Spacious and fresh American style barn offering the perfect location for a relaxing getaway. With 3 bedrooms and 4 beds the house comfortably hosts up to 6 guests. There is a large kitchen and dining area and plenty of areas to sit and relax. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from the front, Ōkārito kiwi sanctuary and Lake Pratt from the rear and a spacious garden with decking to sit, chill and take it all in. A place to enjoy peace and nature.
Kia ora and welcome to Waimanu House. In Maori 'Wai' means water and 'manu' means bird - both something Franz is renowned for!
I'm originally from the UK and moved to NZ 11 years ago, moving to the South Island last year. I instantly fell in love with Franz Josef and the many adventures it offers so decided to settle and work here. I live next door to the accommodation and I'm often busy but if you do need anything just let me know.
Franz Josef Glacier area has some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. Just six kilometres from the centre of the village, Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere descends from the tops of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana into rainforest close to sea level.
Ten minutes’ drive north of the Franz Josef Glacier village on State Highway 6 is the beautiful Lake Mapourika, a great place for fishing, birdwatching and kayaking.
Waimanu House is located between these two places surrounded by mountain views and lush rainforest.
The view from the garden is of Okārito Sanctuary, home to the Rowi kiwi. With over 400 birds now calling it their home you may get to hear one call at night!
Franz is at the heart of Predator Free South Westland, Aotearoa’s first predator-free landscape, the project is a flagship for the national Predator Free 2050 mission—restoring precious native wildlife like the kea, kōtuku/white heron, and rowi/Ōkārito brown kiwi, and giving our forests and ecosystems the best chance to thrive.
There are many great tours and opportunities to see and hear the native flora and fauna of the area plus some thrill seeking excursions too!
Things to do include:
Heli rides to the Glaciers - there are many Heli operators in town offering trips to a number of glacier destinations.
Franz Josef Glacier Guides - Glacier Heli hike & ice climbing tours
Glacier Valley Eco Tours - guided nature tours throughout Glacier country.
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours - kayak and boat tours, plus quad bike adventures.
Okārito Eco Boat Tour - a magical trip on New Zealand's most extensive unspoiled wetland. A haven for bird watchers!
Okārito Kiwi Tour - The only licenced kiwi tour operator on the South Island that can take you to look for wild kiwi!
Okārito Kayaks - a beautiful kayaking experience on the stunning Okārito Lagoon with amazing Southern Alps views.
White Heron Sanctuary Tours - New Zealand's only kotūkū breeding ground.
Γλώσσα επικοινωνίας: Αγγλικά