Rainforest Retreat enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of the small town of Franz Josef, surrounded by lush rainforest and just a short distance from the area’s top attractions. You’ll be staying centrally, within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
Rainforest Retreat offers a range of accommodation options – from apartments, cabins, and motel rooms to camping facilities. Franz Josef is a small and highly sought-after destination with limited accommodation capacity, so room types vary depending on availability at the time of booking. On our tours, you will always stay in a room with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a TV, heating, and a kitchenette.
The property has its own restaurant and bar, Monsoon Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy both breakfast and dinner. The restaurant is popular with both hotel guests and locals, so we recommend reserving a table well in advance.
In addition, the property offers shared lounge areas, laundry facilities, and free parking.
Rainforest Retreat places strong emphasis on sustainability and works actively to minimise its environmental footprint. As part of this commitment, the hotel has signed up to New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise, which encourages both visitors and locals to care for the natural environment and preserve it for future generations. Sustainability is woven into the hotel’s daily operations, purchasing decisions, and guest experiences, with ongoing initiatives designed to protect the unique natural surroundings that make this place so special.

Joshua is our Oceania specialist. Driven by a passion for adventure, he moved to Australia in 2004, where he lived for five years. He knows the region inside out from travelling extensively across both Australia and New Zealand, and today he uses that knowledge to help others find their perfect trip.