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48 Hour Entry,Kiwi,Penguins,Tuatara and Daily Penguin Feeds.

196 Reviews 4.71 out of 5 stars Based on 196 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 92% of reviewers | Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

1 to 2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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 City Balloon Tours-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.

What's Included

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Local taxes
  • Free car parking
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • DVD (available to purchase)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

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

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.
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Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 48 Hour Entry,Kiwi,Penguins,Tuatara and Daily Penguin Feeds.?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-47570P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.71
196 reviews

Average 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 196 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
165
4 stars
16
3 stars
8
2 stars
4
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 31 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Local taxes
  • Free car parking
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • DVD (available to purchase)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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