At the gateway to the village of Fox Glacier, on the West Coast of the South Island, Sunset Motel caters to travellers exploring New Zealand's West Coast who seek a practical base for exploring the glaciers and surrounding trails. Built in 2003, the property features 25 studios and apartments facing the Southern Alps.

Why choose Sunset Motel

The motel stands out for its secluded location away from the main road and its direct views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman peaks. All units occupy the ground floor, each opening onto a small private terrace. The formula appeals to independent travellers: equipped kitchenettes, free parking, concierge service to arrange activities and excursions, and local shuttle to nearby points of interest.

The property is positioned as a non-smoking motel, with an eco-conscious approach championed by the owners. The format remains that of a classic New Zealand motel: functional facilities, independence, personalised service.

Atmosphere and welcome

The atmosphere at Sunset Motel is that of a quiet, family-run accommodation where guests readily exchange hiking advice and itineraries at reception. The courtyard and rear lawn extend the private terraces and serve as a gathering spot as daylight fades over the snow-capped peaks. The aesthetic is understated: no entertainment, no restaurant, no bar — a deliberate choice that aligns with the rhythm of road-trippers exploring the glacier region.

Studios and apartments

The motel offers six unit categories, all on the ground floor with private terrace facing the mountains:

• Standard Studio
• Twin Studio
• Triple Studio
• Studio with spa
• Executive One Bedroom
• Executive Two Bedroom

Each accommodation features a kitchenette (microwave, refrigerator, cooktop, kettle or French press, toaster), private bathroom with toiletries and hair dryer, dining area, electric heating complemented by heated blankets, free Wi-Fi, satellite television, telephone and ironing supplies. For travellers who prefer cooking together or extra space, a shared communal kitchen remains available.

On-site services

Continental breakfast is served in-room upon request. The motel has no restaurant: guests prepare meals in their kitchenette or shared kitchen, or visit the few dining options in the village. An outdoor spa set in the garden offers a relaxing pause facing the Southern Alps at day's end.

On the logistics side, the motel provides:

• Free on-site parking
• Local shuttle to nearby attractions
• Concierge service for activity bookings and ticketing
• Self-service laundry and dry-cleaning service
• Secure luggage storage
• Daily housekeeping

Location

Sunset Motel sits within a few minutes' walk of Fox Glacier village centre. The site works well as a two-night stop on the West Coast itinerary, between Wanaka and Hokitika, with ample time to combine glacier hiking and exploration of nearby lakes.

What to see nearby

Several sites are accessible on foot or a short drive from the motel:

• Fox Glacier Glow Worm, at the village edge
• Jetty Viewpoint and Mount Fox Hill trails
• Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of Mount Cook on calm days
• Gillespies Beach, between ocean and mountains
• Franz Josef Glacier, approximately 30 minutes' drive north

The motel's concierge also guides guests toward scenic helicopter flights over the glaciers, a signature experience of the region.

Book your stay at Fox Glacier

To incorporate Sunset Motel into a full South Island itinerary, explore our New Zealand trips or compare with other properties such as Scenic Hotel Cotswold in Christchurch or The Godley Hotel in Tekapo.