948Reviews4Q&A
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 334
- 280
- 162
- 94
- 78
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
This place is one of Franz Josef's hidden gems. It should be on every visitor to Franz Josef list to visit. We did the normal tour and found it just amazing. We heard the baby Kiwi's but couldn't actually see them.. We did see 4 of the 6 Tuatara in their enclosure. The other 2 were hiding When we came our Richard asked us if we had actually seen the 2 baby Kiwi chick's. When we said no he immediately arranged for us to be accompanied by a keeper with an infra-red torch so we could see them. They were so cute and adorable. Well done to Richard and everyone else for such a wonderful experience.…
Read more
Date of experience: March 2021
Helpful
We enjoyed seeing the cute baby Kiwi on the VIP Behind the Scenes Tour. We also appreciated learning about the protection and hatching of Rowi Kiwi.
Read more
Date of experience: February 2021
Helpful
Visited the wildlife centre under the Back to the Future $199 package where you get a night at the Rainforest Retreat, entry to this place and a helicopter ride. I though that this would be a typical kiwi viewing experience behind glass but no. A walkway through the kiwi habitat with a barrier up to your waist. I have done this twice now. Once with my partner and son in August and this time I dragged my parents from Auckland here. The first time the kiwis in the enclosure were about to be released into the wild. They were ready to go. One came right up to the barrier and slid his beak right up the barrier to sus us out. We could have easily patted him but didn’t know if we should and quite honestly just froze as scared we would scare him off. But it seemed like he just gave up on us in disgust that we weren’t helping him to escape and lost interest. He was definitely ready for the wild. This time they again had 2 kiwis in there, but they had only been in there for a couple of weeks. They were a couple of months old. One thought he was road runner and had us utterly amused with his antics racing back and forward, trying to pick fights with the other one. The sensible on (I presume it was a female) came pretty close to the barrier and we watched how she fed and drank water. Really interesting how they put their whole long beak into the water to suck it up. First time I realised how much personality and antics kiwis actually have. Not the dull, shy, boring birds we are led to believe. So feel really privileged to finally see kiwis and their personalities first hand. It’s taken me 50 years and really exceeded my expectations. The overall centre is great with an interactive glacier part which was really good too and a fab tuatara enclosure with 4-6 tuataras. Really big so we spent ages there too and enjoyed watching them get fed. They go from not moving at all to knowing feeding time is coming and moving closer to the feeding place and then you really see them move! However for me the kiwis were the highlight and you can go and see them as many times as you want during a 24 hour period. We went through a few times. Thank you to all the staff at the wildlife centre for your work you do with these endangered species. It is truly humbling to hear about all the work you are doing to save the kiwi. Again can’t recommend this place enough!!…
Read more
Date of experience: February 2021
Helpful
Whole waiting for weather to clear we visited the wildlife centre. We timed it perfectly to join a behind the scenes tour with one other couple. We found out all about kiwi in the region & conservation efforts. Seeing kiwi chicks & tuatara up close was a privilege. Some might feel the price was high, but it's good to donate to the important work they're doing there. …
Read more
Date of experience: January 2021
Helpful
Response from Rich651000, Owner at West Coast Wildlife Centre
Responded 1 week ago
Really appreciate the 5 star ⭐️ review and thanks for taking the time to visit. Delighted that you joined a VIP Backstage Pass Tour as customers often tell us that this is the highlight of their visit. To date -in partnership with the Department of Conservation -we have incubated and hatched over 340 rowi kiwi and with less that 550 now left alive in the wild today we have helped to bring the worlds rarest kiwi back from the edge of extinction. Your visit today has helped us to continue with this valuable work .
Read more
Great Kiwi experience, especially on a rainy day. Even the teen enjoyed it! Informative staff and great little cafe (and fire to warm up)! Highly recommended.
Read more
Date of experience: January 2021
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Rich651000, Owner at West Coast Wildlife Centre
Responded 13 Jan 2021
Thanks for the 5 star review and the team and I are delighted that you enjoyed your experience. Great that all the family (incl the teenager !) really enjoyed the visit !!
Read more
