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Sunset Motel
93 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
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Avg. $103 /night, 10/12 - 10/13
$166
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About
4.0
#4 of 5 motels in Fox GlacierLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Free wifi when booking direct 25 spacious ground floor units.Three star Qualmark rated with views from every room of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. We have a large back lawn for your enjoyment. Our property is located on Cook Flat Road so we avoid the noise from State Highway 6 that runs through the main town. So no traffic noise or late night bar noise. Sleep in peace with only the views to keep you awake.Studio, Spa and Family units all designated non-smoking, serviced daily, microwave kitchenette with cooking facilities, tea/coffee,32 inch LCD tv's with Satellite television, electric heating , electric blankets, phone, wireless internet available, ironing facilities, cot/highchair available, continental breakfast available, guest laundry, 900 metres to cafes and tour operators. All major credit cards accepted.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Wifi
Paid wifi
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Mountain View
Languages Spoken
English
Hotel links
Location
93 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 42 out of 100
42
Christchurch Intl Airport
204.2 km•
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Car Hire
9 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
415Reviews3Q+A58Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Hotel's Favourite
I spent quite a bit of time comparing accommodation in both Fox and Franz Josef, and Sunset Hotel is great value for money! We stayed in one of their standard rooms which was much larger than most hotel rooms, with good views of the mountains. The kitchenette had a microwave, electric hot plate, toaster, kettle, and small fridge which meant we were able to prepare our own meals and parking was right beside our room which was very convenient. They offered a cheaper rate than what was on their website when we called as well. Run by a lovely small family, this hotel is a hidden gem!
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I only booked it this morning by accident thinking it was near Franz Joseph Glacier rather than Fox Glacier but it turn out to be a winner. The room is quiet, clean and thoughtfully catering to the tourist. It has everything you’ll need kitchen wise but lacks a cooktop but has both a good microwave and electric frying pan. The bed is comfortable and pillows too but the extra pillows are lumpy. (I always travel with my own pillow so it isn’t a problem). The nice patio area with less than good furniture was made up for by having two Isa Brown hens come up to share a pear I was eating. This was followed by two different native birds who seemed to be just curious but I had to stop them from coming in the room. I didn’t expect to be able to bird watch from my room. The manager told me about the glow worm walk when it got dark and this was fabulous.
The room could be made completely dark for sleeping by a lightproof curtain the draws across the entry door which is frosted glass and the highlight window above the sliding glass door to the patio which is also curtained. It also means that the room is very light during the day because of all the glass.
There is a large selection of DVDs for guest use as TV is limited.
All in all I found this a comfortable room for my nights stay.
The room could be made completely dark for sleeping by a lightproof curtain the draws across the entry door which is frosted glass and the highlight window above the sliding glass door to the patio which is also curtained. It also means that the room is very light during the day because of all the glass.
There is a large selection of DVDs for guest use as TV is limited.
All in all I found this a comfortable room for my nights stay.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sunsetmotel, Manager at Sunset Motel
Responded 10 Mar 2020
Dear guests Thank you for your time to sharing experience with us. We are glad to hear you have a lovely stay in Fox Glacier. Those hens are our neighbors and welcomed as always as they're harmless. It would be relaxing to siting outside of the little patio to watching the mountains. We hope you have a great trip around in NZ. Kind Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Generally, accommodation in the area is more expensive than in Wanaka or Queenstown.
Great location if you want to take a heli to Fox Glacier and do a few local walks.
This one was good enough for a nights rest with the added laugh of a outside seating table with a few pet chickens to keep you entertained.
Nice view of the mountains from our room at least.
Great location if you want to take a heli to Fox Glacier and do a few local walks.
This one was good enough for a nights rest with the added laugh of a outside seating table with a few pet chickens to keep you entertained.
Nice view of the mountains from our room at least.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sunsetmotel, Manager at Sunset Motel
Responded 16 Jan 2020
Thank you for your comments. We hope you had a good one in Fox Glacier.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The room was clean, and there was a nice view of the mountains (when they weren't shrouded in cloud - welcome to glacier country!) out of the window, but honestly I thought this place was hugely expensive for what it was. The bed was really not very comfortable and it was super basic. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with basic, but at almost $250 a night, we were expecting more. Most places in the world, they'd struggle to justify $100 a night for a room of this standard. There is very limited accommodation in Fox Glacier so obviously you're going to pay more, but we were disappointed.
That said, the staff were nice on check-in and they were really helpful when the DVD player in our room wasn't working properly, and it's just a short 10 minute walk to the Main Street.
That said, the staff were nice on check-in and they were really helpful when the DVD player in our room wasn't working properly, and it's just a short 10 minute walk to the Main Street.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sunsetmotel, Manager at Sunset Motel
Responded 14 Jan 2020
Thank you for your comments. We are unfortunate to hear the standard was met to your expectation. Kind Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed for 2 nights in a studio unit. We had a wonderful view of the mountains. The kitchenette area was equipped well enough for our needs, light breakfasts and lunches. The motel is convenient to Fox Glacier attractions and Lake Matheson where there is a wonderful walk. Only 30 minutes drive to Franz Josef and the attractions there. They also reserved a time slot for a helicopter ride to Fox Glacier, awesome experience!
On the negative side:
The water pressure when needing hot water is a joke! If you have just cold water, no issue but try to get hot and it is a trickle.
