious breakfast and dinner options that will tantalize your taste buds and provide a true culinary experience.

Adventure Awaits : Located near Franz Josef Glacier, guests can easily access exciting local attractions such as horse trekking, rafting, and quad bike tours, promising an unforgettable and adventurous stay.

Book your stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat now to experience the perfect blend of luxury, nature, and adventure.

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Rooms & rates

Deluxe Twin Room

Sleeps 4 · 33 m² · 2× Double bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker

Deluxe Room, Accessible

Sleeps 3 · 33 m² · Twin bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Sleeps 3 · 33 m² · 2× Queen Bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Sleeps 2 · 33 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

Deluxe King Room

Sleeps 2 · 33 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Spa/wellness center
  • Free Parking
  • Accessible parking
  • Valet parking
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour desk
  • 24-hour security
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Board games/puzzles
Show all 44 amenities
  • Cashless payment available
  • Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
  • Contactless check-in/check-out
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Delivered food - securely covered
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Fax/photocopying
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Garden
  • Guest rooms disinfected between stays
  • Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
  • Kid meals
  • Laundry
  • Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
  • Lift / Elevator
  • Luggage storage
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Physical distancing rules followed
  • Safety deposit box
  • Sanitized tableware & silverware
  • Security alarm
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
  • Smoke alarms
  • Special diet menus - on request
  • Staff adhere to local safety protocols
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace
  • Wine/champagne

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

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

Check-in
from 03:00 PM
Check-out
until 11:00 AM

What guests say9.2522 reviews

+ Beautiful location+ Staff qualityFood qualityCleanliness issues
Cleanliness8.8
Service10.0
Location9.8
Room Quality9.3
Amenities8.8
Value for Money8.8

An Unforgettable Stay – Exceptional Hospitality and Comfort!

10.0

We had an absolutely fantastic stay at Legacy Te Waonui Franz Josef and cannot recommend it highly enough! From the moment we arrived, the host was incredibly welcoming, genuinely friendly, and more than happy to help with anything we needed. Their warmth made us feel right at home instantly. Our room was a haven of relaxation. The space was beautifully comfortable, and the bed was top-tier, ensuring we both had a brilliant, uninterrupted night's sleep. Because our visit was out of season, the standard buffet wasn’t available, but the host went above and beyond to make sure we didn't miss out. They served up a hearty, plentiful breakfast that was sooooo good! It is rare to find this perfect balance of luxury comfort and deeply personal, attentive service. We will definitely be back!

andrewb8853 · 2026-07-22

The Legacy is a fantastic place to stay for a visit to Franz Josef

9.0

The host of the Legacy was exceptional. Very helpful, welcoming and happy to go above and beyond to ensure the guests enjoy their stay. The bed was extremely comfortable, ensuring a great nights sleep. The room was also very comfortable, and given the outside air temperature, was also nicely warm. Breakfast was fantastic. Although the buffet breakfast wasn’t available due to being out of season, we were catered for exceptionally well. I cannot express our gratitude enough, a fabulous stay.

Nothing.

andrew · NZ · 2026-07-22

PERFECT MID-WINTER EXPERIENCE

10.0

Our stay here was pre-arranged as part of the NZ Tranzrail Glacier Escape package. We went in mid-winter to mark my partner's birthday, aware that while we would see snow, the weather could be unpredictable! We couldn't have got better weather and Tranzrail's accommodation choice was perfect . The Retreat is just 2/3 minutes walk from Franz Josef village and the activities included in our package. Our room and bathroom were very well appointed. I love a bathroom with a bath as well as a shower! The staff were most helpful and attentive. The 5 course dinner (included) was delicious; the chef managed to mark my partner's birthday even though he didnt order dessert! Surprisingly, the Retreat was almost empty of guests. It's apparent that it has facilities to cater for larger numbers in the busy season (when the weather is warmer) but, based on our experience, I'd strongly recommend a winter visit.

juneian135 · 2026-07-20

Fantomatique !

2.0

Uniquement l’accueil et le service de la personne en charge du petit déjeuner !

Ne mérite absolument pas 5 étoiles. Hôtel désert et fantôme ! Nous sommes sortis dîner et sommes rentrés à l’hôtel à 7:45pm, nous souhaitions prendre un verre dans leur salon, il n’y avait absolument personne pour nous servir, pas de réceptionniste, rien ! Nous avons demandé à écourter notre séjour d’une nuit comme le service n’était pas à la hauteur et que nous semblions déranger. Cela nous a été refusé. Nous sommes malgré tout parti mais la nuit non honoré nous a été facturé ! Ils feraient mieux de fermer l’établissement en basse saison !

Alexis · FR · 2026-07-18

Our Franz Josef stay

10.0

Lovely place to stay, our room, the service, the location and restaurant was all very good. The staff are very friendly and made our stay very enjoyable . A thank you to Janice who looked after us so well. We will definitely return Kathryn & Robert

kathrynlindsay081 · NEWCASTLE, GREATER NEWCASTLE, NEW SOUTH WALES · 2026-05-13

Te Wainui Franz Joseph New Zealand

10.0

We had the most amazing stay at this fantastic hotel. Pure luxury & amazing staff. Especially Janice, our waitress, who was wonderful and so welcoming & Amanda on reception. So helpful & accommodating.We absolutely loved everything about this beautiful hotel. Thank you!

Lipglo · ZANZIBAR ISLAND, ZANZIBAR ARCHIPELAGO · 2026-05-11

Hotels of Earth · questions

Is Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef really a five-star hotel?
Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Good to know

Please note that there is a 1.5% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Please note that when booking 5 or more rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply. Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

A deposit may be required at the property.