Ticket

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

Franz Josef / Waiau, NZ
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (163 reviews)

Included

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

Excluded

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    Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
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    Dvd (available to purchase)
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    Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

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West Coast Wildlife Centre

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.

Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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

What our experts say

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    Try the café's award-winning coffee.
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    Visit the interactive glacier exhibit.
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    Book the Backstage Pass in advance.
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    Explore nearby Franz Josef Glacier.
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    Bring a light jacket; it can get chilly.

More About this Experience

Introduction

The Franz Josef Wildlife Center in New Zealand is a top-notch tourist attraction that promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. As Lonely Planet has acclaimed it as one of the 12 must-see things to visit in the country, this center stands out as the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island. Its indoor, all-weather allure in Franz Josef captivates visitors from all over the world.

What to expect?

When exploring the Franz Josef Wildlife Center, visitors can anticipate an immersive encounter with New Zealand's diverse wildlife. The centerpiece of this experience is the opportunity to observe live kiwi birds in their natural habitat during the day inside the nocturnal house, including the world's rarest kiwis. Additionally, guests can discover the interactive glacier attraction and engage in captivating West Coast storytelling areas. For an even more enriching adventure, the "Kiwi & Tuatara Backstage Pass Tour" allows visitors to go behind the scenes and get up close with the kiwi incubation and hatching process, as well as the Tuatara programs.

Who is this for?

The Franz Josef Wildlife Center caters to a wide range of nature enthusiasts and animal lovers who yearn to witness the marvels of New Zealand's unique fauna. Whether you are a wildlife photographer seeking to capture fascinating images of kiwis or a family looking to create cherished memories, this center offers an experience for everyone. Regardless of age or background, anyone with a passion for wildlife conservation and the desire to appreciate the beauty of nature will find this attraction fulfilling.

Why book this?

By choosing to visit the Franz Josef Wildlife Center, you are embarking on an extraordinary journey filled with wonders and surprises. Not only will you have the chance to witness live kiwi birds, including the world's rarest species, but you will also be immersed in an interactive glacier attraction and captivated by enthralling West Coast storytelling. Moreover, the coveted "Kiwi & Tuatara Backstage Pass Tour" offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the incredible efforts involved in kiwi incubation and hatching. With advanced bookings highly recommended for this limited availability tour, securing your spot ensures an intimate and remarkable encounter with these remarkable creatures.

Good to know

During your visit to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center, please allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully experience all the attractions and activities it has to offer. As a bonus, a takeaway learning booklet is provided at no extra cost, fostering a lasting educational experience. Tickets are valid for 48 hours, granting guests the freedom to enter and exit the attraction as frequently as desired. Furthermore, inside the center, you can indulge in a cup of the "best Coffee" recommended by TripAdvisor in Franz Josef while enjoying free Wi-Fi in the café.

Reviews

Visitors who have ventured to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center have left enthralled and impressed by their encounters. According to their feedback, the live kiwi sightings during the day inside the nocturnal house are awe-inspiring. The Backstage Pass Tour is highly recommended, praised for offering an exclusive and informative glimpse into the kiwi incubation and hatching processes. With its commitment to wildlife conservation, the center receives accolades for its contribution to New Zealand's ambition of becoming predator-free by 2050. Overall, visitors express their satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity to engage with such remarkable creatures and to learn about the country's remarkable conservation efforts.

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