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

4.7 (208 reviews) 1–2 hours

out of 5

208 reviews

4.7

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences at the West Coast Wildlife Centre — voted one of Lonely Planet’s 12 must-see attractions.

Located in Franz Josef, this award-winning indoor, all-weather facility is home to Little Blue Penguins (kororā), the world’s rarest kiwi, and living Tuatara. Get guaranteed daytime kiwi viewing in our nocturnal house, explore the world-class Ambassador Penguin Encounter, and meet New Zealand’s iconic “living fossil.”

Enjoy interactive glacier storytelling zones, the best shopping in Franz Josef, free Wi-Fi, and Tripadvisor-recommended coffee in our café.

Perfect for all ages and any weather, this is a must-do experience for wildlife lovers, families, and travellers looking to connect with Aotearoa’s unique natural world.

Attractions & Museums Nature Parks Small Group Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 1–2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Franz Josef Wildlife Centre

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–5 years) · Youth (6–14 years) · Adults (15–64 years) · Seniors (65–85 years)

What is included

Included

Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Included: Local taxes
Included: Free car parking

Not included

Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: DVD (available to purchase)

Itinerary

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Admission included

The centre is open every day from 8.30am. Please set aside at least 1-2 hours for your visit.

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 house, See live Tuatara, and discover the interactive glacier attraction and storytelling areas/films as well as films and information around NZ's ambitious goal to become predator free by 2050.

You'll also have the option to go behind the scenes on the VIP Backstage Pass Tour rated “highly recommended” by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award winner for 2022. A fully guided 40-minute tour behind the scenes to see our kiwi incubation and hatching and Tuatara programmes.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

West Coast Wildlife Centre Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Bright Green Building, 7886, Franz Josef, New Zealand See on map

End point

West Coast Wildlife Centre Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Bright Green Building, 7886, Franz Josef, New Zealand See on map

Using your ticket

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Main attraction is wheelchair friendly, but backstage pass tour is not wheelchair accessible
Photography is restricted inside the kiwi nocturnal house but available on the kiwi backstage pass tour
Proof of age require if purchasing a senior ticket (over 65 years of age)
Cafe with food and coffee available to purchase. All major credit cards accepted

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Main attraction is wheelchair friendly, but backstage pass tour is not wheelchair accessible
Photography is restricted inside the kiwi nocturnal house but available on the kiwi backstage pass tour
Proof of age require if purchasing a senior ticket (over 65 years of age)
Cafe with food and coffee available to purchase. All major credit cards accepted