Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass
At a glance
Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass is a 1h – 2h small-group experience in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand, operated by Franz Josef Wildlife Centre. Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 207 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $39.54 per person. Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Local taxes, Free car parking.
Highlights
- Rated 4.7/5 by 207 travellers
- Small group of up to 8 people for a more personal experience
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h – 2h
- Group
- Small group, up to 8 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–8 per booking · adult required
- Ages
- Infant 0–2 · Child 3–5 · Youth 6–14 · Adult 15–64 · Senior 65–85
- Cancellation
- See cancellation policy
Options & availability
-
4pm VIP Backstage Guided
from $54.28
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 16:00
-
General Admission -48hr Pass
from $37.83
General Admission Entry: 48-Hour Admission Pass
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 08:30
-
10am VIP Backstage Pass Tour
from $54.28
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 10:00
-
12:00pm VIP Backstage Tour
from $54.28
VIP Backstage Pass Tour
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 12:00
-
2pm - VIP Backstage Guided
from $54.28
- Days:
- Every day
- Start times:
- 14:00
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
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.
What's included
What's included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Local taxes
- Free car parking
Not included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- DVD (available to purchase)
Itinerary
-
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.
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is offered for this experience.
Traveller ratings
4.7
207 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 168
- 4 ★ 20
- 3 ★ 10
- 2 ★ 4
- 1 ★ 5
Good to know
- 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
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass take?
The experience lasts about 1h – 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $39.54 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
GST (Goods and Services Tax); Local taxes; Free car parking.
Where does it start?
Hotel pickup is offered for this experience.
Can I cancel?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 207 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier.
