THE MUST-DO VISIT IN FRANZ JOSEF

Don’t miss this great opportunity to see kiwi birds in-person & learn more than you’d expect

"We loved seeing the two kiwi birds shuffling back and forth, despite not usually being into animals on display. We learned so much about kiwis, other wildlife, glaciers, conservation efforts, and the history of the area. Visiting the wildlife centre was a treat made even more special by enjoying tea and delicious scones at the cafe. Too bad we were too full to order ice cream or a milk shake/smoothie because we saw someone else enjoying theirs. Our only suggestion: With so many videos playing and at relatively low volumes, it would be helpful to have subtitles."

Best visit for Kiwi, Tuatara & Little Blue Penguins

"OMG, this was an incredible experience. The tour was led by Steve, who explained how they are helping with a breeding programme and the development of a Kiwi. We even got to see some chicks in the backstage area. Steve was knowledgeable and very engaging, and we have learned a great deal. We were on to see the Tuatara, and again Steve was full of useful information, showing us how they were little changed from the time of the dinosaurs. From there on our own, we went into the Kiwi enclosure where we saw 2 Kiwis in their natural habitat, these will eventually be released and more brought in. We also went in to see the delightful Little Blue Penguins. This was an excellent visit. The staff were charming and helpful, and you really feel they are helping endangered species"

Don't skimp, buy the back stage pass. Totally worth it.

"Wasn't expecting a lot from this visit as it didn't seem to be much to it. Decided the best option was to go for the backstage pass to gain a better understanding of what was there. So glad we did. A very knowledgeable conservationist talked us through the centre's involvement in incubating kiwi eggs collected from the wild, where the young birds only have a 5% chance of survival to adulthood due to being eaten by stoats and possums (non native animals). Once these birds reach adult size, they are released back into a predator-free environment. Next was the tuatara. Looked like a lizard to me but thanks to the backstage access, we found out they are not lizards at all, but a unique to New Zealand species going back to the time of the dinosaurs. I'm not saying any more. Go yourself. Get the backstage pass tickets. Here was me, the sceptic, leaving with a lovely kiwi mug from the gift shop 'cos you've just got to support these wee guys."

Loved West Coast Wildlife Center

"Found this by accident today and we’re really glad we did! Great penguin exhibit. The place does some really great work rehabilitating ones that have been injured and cannot go back to the wild. Staff and owner are really friendly and will take the time to answer all your questions. We had a wonderful time and can’t recommend this place enough! Make time for it while in the Franz Josef area."

Great experience, highly recommended.

"Highly recommend visiting the Centre. The kids spent ages watching the kiwi's and exploring the centre. We did a Guided Tour and also got to see the Tuatara up close which was really cool. The guides and staff were extremely helpful and kind. We visited in late June and it was very quiet, which was fantastic."