The Glowworm self-contained units are an inspired idea. I would regard myself as a social person, but sometimes hostels just get too communal. Occasionally, it is nice just to close the door on strangers and watch telly with my nearest and dearest.
The studio we stayed in slept three, was en-suite, had its own TV and VCR (a welcome novelty!), basic cooking facilities and free tea and coffee. It was a few steps away from the hot tub, which eased our aches and pains after climbing the glacier. It’s right in the middle of Franz Josef village too. Our 'cottage' cost NZ$110, which I regarded as very good value. The one fault I would have is that the communal kitchen is not spotless.