Franz Josef: VIP Backstage Pass & Rare Kiwi Wildlife Encounter

Fortunately, we were able to get the senior rate. We went with one goal in mind. We wanted to see a kiwi. They guaranteed that you would see a kiwi, penguins and a lizard. They followed through. What wasn't mentioned that these were the only animals in the reserve. Had we not gone at 11 am, we wouldn't have seen the penguins being fed. Also, to see the kiwi, I had to request that the staff help me with an infrared light, otherwise I would have walked away not really knowing if I had seen one or not. If you hope to have a photo of a kiwi, you won't get one. Cameras are forbidden in the kiwi room. I feel good that part of the admission goes towards the sanctuary. Was the cost worth seeing a kiwi? I think so, but if I hadn't watched the penguin feeding, I would have been in and out in less than half an hour. However, I must mention that there is a video that I didn't watch. Every chair was taken.

This is a must do experience! Steve was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. His friendliness and his love for the centre was very evident. Front of house and back door staff were all very polite and friendly too. Thank you for all your wonderful service to our planet 🌎

This was an exceptional behind the scenes visit.We learned so much from Steve and the team. What an educational tour!!Well done to all the team, particularly Steve who made it such a memorable visit . What wonderful conservation work they do for all the variety of spiecs on site from kiwis to the most entertaining penguins .

Extremely good small group ‘behind the scenes’ private tour at the center. The guide, Steve, was excellent - very informative and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this add on to the regular entrance ticket. Center is doing important work helping to expand the tiny populations of endangered kiwis and blue penguins .

I visited the Franz Josef Wildlife Center using the skip‑the‑line ticket, and overall the experience was fun and worthwhile. The exhibits are well laid out and make it easy to learn about New Zealand wildlife, especially the kiwi, without feeling rushed. The staff were friendly and informative, and the indoor setting was a nice bonus given the changeable West Coast weather. It’s not a huge attraction, but it’s a great way to spend an hour or so in Franz Josef.

This place was magical with the kiwi birds and blue penguins. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we had a wonderful experience.

I enjoyed my time here, we got an up close look at the different animals. Penguins, tuatara, and kiwi eggs and animal was shown.

We enjoyed the behind the scenes tour very much. Steve was our guide and he gave us a real insight into the wonderful conservation work of the centre and how they are the lifeline to increasing the numbers of New Zealand's endangered native kiwi. The rehabilitation of the little blue penguins injured by dogs and boat strikes was a joy to see. Without the centre to the rescue they would have been euthanased. They were swimming happily, some with a missing flipper. Highlight was seeing a kiwi up close in the darkened recreated forest floor area. Really let your eyes adjust to the light, about 5 minutes or so, don't rush, be patient. It is really worth it!

This was a great wildlife center got to see the kiwis moving around in their enclosure and saw some blue penguins . Our naturalist guide was excellent. He showed us all around the place and explained everything to us. It is definitely worth the stop especially to see the kiwis. We had a wonderful time there.

Outstanding tour of the tutatara and the kiwi incubation/hatching centre. The expert guide Steve was so knowledgeable - we learned so much ! The tour was timed perfectly to then watch the penguins being fed, and we experienced seeing kiwis in the special nocturnal low light enclosures. The work that this privately owned Wildlife Centre does is very worthwhile and critical to preserving the unique fauna of New Zealand. Highly recommend - it may seem pricy but it was more than worth every dollar!