The internet is not reliable, cuts in and out.
The room smelt awful, not sure if it is cleanser, or the reek of an 'air freshener' we noticed above the closet but felt it overpowering and disgusting.
On the negative side:
The water pressure when needing hot water is a joke! If you have just cold water, no issue but try to get hot and it is a trickle.
The internet is not reliable, cuts in and out.
The room smelt awful, not sure if it is cleanser, or the reek of an 'air freshener' we noticed above the closet but felt it overpowering and disgusting.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sunsetmotel, Manager at Sunset Motel
Responded 13 Jan 2020
Thank you for your time to sharing your experience with us. We are unfortunate to hear those drawbacks you had during your stay. We will have a look into the issues. Kind Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This hotel has so much potential; the views from your room are stunning and the visiting birds (including fowls) provide character. The rooms however, are adequate rather than spectacular and the lack of shower pressure was irritating. For whatever reason, the manager was unavailable to meet us in person on arrival and did this on-line leaving the responsibilities of checking us in with his delightful mother (who doesn't speak English). He was otherwise obliging, though. The included breakfast was also adequate rather than memorable. Check out was a case of leaving the key in a box without personal contact.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Rooms at the back have great views.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s a little down from the main highway towards Lake Matheson. but it means you get a great view of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. We stayed in a unit at the back with a wide grassy area shared with the other units. Outdoor table and chairs to enjoy the sunshine. Pretty amazing to see the mountain peaks from your back door.
Staff were warm and checkin was easy.
Comfortable units with sofa, coffee table, heated towel rails in bathroom, and a fan for the bathroom. No aircon needed in January. Kitchenette was handy with kettle, microwave and fridge and basic cutlery, bowls, plates, cups and wine glasses.
Wi-Fi and TV and enough space for 3.
Rooster, chickens and birds visit
Staff were warm and checkin was easy.
Comfortable units with sofa, coffee table, heated towel rails in bathroom, and a fan for the bathroom. No aircon needed in January. Kitchenette was handy with kettle, microwave and fridge and basic cutlery, bowls, plates, cups and wine glasses.
Wi-Fi and TV and enough space for 3.
Rooster, chickens and birds visit
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Free Parking outside the unit. It’s a very small grocery store in town.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The room was musty and smelt. There was dark hair in the shower recess. Our room at the further end of the property could not pick up the wi-fi. Totally unacceptable for the high cost of this place. Also disappointed to only find out on arrival that the track to see Fox Glacier was closed.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â The further your room is from the front of the property the worse the Wi-Fi becomes. I...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sunsetmotel, Manager at Sunset Motel
Responded 30 Jan 2020
Hello Paul We are unfortunate to hear you did not have a good stay. The glacier valley walk closed due to heavy rain while ago. However, we would be more than happy to arrange a glacier flight for you if you wished. Kind Regards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Good view of glaciers in the appropriate room category and friendly reception, otherwise very simply furnished and with older furniture. Some of the dishes were not cleaned, the microwave as well. Skirting boards should be dusted. A few dead animals at the window, uncleaned windows. The alleged garden furniture had bird droppings on it and had not been moved for a long time.
The spa bath cannot be described as such. I did not use it due to its age. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it.
The spa bath cannot be described as such. I did not use it due to its age. Unfortunately, I would not recommend it.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The rooms has are simple and a bit old. The heater was not work but the reception changed a new one for us quickly. It takes a 3-min drive to the town center. It was dark outside and we could do stargazing, which we have missed it at lake tekapo. I think it is ok as there is not much choice in fox glacier.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your question. I'm not sure why this has come up now when you stayed in 2012. I can't find any reviews on tripadvisor from you. As you can imagine many things have been replaced, changed or fixed in 5 years. Everything you have mentioned has not really been an issue. In regards to beds everyone has their own preference with how firm the mattress is etc.
Doing your own dishes is more of a consideration, but our cleaners check these dishes every day when the rooms are cleaned. This is standard over all motels in New Zealand and the world. We have never had a complaint or issue raised with any health inspectors for this.
Questioning the other reviews we have had with high scores is a little disappointing. All of our reviews are given by guests and not paid for or enticed by us in any way.
As we don't have your details other than your name on tripadvisor I have no way to look back at your booking.
Not sure why this has been brought up 5 years later. If we had been told of the issues during your stay things could have been remedied easily.
Hi The lake is about 4 minutes by car and a 40 minute walk. Sunrise is at 8:00am
Thanks Bruce
Hi Yes all bathrooms have hairdryers and we have a safe in our own home for guests to use.
Regards Bruce
"The further your room is from the front of the property the worse the Wi-Fi becomes. I couldn't even connect. Totally frustrating."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$90 - $149 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sunset motel fox glacier, sunset hotel fox glacier
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionWestland Tai Poutini National ParkFox Glacier
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sunset Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Sunset Motel?
Nearby attractions include Lake Matheson Walk (4.1 km), Fox Glacier South Side Walk (1.5 km), and Fox Glacier Hiking Trails (0.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sunset Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, kids activities, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Sunset Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What are some restaurants close to Sunset Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Matheson Cafe, Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, and Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon.
Are any cleaning services offered at Sunset Motel?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Sunset Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting River Walk (1.5 km).
Does Sunset Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Sunset Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.