Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass | 1 hour to 2 hours

112 Reviews | Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
From $23.18 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 8 travelers in total.
Senior (65-85) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 8
0
Adult (15-64) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 8
2
Youth (6-14) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 8
0
Child (3-5) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 8
0
Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 8
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
12:00pm VIP Backstage Tour
2 Adults x $42.43
$84.86
Approx Total
$84.86
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
10am VIP Backstage Pass Tour
2 Adults x $42.43
$84.86
Approx Total
$84.86
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
2pm - VIP Backstage Pass Tour
2 Adults x $42.43
$84.86
Approx Total
$84.86
General Admission -48hr Pass
2 Adults x $23.57
$47.14
Approx Total
$47.14
General Admission Entry: 48-Hour Admission Pass
4pm VIP Backstage Tour
2 Adults x $42.43
$84.86
Approx Total
$84.86

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Local taxes
  • Free car parking
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • DVD (available to purchase)

Overview

Voted one of the 12 must-see things to visit in New Zealand by Lonely Planet, the West Coast Wildlife Centre is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the foremost indoor, all-weather attraction in Franz Josef.  You are guaranteed to see live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, including the world's rarest kiwis.  Discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas or go behind the scenes on the “Kiwi & Tuatara Backstage Pass Tour.”  Numbers are very limited on the 40-minute Backstage Pass Tour so advanced bookings are highly recommended.  You'll also find the best shopping in Franz Josef inside the all-weather facility and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the café. Recommended " best Coffee" in Franz Josef by Tripadvisor customers. If you purchase a VIP Backstage Pass Tour your general admission ticket is included in the price.

Itinerary

  • West Coast Wildlife Centre

    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.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • 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

Free Cancellation

June 11100% refund
June 12No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.5

112 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    83
  • 4 stars
    15
  • 3 stars
    8
  • 2 stars
    2
  • 1 star
    4

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 83 reviews with 5 stars

Very cool endangered species exhibit.

Published on Feb, 2025

It was a pleasure to go through the wildlife exhibit and listen to the discussion about endangered New Zealand species. Very informative and we even got to see a kiwi close-up (red light night vision).

Educational and enjoyable.

Published on Feb, 2025

Our guide Steve was really informative. We learned more than we could possibly have hoped about both the Rowi Kiwi and the tuatara, a creature we had never previously have heard of. We then had a chance to see both creatures. Thoroughly professional and enjoyable.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Published on Feb, 2025

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Nice gift shop with good food and coffee. I had the "invasive rabbit pot pie." You can do your part to reduce invasive rabbits in NZ and have a unique meal.

Worth a visit

Published on Feb, 2025

Great front desk personal. Very informative and friendly. 48 hour pass so you can wander back in anytime to see the 2 Kiwi , the history of the coast and the Tuatara. Well worth doing the back stage tour about Kiwi and Tuatara. Our guide was very passionate about her work. Would highly recommend .

Awesome tour

Published on Feb, 2025

Was an amazing tour , so privileged to see the kiwis , Tuataras and the staff ensured we saw clearly by taking us through with the infrared torch . Also making sure we took our time to take in the smells . The front counter gentleman was very informative and friendly , he does an awesome job . The back stage part of the tour was very good and the guide was so passionate and enthusiastic. . We learnt so much Fully recommend the full tour for value and experience

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Heli Hike Fox Glacier
42720P2
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
496
From
$416 /   Person
Small-Group Kayak Adventure from Franz J ...
7653P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
331
From
$86 /   Person
Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour
3434WHO_HELIHIKE
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
257
From
$473 /   Person
Pilot's Choice - 2 Glaciers with Snow La ...
113645P2
time

35 minutes

time Free Cancellation
201
From
$261 /   Person
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight wi ...
28287P2
time

20 minutes

time Free Cancellation
139
From
$208 /   Person
4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adv ...
7653P2
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
92
From
$98 /   Person
Fox and Franz Twin Glacier Helicopter Fl ...
28287P3
time

30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$265 /   Person
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers with Snow ...
113645P3
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$345 /   Person
2-Hour Scenic Cruise in Lake Mapourika
Likely To Sell Out
7653P5
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
76
From
$72 /   Person
Fox Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow ...
28287P5
time

20 minutes

time Free Cancellation
74
From
$208 /   Person
Cruise & Rainforest Walk - Franz Josef G ...
Likely To Sell Out
7653P3
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
65
From
$86 /   Person
Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (al ...
49003P1
time

20 minutes

time Free Cancellation
54
From
$196 /   Person
Recently Viewed
2-Day Xi'an Sightseeing All-Inclusive Pr ...
37561P111
time

48 hours

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$302 /   Person
Full Day Sightseeing in Marrakech with a ...
New On TravelOne
117866P101
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$99 /   Person
Full-Day Tour in Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu ...
62353P32
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
78
From
$44 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!