Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre

Best Hotels Near West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef

Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre

Lonely Planet voted the West Coast Wildlife Centre in the heart of Franz Josef as one of the 12 must see things to visit in New Zealand. This is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the "must see" indoor all weather attraction in Franz Josef – home to the official hatching facility for the world's 2 rarest kiwis – the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. See live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas or go behind the scenes on the “Backstage Pass Tour” and see live kiwi chicks and meet the friendly kiwi ranger staff. Numbers are very limited on the 30 minute Backstage Pass Tour so booking are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The best shopping in Franz Josef can be found here inside the all weather facility -and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the cafe to keep connected to family and friends. Enjoy a coffee or a snack in the cafe – or pick up a pack lunch for your day of adventure. Open from 8.30am daily – 365 days. Set aside 1-2 hours for your visit. All tickets purchased are valid for 24 hours so you can come back and see the kiwi as many times as you like within that period !.
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Cnr Cowan & Cron Streets Bright Green Building, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand

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  1. 5.0 of 5 stars
    Highest-rated 5-star hotel within 39 km of West Coast Wildlife Centre
    Based on availability on Tripadvisor for 20 October - 21 October
  2. Enter dates to see prices
    Motel
    Corner Cook Flat Road & Pekanga Drive 45 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
    16.2 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
  3. Enter dates to see prices
    Motel
    17 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #6 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    15 Cowan Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #7 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    46 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.2 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #8 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    36-44 Main Rd Off State Hwy 6, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #11 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    76 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    0.4 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #13 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Motel
    40 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #14 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Motel
    58 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.3 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #15 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    8 Graham Place, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    0.2 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #16 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    11 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7859 New Zealand
    15.9 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Motel
    34 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #20 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Motel
    State Highway 6, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    0.6 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #21 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Franz Josef Highway 6, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7856 New Zealand
    3.6 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #22 Best Value of 27 Hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre
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    Limited Service Property
    30 Cron Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #29 of 36 Specialty lodging in Franz Josef
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    Lodge
    15 Cowan Street, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park 7886 New Zealand
    0.1 km from West Coast Wildlife Centre
    #36 of 36 Specialty lodging in Franz Josef
Showing results 1-30 of 30
See what travellers are saying
  • Pumpkin20
    Bathurst, Australia336 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Kiwi sighting!
    I was particularly excited to see a Kiwi and was not disappointed! Enjoyed watching him/her running around, they are much bigger than I thought! Enjoyed all the other information about Kiwis I found it all very interesting & disturbing at how endangered they are. The bit we did not enjoy was the public holiday surcharge! We are hoping that a large portion of our entry fee will be used to help protect these gorgeous birds.
    Delighted that you really enjoyed your visit ! Sorry about a credit card surcharge (15%)for a public holiday but you might have noticed most businesses in Franz Josef now close on public holidays due to incredible cost of labour .It costs most businesses around $4,000 in additional holiday loading costs just to open which sadly is no longer economical . I am pleased to say however that we do open but recover just a small amount of monies to help subsidize this.
    Written 3 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Brian R
    Greystones, Ireland21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great way to spend a morning
    Came across this centre not expecting much but hoping to get a glimpse of a Kiwi in real life. Well this visit didn’t disappoint. I paid extra for the back stage tour and so glad I did. I was there at 10am and turned out so was the only person the tour. (It’s very busy on rainy days). So I had the undivided attention of Steve who gave me do much great info about Kiwis and the work of the centre in helping them survive. He then gave me the up close meet with the Tuatara- what an interesting creature- and no it’s not a lizard. The kiwi encounter is open to all who pay admission not just the backstage tour. Once your eyes adapt to the dark (give it a few minutes) there they were! Much bigger, faster and louder than I expected. Fell in love with them! It was a great way to spend a morning. Special thanks to Steve for making the visit so memorable.
    Thank you Brian for sharing your review and delighted that you really enjoyed your visit 🙏 Our kiwi ranger fully guided tours (VIP Backstage Pass Tours) are highly recommended and I will pass on your thanks and appreciation to Steve who is a really passionate and talented member of the team. Together with the Department of Conservation and iwi we have helped bring the worlds rarest kiwi (rowi) back from the very edge of extinction and more and more eggs are now being left to survive in predator free areas in the wild. When we first set up the facility there were less than 140 rowi kiwi left alive in the wild and today over 600 -with 385 of these birds hatched and incubated at the West Coast Wildlife Centre.A wonderful community and team partnership 🙏
    Written 6 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 1 December 2023
  • Roxana Dumitru
    Cluj-Napoca, Romania22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best activity during a rainy day
    This was a very interesting tour, we learned a lot about kiwis life. Our guide-Steve was very well prepared and the tour was like a story. New Zealand is a lesson for the entire world how to protect nature and also how to make nature reborn. We managed to see 2 kiwi birds and they were quite active. We recommend the tour, it took only 45 minute and the entering ticket has a 48 hours validity.
