West Coast Wildlife Centre
31 Cron Street
31 Cron Street
This is TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award-winning indoor visitor attraction in Franz Josef. It is a public/private partnership with the Department of Conservation and features the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility on the South Island. The attraction is Qualmark Gold accredited and is privately owned by Richard Benton, a conservationist who recognized that the rarest of the five kiwi species was nearing extinction.
Richard purchased a large, modern building in Franz Josef to create an all-weather visitor experience that includes an indoor Tuatara habitat and a kiwi incubation and hatching facility. Visitors should plan to spend between 30 minutes to 2 hours exploring the site. The facility offers a world-class Tuatara Encounter and conducts personally guided VIP Kiwi and Tuatara Backstage Pass Tours four times a day.
According to social media channels, the attraction also features a busy and well-stocked retail shop, as well as serving the best coffee in Franz Josef. It is open daily from 8 AM, including most public holidays.
Asia (All), Australia, Canada, Central Europe/Germany, China, Eastern Europe, Europe (All), India, Indonesia, Latin/South America, Malaysia, MIddle East, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Scandinavia, Singapore, South Africa, South East Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States
Attractions and Activities, Educational, FIT's and self drive, Series Group Tours, Special Interest Tours
