Westwood Lodge is the BEST place to stay if you're visiting the Glaciers in either Franz Josef or Fox. All of the other lodging options paled in comparison when we saw what both towns had to offer. We stayed in one of the coach house suites but I suspect the main lodge rooms are equally as spectacular. The lodge and property are just beautiful. The rooms were huge - about 600 sqft. There was a lounge area with a couch, table, TV/DVD, and desk next to the sleeping area. The bathrooms had 2 sinks and a huge shower. Everything was very new and clean. Little details like fresh fruit and cookies, chilled water and milk in the fridge, and various odds and ends (water boiler for tea, plates, knives, forks, wine glasses, cheese board, etc.) made the room a delight. Each room has sliding doors that lead to a private patio with table and chairs - a great place to have a glass of wine as you take in the beauty of the rainforest and mountain views (suites 4, 5, & 6 have the best views). The main lodge was beautiful and we ended up spending half a rainy day hanging out there with a roaring fire playing board games and eating our indoor picnic. The main lodge has a great selection of DVD's and books that you can bring back to your room to enjoy - no need to check anything out, they trust that you'll be responsible and bring any materials back prior to your departure. Richard was extremely accomodating and helped us with various requests. Wireless internet isn't free but it's very cheap - $4NZD for 30 min. Breakfast in the morning was very good. I would highly recommend that you stay here if you are looking for a great place to stay. While it might be a little more expensive than some of the other options, especially during the summer (we were able to take advantage of a winter special) I think you'll find that the luxury is well worth it.

If you can afford it (we got a winter special), by all means, stay here if visiting Franz Josef. The room and bathroom are enormous, beautiful and comfortable. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful. The common living room with a fireplace and bar looked to be an inviting place to have a drink and relax. And the hosts are wonderfully gracious. The lodge is less than a five minute drive on the same main road to Franz Josef.

We only had a one night stop there, but I hope to return, maybe during a different season from winter (to experience different activities and temperatures in the area, not that winter was bad). I would consider the Westwood Lodge a destination in itself, even if you're not planning the traditional glacier activities.

The Westwood Lodge is about 5-7 minutes driving outside the city and not in the main stretch of shops/restaurants around Franz Josef. But considering what those accommodations looked like as I drove past them, I'm glad. The lodge theme is taken literally, with log-cabin style walls for the main house and cottages. However, that's where the rustic imagery ends. The very large rooms are appointed with all the modern comforts you would want, including wifi. The best of all though was the breathtaking view of Franz Josef Glacier from my patio door - wow!

Our hosts/proprietors really made the experience. They were friendly and introduced guests to each other over the home-cooked warm breakfast that they made for us each day. They helped all of the guests plan alternate activities during the rain and were genuinely interested in making sure our time on the west coast was memorable. The lodge has a seating area and pool table for socializing with other guests in the evenings.

From start to finish, my stay at the Westwood Lodge was top notch and highly worthy of recommending to others.

We stayed in the Westwood lodge for one night only, we wished we could have stayed longer as it was beautiful.

We stayed in the coach house suites which are a stones throw from the main building with parking for your car right outside your door.

Our first impressions of the room was WOW, it gave the impression of a timder chalet. There was a double bed, a couch with tv, a desk area, a huge bathroom with walk in shower and double sinks. The room opened up onto a small deck area with a table and two chairs, but it was the view that we loved. Getting up in the morning we were looking up on to the peaks of Franz Josef galcier.

The service was outstanding and very friendly, the breakfast was delicious. I really loved it here