Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
Active
1h - 2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences at the West Coast Wildlife Centre — voted one of Lonely Planet’s 12 must-see attractions.
Located in Franz Josef, this award-winning indoor, all-weather facility is home to Little Blue Penguins (kororā), the world’s rarest kiwi, and living Tuatara. Get guaranteed daytime kiwi viewing in our nocturnal house, explore the world-class Ambassador Penguin Encounter, and meet New Zealand’s iconic “living fossil.”
Enjoy interactive glacier storytelling zones, the best shopping in Franz Josef, free Wi-Fi, and Tripadvisor-recommended coffee in our café.
Perfect for all ages and any weather, this is a must-do experience for wildlife lovers, families, and travellers looking to connect with Aotearoa’s unique natural world.
Available options
12:00pm VIP Backstage Tour
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
2pm - VIP Backstage Guided
General Admission -48hr Pass
General Admission Entry: 48-Hour Admission Pass
10am VIP Backstage Pass Tour
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
4pm VIP Backstage Guided
What's included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Local taxes
Free car parking
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The centre is open every day from 8.30am. Please set aside at least 1-2 hours for your visit.
A free takeaway learning booklet is provided at no extra charge. All tickets purchased are valid for 48 hours. This means guests can come in and out of the attraction as often as they like.
During your visit, you'll be able to see live kiwi during the day inside the nocturnal house, See live Tuatara, and discover the interactive glacier attraction and storytelling areas/films as well as films and information around NZ's ambitious goal to become predator free by 2050.
You'll also have the option to go behind the scenes on the VIP Backstage Pass Tour rated “highly recommended” by Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award winner for 2022. A fully guided 40-minute tour behind the scenes to see our kiwi incubation and hatching and Tuatara programmes.
What's not included
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
DVD (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
13 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.6
128 reviews
5★
99
4★
16
3★
7
2★
2
1★
4
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Main attraction is wheelchair friendly, but backstage pass tour is not wheelchair accessible
Photography is restricted inside the kiwi nocturnal house but available on the kiwi backstage pass tour
Proof of age require if purchasing a senior ticket (over 65 years of age)
Cafe with food and coffee available to purchase. All major credit cards accepted
Important notes
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Main attraction is wheelchair friendly, but backstage pass tour is not wheelchair accessible
• Photography is restricted inside the kiwi nocturnal house but available on the kiwi backstage pass tour
• Proof of age require if purchasing a senior ticket (over 65 years of age)
• Cafe with food and coffee available to purchase. All major credit cards accepted
About Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are two of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of adventure activities. These glaciers are unique for their proximity to the Tasman Sea, creating a dramatic landscape where tropical rainforest meets ice fields.
Top Attractions
Franz Josef Glacier
One of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers, offering stunning views and a range of adventure activities.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Fox Glacier
Another of New Zealand's famous glaciers, offering similar activities to Franz Josef but with fewer crowds.
Nature
Half-day to full-day
Moderate to Expensive (depending on the activity)
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Natural hot pools fed by glacial water, offering a relaxing experience after a day of adventure.
Relaxation
1-2 hours
Moderate
Lake Matheson
A picturesque lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Nature
1-2 hours for a walk, longer for photography
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Fresh Seafood
The West Coast is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, crayfish, and oysters.
Lunch/Dinner
Varies by dish, may contain allergens
Lamb Rack
New Zealand lamb is renowned for its quality and flavor, often served as a rack with herbs and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Guided glacier hikes
Helicopter tours
Kayaking
Hiking
Mountain biking
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Scenic walks
Beachcombing
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer offers the warmest weather and the most daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking, glacier tours, and other outdoor activities. The crowds are at their highest during this period.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time, NZST) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time, NZDT during daylight saving)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are generally safe destinations, but visitors should be aware of the natural hazards associated with outdoor activities, such as glacier hikes and scenic flights.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of weather conditions and changing weather patterns
- • Follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities
- • Stay on marked trails and paths
Getting there
By air
- Christchurch International Airport • 250 km (155 miles) from Franz Josef
By bus
Christchurch, Greymouth, Wanaka
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transport in the area, with regular services to and from major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: No major app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Franz Josef Township
Fox Glacier Township
Day trips
Lake Matheson
25 km (15 miles) from Franz Josef • Half-day
A scenic lake known for its reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Okarito Lagoon
50 km (31 miles) from Franz Josef • Full-day
A unique coastal lagoon known for its birdlife, including the rare kotuku (white heron).
Gillespies Beach
30 km (18 miles) from Fox Glacier • Half-day to full-day
A secluded beach with dramatic coastal scenery and access to the rainforest.
Festivals
West Coast Wildfoods Festival • Annually in March
Pro tips
- Visit Lake Matheson early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Book glacier tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
- Dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and always be prepared for rain
- Explore both Franz Josef and Fox Glacier to experience the best of both towns and their respective glaciers
- Try local specialties like Hokey Pokey ice cream and fresh seafood
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
