The West Coast Wildlife Centre is an all weather visitor attraction located in Franz Josef, presenting rare Kiwi in an authentic environment.
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 the Rowi and Haast tokoeka, New Zealand's rarest Kiwi.
The forest and bush around the West Coast is dense and virtually completely untouched and the undergrowth is home to incredible wildlife, - much of which is rarely seen as it is often only active at night.
The superb quality nature films and interactives at the West Coast Wildlife Centre bring you the very special opportunity to view Juvenile Rowi - our rarest kiwi - in a natural walk through Nocturnal House setting with this fabulous wildlife New Zealand tour.
The West Coast Wildlife Centre is one of the largest Kiwi Captive Rearing facilities in New Zealand and since opening in 2010 has successfully raised and released 180 Kiwi Chicks.
The Centre also brings to life the yarns and tales of the people of the West Coast; who mined, hunted, struggled and lived in this breathtaking but harsh environment.
We were pleasantly surprised by this. It felt a bit like a small, local museum with interesting information about much more than the kiwi. The tuatara were a bonus too. A enriching way to pass time on a rainy day.
We visited in November and had a wonderful time. The Kiwis were a delight - once our eyes adjusted to the relative darkness - and also the Penguins and Tuatara. Penguin feeding was a treat, especially advice on the rescues carried out, and the work to nurture them back to health. A special mention must go to the staff, who all made us welcome. Thank you!! The cafe was also a welcome retreat during our stay.
Seeing the kiwi so close was amazing, and we really enjoyed the blue penguins feeding. A great facility for the wildlife. However, the cost for this experience was very prohibitive. At $200 for a family of 4, I can’t imagine many local tourists would be able to visit. I don’t believe this felt like value for money, but am glad a portion of this went to conservation efforts.
Extremely disappointed with the cost of entry. We thought we would be able to spend at least 2 - 3 hours viewing the inside. The penguins of course was the highlight if you were able to see them. Not very well set up for viewing and needed seating. Because of the price we wouldn't go back.
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wingchil from Hong Kong wrote on 27 March 2016
A place that you can see kiwi
The center is not a big one but you will get a chance to see kiwi moving around. Staff are very friendly though.