RIBBONWOOD RETREAT B & B ACCOMMODATION
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See and do....

Franz Josef Activities

Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast accommodation is ideally situated in the heart of the Westland National Park with views to the mountains, glaciers and temperate forest from every room. You will learn all about the area with our resident expert on flora and fauna, Jonathan. We are keen walkers and bird enthusiasts so can advise you on all our local walking tracks.
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The rowi (Okarito brown kiwi) habitat is on our doorstep. The breeding colony of kotuku (white heron) is in the area at at the north of Okarito lagoon. Swim and kayak in the pristine waters of Lake Mapourika with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and rainforest. Explore the beaches and wetlands of Okarito, following the historic horse and dray "pack track" through lowland rimu forest, climbing above the seaside cliffs. Adventurous guests can climb spectacular ice walls in the upper part of the Franz Josef Glacier or take an informative, friendly and relaxed eco-style tour. 

West Coast Wildlife Centre

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​See our rarest kiwi up close in the centers' nocturnal room.
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Flights and Heli Hikes

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Scenic flights There are several helicopter companies and a fixed wing scenic flight operator based in Franz Josef. 

Okarito Kiwi Tours

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Okarito Kiwi Tours get out into the National Park, deep into Kiwi habitat. 

Walks in the Franz Josef Glacier Valley

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​Guided interpretive walks available - highly recommended with Glacier Valley Eco Tours.   

White Heron Tours

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White Heron SanctuaryTours offer the only tour to New Zealand’s one and only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting site. 
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​Skydive Franz Josef

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​​Skydive Franz offers skydiving from 13,000 feet, 16,000 feet and 19,000 feet. 

Exposed

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​Alpine Fault Tours adventure to see where the Pacific and Australian continental plates meet. 


Okarito Kayaks

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Experience the beauty of New Zealand's largest wetland at Okarito by self guide or guided kayak.

Glacier Kayaks on Lake Mapourika 

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A guided trip on Lake Mapourika, with  views of the mountains and glaciers while paddling in the kiwi sanctuary.

​Glacier Hot Pools

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The three pools weave their way through the rainforest and offer a superb place to relax and rejuvenate in nature. 
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​Quad Bikes

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Enjoy the thrill of driving these fun 2-seater ATV quad bikes.
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​Okarito Boat Tours

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A guided trip on an open air boat that takes you from from land to lagoon and beyond into the rainforest waterways.

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Sunny day views from our place



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Ribbonwood house and cottage


Glacier Country is located among the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. From the highest mountains, largest glaciers, rainforests, dramatic beaches and much, much more. See these two videos for more ideas of what you might expect to experience here.
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The Baumann Glacier Room
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The Waiho Rooms
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The Cottage
Activities in Franz Josef
Ribbonwood B & B accommodation is conveniently located just 5 km from Franz Josef Glacier Village.           
​We are close to the restaurants (some offer a complimentary taxi service to and fro.)
​Ribbonwood is ten kilometres and ten minutes drive from the glacier.​
Our Location
​Corner Greens Road and State Highway 6
Franz Josef Glacier
+64 3 7520072
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stay@ribbonwood.net.nz

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We are proudly a quality assessed Bed and Breakfast
Website design by Ribbonwood ​
  • Welcome
    • Ribbonwood Voucher
  • Our Rooms
    • The Cottage
    • The Waiho Rooms
  • About
    • Caring for
    • Tiaki - Care for New Zealand
    • Covid-19
  • Breakfast
  • Recommended Activities
    • Tramps and Walks
    • Wildlife
    • Birds >
      • Bird List
  • Contact
  • Blog