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Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour

4.6
166
Deals from $59.00 Save $10.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Experience the amazing West Coast Wildlife Centre, home of the rare kiwi, complete with a guided backstage tour and fascinating Tuatara Encounter!

Experience the amazing West Coast Wildlife Centre, home of the rare kiwi, complete with a guided backstage tour and fascinating Tuatara Encounter!

The VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour 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. You'll also enjoy a fascinating Tuatara encounter where you can view up-close the prehistoric tuatara that is endemic only to New Zealand.

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.

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.

Adult $69.00
Child $30.00 (5 - 15 years)

What's included

  • Wildlife Centre Entry
  • 30 - 45 Minute Guided Tour
  • Tuatara Encounter

Location

  • Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets, Franz Josef

Notes

  • 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.

    Please ensure that you arrive ten minutes prior to your tour as the tours depart on time and if you are late, you will miss out.

  • 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)

Available Bookings from 9 Dec to 22 Dec 2023

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sat 9 Dec
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Mon 11 Dec
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Fri 22 Dec

Bookings close in 4 hours...

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

  • Adult$59.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$25.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.6

166 reviews

Showing all 166 authenticated Bookme reviews

Sofia Thompson from Australia wrote on 29 November 2023

Really enjoyed backstage tour of wildlife centre

I really enjoyed learning about the plight of the Kiwi and Tuatara, and I got to see the Tuatara up close and was lucky enough to see a Rowi Kiwi searching it's enclosure for food, which was a magical experience. My guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, too.

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Trish from New Zealand wrote on 16 September 2023

Unique experience

The staff were so helpful. I did the VIP behind the scenes option and found it really interesting. The most amazing moments were getting up close with the Tuatara and seeing both Kiwi in action in their enclosure. Would recommend to others but would spend a good amount of time there so you can see the kiwi doing their thing:-)

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From Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour

Thank you Trish for the 5 star review and delighted that you enjoyed your time with us.The team work really hard to exceed our guests experiences and so pleased that we achieved this for your visit.

shannonh11 from New Zealand wrote on 01 August 2023

FANTASTIC! A MUST DO!

Was an awesome tour, learnt a lot about the kiwi and tuatara. Got up close to a tuatara. There were 2 kiwis on display, amazing creatures.

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From Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour

Thank you Shannon for the 5 star review and for using Book Me.So pleased that you enjoyed your time with us and a really great recommendation for future guests.

sandeepp4 from India wrote on 07 November 2023

Backstage pass not worthy

it says 60 min for backstage pass but its inclusive of the 30 min self guided tour . we can see 2 kiwis , can see tuatara wont say its worth the penny the guide was kind enough to answer our questions and explain longer if we shell out tips

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Sami Smadhi from Tunisia wrote on 30 July 2023

Best experience ever

I loved all the workers, always smiling and helpful

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From Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour

Thank you Tunisia for the 5 star review and delighted that you enjoyed your time with us.The team work really hard to exceed our guests experiences and so pleased that we achieved this for your visit.

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This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

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When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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