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Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass 1
A building with a sign reading "West Coast Wildlife Centre" and a parking lot in front. 2
A person in a black jacket and gloves handling a container. 3
Penguins in an indoor enclosure with a glass barrier. 4
Two penguins standing on rocky terrain with sparse vegetation. 5

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

By Franz Josef Wildlife Centre
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Price is €32 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

Activity location

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

Meeting/Redemption Point

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

Check availability

General Admission -48hr Pass

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

General Admission Entry: 48-Hour Admission Pass

Language options: English
Starting time: 08:30
Price details
€32.20 x 1 Adult€32.20
Total
Price is €32.20

2pm - VIP Backstage Guided

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 14:00
Price details
€47.07 x 1 Adult€47.07
Total
Price is €47.07

4pm VIP Backstage Guided

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 16:00
Price details
€47.07 x 1 Adult€47.07
Total
Price is €47.07

10am VIP Backstage Pass Tour

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

VIP Backstage Pass Tour

Language options: English
Starting time: 10:00
Price details
€47.07 x 1 Adult€47.07
Total
Price is €47.07

12:00pm VIP Backstage Tour

  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

VIP Backstage Pass Tour

Language options: English
Starting time: 12:00
Price details
€47.07 x 1 Adult€47.07
Total
Price is €47.07
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What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Local taxes
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Free car parking
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    DVD (available to purchase)

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Transport 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
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

Activity itinerary

West Coast Wildlife Centre

  • Admission ticket 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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    West Coast Wildlife Centre
    • Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Bright Green Building
    • 7886, Franz Josef, New Zealand, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    West Coast Wildlife Centre
    • Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Bright Green Building
    • 7886, Franz Josef, New Zealand, New Zealand

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