The Backstage Pass is a combo ticket including West Coast Wildlife Centre entry PLUS a guided 30-45 minute informative tour with one of our Kiwi Rangers through the incubation and chick rearing facility. The Backstage Pass is hugely popular – especially during the summer months - and is classed as a ‘Top Pick’ by Lonely Planet Travel Guides.
Visitors will see where and how eggs are processed when they first arrive at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. They will learn about incubation procedures and take a look at the room where the eggs are cared for. Finally, visitors will get a chance to view the Brooder Room where the kiwi chicks are housed and reared during their time with us.
Non-flash photography is permitted on the Backstage Pass under close supervision by your Kiwi Ranger guide. All kiwi chicks will be viewed behind glass.
Kiwi chicks will be available to view on the Backstage Pass tour from October to March (subject to change and breeding season).
The West Coast Wildlife Centre is an all-weather visitor attraction located in Franz Josef. The centre is the sole provider of the BNZ Operation Nest Egg TM incubation and captive rearing programme for New Zealand's rarest Kiwi, the Rowi and Haast tokoeka. Since opening in 2010 the West Coast Wildlife Centre has successfully raised and released over 240 Kiwi Chicks.
West Coast Wildlife Centre entry gives visitors the very special chance to view juvenile Rowi in a natural walk through Nocturnal House setting. This self-guided attraction also includes educational and interactive displays and wildlife films offering an opportunity to learn about the Glacier and the unique West Coast region.
All entry tickets help contribute to Kiwi conservation and the fight for Kiwi survival.
Price: $55 Adult, $35 Child
Conditions: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Child age is 15 years and under.
Please Note: The Backstage Pass requires a good level of understanding of English and is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
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Businesses are awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold award depending on their performance against the Sustainable Tourism Business criterion.
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Simone from Netherlands wrote on 22 January 2019
Share LinkGreat experience!
Really interesting backstage tour with lots of information and of course seeing a kiwi chick as highlight. They are doing amazing work. Support them by doing this tour.
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