    Thanks for the 5 star review and really appreciated the shout out to Steve our Ranger guide and the VIP Backstage Pass Tour. In NZ we are very protective of our highly endangered native species and it’s a great privilege to be able to help bring the 2 rarest of kiwi species back from the edge of extinction -in partnership with the Department of Conservation.Our guests tells us the 48 hours unlimited entry pass is great value for money and we really appreciate you sharing your review with future guests 🙏
    Written 7 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 February 2024
  • spinfield
    Ilkley, United Kingdom31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don’t miss the kiwis!
    We’re often sceptical of these ‘wildlife’ experiences but can’t praise this one enough. We bought the ‘behind the scenes, 48 hour’ pass and it was well worth it. We spent a fascinating hour with Steve, who gave us a great insight into the amazing conservation and kiwi population increasing work that they do at the centre. He was so knowledgeable and had a number of interesting videos/props. The viewing of the actual kiwis (2x year old birds) was a real highlight of our trip to New Zealand. To watch them so close up and hear them snuffling in the search for food was unforgettable. Our 48 hour pass gave us 3 chances to pop in and see them again before we left. Fabulous!
    Thank you for the 5 star review and delighted that you really enjoyed your VIP Backstage Pass Tour with Steve.We are very fortunate to have such dedicated and entertaining team members who are so passionate about the work with do -in partnership with the Department of Conservation-to bring the worlds rarest kiwi back from the edge of extinction.👍🙏.The 48 hour pass is really great value for money and that you do much for highlighting this for future guests.
    Written 11 February 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 February 2024
  • SkemOwl
    31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rare Rowi kiwis in a simulated habitat
    The wildlife centre has created a perfect environment for rearing and viewing kiwis. The ticket is valid for 48 hours so you can choose the best time, which seems to be morning. We were made very welcome, and given an introduction to the facility. It's quite dark in there and can take 10 minutes to be able to see properly. The kiwis are very close and quite active. We were enchanted. They also have tuatata lizards (also rare). Try challenging them to a staring match!
    Thanks so much for the 5-star review and for sharing your feedback with future guests.The 48 hour passes we are told represents excellent value for money and so pleased that you really enjoyed your visit.With less than 600 rowi kiwi left alive in the wild we have hatched and incubated over 385 of these helping bring the worlds rarest kiwi -the rowi - back from the very edge of extinction.Your visit and the monies spent with us are helping to fund the work we do -in partnership with The Department of Conservation.
    Written 25 March 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 March 2024
  • valkrie1235
    Dallas, Texas16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best place to see Kiwis!
    An absolute gem of a spot! My family stopped at a few Kiwi centers and aviaries during our trip and this one was by far the best place to see a Kiwi. The habitat takes up a large % of the building and we were able to see two of the birds very easily even in the darkness. They were quite active and utterly adorable! There is a wall up to about belly level and don’t miss the glass near the ground, when the kiwis come up to the wall you can see them so well. The owner was actually working the counter when we arrive and he was so excited to share about the center and his conservation efforts. A must see while in Franz Josef!
    Thank you so much for your kind review and delighted that you really enjoyed your visit . All our team are so very passionate about our facility and the work we are doing -in partnership with the Department of Conservation to bring the worlds rarest kiwi back from the edge of extinction. Our customers tell us that our kiwi viewing experience is exceptional and we are all so pleased that you took the time to enjoy your time with us. I hope that you enjoyed the rest of your time in beautiful Franz Josef 🙏
    Written 11 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 April 2024
  • Maxi K
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice and interesting museum for everyone who loves kiwis!
    We came in only 45 minutes before closing and bought a regular entry ticket. Time was a little too short, but you can actually come in again the next day with your ticket to read everything you missed. However, for watching the two kiwis in the dark, the timing was absolutely perfect, so I encourage everyone to step in. Even if there is not much time left that day. The information on the boards was very interesting and nicely visualized. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. Considering they are doing a good deed with the ticket money, I can only recommend the visit.
    Thank you Maxi for the 5 star review and so pleased that you really enjoyed your visit and had a wonderful kiwi viewing experience 😀.The unlimited re-entry over a 48 hour period represents great value for money and I’m so pleased that you recognized this to share with future guests. Thank you again for making the time to share your review 🙏
    Written 21 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 April 2024
  • Jill T
    Norwich, United Kingdom45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique Experience for Nature Lovers
    Had the back stage pass - struck very lucky having Kath as our guide. Incredibly knowledgeable and her enthusiasm was infectious. Although our visit was out of the breeding season Kath explained the process in great detail. Absolute bonus getting up close to the reptiles and fascinated by the locust House - on site fast food!
    Thanks so much for taking the time to place a 5 star review and delighted that you enjoyed Backstage Pass 🎫 Tour with Kath. Love your comnents around our Locust House for the incredible Tuatara!
    Written 19 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 May 2024
  • pkh213
    Fairfax, Virginia172 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rare Rowi Kiwi and Glacier Exhibit!
    This is a great rainy day activity. The centre has the very rare Rowi Kiwi. They are nocturnal so you are in the dark and you have to let your eyes adjust in order to see them. They have very long beaks and their nostrils are at the tip of their beaks. Rowi are local to Franz Josef and there is a huge effort to increase their numbers. We also saw a glacier exhibit featuring the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These glaciers are two of the very few glaciers in the world that extend through temperate rainforest to areas around 300 metres.
    Thank you so much for taking the time to personally share you experience and the team and I are thrilled that you really enjoyed your visit. To date we have 🐣 hatched and incubated over 371 rowi kiwi -in partnership with the Department of Conservation-meaning that around 71% of the rarest kiwi on the planet has passed through our facility 🙏
    Written 15 September 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Hotels near similar destinations

