Franz Josef Wildlife Center: Skip the Line Tickets with Optional Backstage Pass

Experience the Franz Josef Wildlife Center, the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island. Skip the line and get a backstage pass for an exclusive tour. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • West Coast Wildlife Centre - The centre is open every day from 8.30am.
    A free takeaway learning booklet is provided at no extra charge.
    All tickets purchased are valid for 48 hours. This means guests can come in and out of the attraction as often as they like.
    During your visit, you’ll be able to see live kiwi during the day inside the nocturnal…
What's Included
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
  • Local taxes covered
  • Complimentary car parking
What's Not Included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • DVD (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Lonely Planet listed the West Coast Wildlife Centre as one of 12 must-visit attractions in New Zealand. Being the largest kiwi hatchery in the South Island, it’s the premier indoor all-weather visit in Franz Josef. Inside the nocturnal house, visitors are given the rare opportunity to see live kiwi during daylight hours, including some of the rarest…

Location
West Coast Wildlife Centre
Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Bright Green Building
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(87 Ratings)
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Chery_m
Oct 10, 2024
Behind the scenes good value - The behind the scenes was very informative and interesting. The guide Steve was great , funny and professional. Very good knowledge and easy to interact with.
Review provided by Viator
Felicity_m
Sep 22, 2024
Must do rainy day activity and to learn about NZ wildlife - Fantastic information about the conservation of Kiwis all over NZ. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, great displays with information on Glaciers. Highly recommend the guided tour (backstage pass) to see the Tuatara and the information about them in greater detail. Lovely cafe with hot food and drinks. Excellent gift shop with a large variety of souvenirs.
Review provided by Viator
934kimberlees
Jul 30, 2024
Best Kiwi experience! - we were not going to stop by this place but had some time and are so glad we did. I wanted to see a Kiwi on our trip but the only previous opportunities were a dark room where the kiwi couldn't be seen. not here! you are so close! they were running around and so comfortable in their habitat that they didn't even care we were there. 10/10 experience, do not miss this stop. Best Kiwi experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maps51660352267
Jun 9, 2024
非常滿意這次的體驗,值得參加的行程! - 由於我的英文不是非常好,導覽員特別放慢速度導覽讓我可以了解他們如何保育牠們,超出了時間也不會草草結束,當天參觀的只有我一人,他非常耐心地告訴我每一件事,這次體驗我覺得非常滿意;之後有一段看kiwi的時間,我看到了TIU,但沒看到Sammy,等了好久失望的走出來,遇見我的導覽員,他又帶著我回頭看了一遍,並用紅光指向Sammy,最後我如願看到他了,滿意的完成這次體驗,非常開心! Im not good at the English,the tour guide slowed down the tour so that I could understand how they raise them, and it would not end hastily if the time was exceeded. I was the only one who visited that day, and he told me everything very patiently. I felt very happy. ! After a while while watching Kiwi, I saw TIU, but not Sammy. After waiting for a long time, I came out disappointed and met my tour guide. She took me back to look again and saw it with a red light. Sammy, in the end I got what I wanted. I am satisfied with the experience and very happy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blondiesmp
Apr 26, 2024
Kiwis are beautiful - Kath was so wonderful. Friendly and informative. You can see she loves what she does. The kiwis are absolutely beautiful. Great experience. Diane & Sharon
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel24910826152
Apr 15, 2024
Beats the rain - After a long hike in the rain, I decided to stop in. Unlike my hike in the rain, this did not disappoint. Steve was the best, super informative and answered every question I had. I absolutely loved learning more about our native species and seeing all the work they do to help save them. Tino ataahua te mahi!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T6015drtoms
Apr 9, 2024
Don't Miss It - Tom and Anne from Australia did the VIP Kiwi and Tuatara Backstage Tour. Amber was our guide. She gave us so much interesting information. We learned so much on this tour, well worth the time. We enjoyed looking at the tuatara, just amazing! Thanks Amber
Review provided by Tripadvisor
786desid
Apr 3, 2024
Saw Kiwis playing and learned so much about these feathered potatoes! - This was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience and a must-do when in Franz Josef. I purchased the earliest behind-the-scenes tour (10 AM) and arrived at the Wildlife Centre right when they opened. Before the tour started, I visited the Kiwi exhibit where the Kiwi birds were awake, energetic, running around, and enjoying their breakfast. During the tour, the guide explained that the Kiwi birds are exposed to bright white light at night to simulate the day, and they are exhibited under dim lights during our day, which is their 'night,' allowing visitors to observe them. The backstage behind-the-scenes tour provided a significant amount of information about how the Wildlife Centre is helping to increase the Kiwi population, as well as information about the little Kiwi bird itself. I learned much more than I expected, and I couldn't believe how close I was able to get to the Kiwi birds for such a long time! 10/10 I would highly recommend this experience. P.S. saw two Kiwis, but went through the exhibit 3 times, so pretty much saw 6 Kiwis :-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q6438pimichelem
Apr 3, 2024
Fabulous - We had an amazing time at West Coast Wildlife Center! There were 2 couples and all four of us loved being there. The guide was informative and we had plenty of time to enjoy looking at the Tuatars and the Kiwis.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jody_c
Apr 2, 2024
Love it! - Learned so much about Kiwis, NZ native and invasive wildlife, and the amazing conservation efforts happening here. And got to see two busy little kiwis up close and personal! 🥰
Review provided by Viator
From $23
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).