The West Coast Wildlife Centre, nestled in Franz Josef on New Zealand West Coast, is a world class conservation and visitor hub devoted to safeguarding the world’s rarest kiwi species—Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. Opened in November 2010 through a public–private partnership between the Department of Conservation and Te Rnungao Makaawhio, the centre has since hatched over half of all living Rowi, marking it as the largest kiwi breeding facility in the South Island
Inside the eye-catching emerald-green building, visitors can wander a nocturnal kiwi house through dimly lit bush, catching glimpses of these shy, iconic birds. The centre also offers a fascinating “Backstage Pass” VIP tour, led by passionate kiwi rangers, where you step behind the scenes into the incubation and rearing rooms, and meet other native taonga such as live tuatara
Beyond its wildlife exhibits, the centre includes interactive glacier interpretation displays, storytelling about West Coast history, a cozy cafe with reputedly the best coffee in town, and a vibrant gift shop packed with Kiwi-made treasures
Whether you’re there to support conservation efforts or simply to witness kiwi chicks in a habitat designed for their survival, the West Coast Wildlife Centre delivers an educational, inspiring, and heartwarming experience that resonates long after you leave.
West Coast Wildlife Centre
Inclusion
Access to the Wildlife Centre: Explore New Zealand’s premier indoor wildlife centre located in Franz Josef Glacier, open daily and all-weather friendly.
Access to the Kiwi Hatchery & Nursery: Enjoy exclusive access to the hatching and rearing of Rowi and Haast tokoeka – New Zealand’s rarest kiwi species.
Live Kiwi Viewing: View live kiwi birds in a special nocturnal house designed to simulate natural conditions and enhance your chances of seeing these shy, iconic creatures.
Interactive Conservation Exhibits: Discover hands-on displays and immersive exhibits that highlight kiwi conservation and New Zealand’s unique wildlife.
Tuataras and Native Species Displays: Discover New Zealand’s unique wildlife, including a close look at the Tuatara – a living fossil and ancient reptile.
Self-Guided Tour: Explore the indoor wildlife centre at your own pace with a flexible, self-guided experience.
Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning moments throughout the attraction with interactive exhibits and unique wildlife displays—please note, no flash photography in the kiwi house.
Cancellation Policy
Policy Overview: At BookMyBooking.com, Attractions/Activities booking is subject to a stringent non-refundable cancellation policy designed to maintain the availability of attractions/activities while ensuring effective management of slots. This policy encompasses various booking scenarios. We encourage you to carefully review the cancellation terms applicable to your chosen booking type:
Standalone Activity Tickets:
Non-Refundable Booking: Once a booking for a standalone activity ticket is confirmed, it cannot be cancelled or changed. Full payment is required at the time of booking, and no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
Activity Ticket with Shared Transfer:
Non-Refundable Booking: Bookings that include activity tickets along with shared transfers are non-refundable once confirmed. Full payment is required at the time of booking, and no refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
Activity Ticket with Private Transfer:
Non-Refundable Activity Ticket: The activity ticket component is non-refundable once booked.
Cancellable Private Transfer:
Cancellation Notice Required: If you need to cancel the private transfer, you must do so at least 48 hours before the scheduled activity.
Refund Details: Cancellations made within this timeframe are eligible for a full refund of the private transfer charges, after the deduction of applicable taxes, service charges, and payment gateway fees.
No Changes Allowed: Bookings are final and cannot be modified. This includes changes to the date, time, or number of participants.
No-Shows: Failure to attend the activity at the scheduled time and location will result in the forfeiture of the booking without any refund or credit.
Service Provider and BMB Cancellations: If an activity or transfer (whether it’s a private or shared transfer booked as part of a bundled service) is cancelled by the service provider or BookMyBooking.com, or due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather conditions, safety concerns or any avoidable things), we will offer an alternative date or activity of equal value. If no suitable alternative is available, a credit voucher may be issued at the discretion of BookMyBooking.com.
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Contact Information: For any inquiries or further clarification regarding this policy, please contact our customer support team at contact@bookmybooking.com.
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