  • Franz Josef Glacier Hotels
    Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
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  • Tatare Tunnels Walk Hotels
    After 10 minutes walk on a four wheel drive road, the track climbs gently then drops to a view of the scenic Tatare Gorge. The track then becomes steep and narrow for the short climb to the Tatare Tunnels. If you wish to explore the tunnels you will need a torch and a raincoat, and you may get wet feet – the water will be ankle deep. The track stops at the old wooden flume at the end of the first tunnel. Know before you go •Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection at all times.
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  • Peters Pool Walk Hotels
    This fully-accessible walk winds through the rainforest to a small kettle lake, which was formed by ice melting amongst glacial moraine about 200 years ago. Enjoy the reflective views of the glacier and mountainpeaks in this tranquil setting. Getting there Drive or walk south from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.
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  • Roberts Point Track Hotels
    Starting from the Douglas Bridge, Roberts Point Track winds up the true right of the Waiho (Franz Josef Glacier) Valley, over ice-carved rock and across many side streams to a viewpoint high above the glacial ice. In around an hour the track opens out onto ice smoothed rock outcrops at Hende's Hut. This hut is unsuitable for overnight accommodation, but it does provide a sheltered lunch spot. The track climbs on through open scrubland to a suspension bridge crossing Rope Creek and continues steadily upwards to Roberts Point. The views from here are well worth the effort with the glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls and mountain peaks all visible. Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; or 12.3 km return from glacier car park Please contact the Franz Josef Visitor Centre for safety updates before attempting this track.
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  • Sentinel Rock Walk Hotels
    This short steady climb up a now bush-covered ice-scraped rock offers the most impressive views of the glacier and the Waiho River. Information panels at the viewpoint show dramatic photos of the glacial retreat, making it one of the best places to appreciate the power of the glacier. Sentinel Rock emerged from beneath the glacier in 1865 and is an example of how the glacial ice ground the hard schist bedrock into a Roche moutonnee or ‘rock sheep’. Since 1909 the glacier has retreated over 3 km and plants have progressively colonised where a veneer of rubble has been dumped over bedrock in the valley. Getting there Drive or walk south a short distance from the Franz Josef Waiau township across the Waiho River bridge and turn left onto the Glacier Access Road or Te Ara a Waiau. Drive or walk for approximately 4 km to the car park at the end of the road.
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  • Terrace Walk Hotels
    This easy walk winds a short way along the bush-clad terraces at the south end of the village. There is no access beyond the bridge due to a slip and you will need to return the way you came. Take a torch and explore this walk at night to see glow-worms in the forest, especially under and around large fallen trees alongside the track. Getting there The walk starts off State Highway 6, at the southern end of Franz Josef village near the 'Our Lady of the Alps' church on the left hand side of the road heading south towards Fox Glacier. The track entrance has a very small parking area, but there is plenty of parking in town just a short walk away.
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Hotels Near West Coast Wildlife Centre information

Hotels Near West Coast Wildlife Centre

There are 53 Hotels nearby in Franz Josef

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Nearest accommodation

0.03 km
Frequently Asked Questions about hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre

Some of the best hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef are:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5

A private balcony can be enjoyed by guests at the following hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef:
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Punga Grove Motel & Suites - Traveller rating: 4/5

These hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef have great views and are well-liked by travellers:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4/5
Glacier View Motel - Traveller rating: 4/5

Families travelling in Franz Josef enjoyed their stay at the following hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
58 On Cron Motel - Traveller rating: 4.5/5

These hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef have free parking:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4.5/5

An upscale travelling experience can be enjoyed at these 4 star hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef:
The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
58 On Cron Motel - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Alpine Glacier Motor Lodge - Traveller rating: 4/5

These 3 star hotels received great reviews from other travellers:
10 Cottages - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Punga Grove Motel & Suites - Traveller rating: 4/5
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier - Traveller rating: 3.5/5

Reduced mobility rooms are available at the following hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5

A kitchenette is available at these popular hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
The Terrace, Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4.5/5

Here are some popular hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef that offer air conditioning:
Aspen Court Franz Josef - Traveller rating: 5/5
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier - Traveller rating: 4/5

Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant at these hotels near West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef:
Rainforest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Traveller rating: 4.5/5
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier - Traveller rating: 4/5

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