Visit West Coast Wildlife Centre
Franz Josef, New Zealand •
Must Do
Must DoFranz Josef, New Zealand
Must Do






Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Nov
11°C – 19°C, warm and humid with frequent rainfall, high crowds, peak season
11°C – 19°C, warm and humid with frequent rainfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Main attraction is wheelchair friendly; backstage tour is not.
Main attraction is wheelchair friendly; backstage tour is not.
Value for money
Medium
Mixed reviews, price is a factor for some couples.
Mixed reviews, price is a factor for some couples.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Kiwi Encounter
Couples loved seeing the rare kiwi species in a well-designed habitat!
Educational Exhibits
Interactive displays provided a great insight into conservation efforts for couples.
Easy Access
Convenient location and wheelchair accessibility made for a smooth visit.
Price Concerns
Some couples felt the admission price was a bit high for the experience.
Limited Interaction
Couples wished for more opportunities to interact with the wildlife.
Backstage Tour
The backstage tour was not wheelchair accessible, which was disappointing.
Hours of operation
Monday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
LOW

7-16°C
Cool temperatures with increased rainfall.
Cool temperatures with increased rainfall.
Open
High availability with fewer tourists.
High availability with fewer tourists.
Recommended
April sees cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. The reduced crowd levels provide a more intimate experience, though some outdoor activities may be affected by weather conditions.
April sees cooler temperatures and higher rainfall. The reduced crowd levels provide a more intimate experience, though some outdoor activities may be affected by weather conditions.
May
LOW

4-10°C
May in Franz Josef Glacier experiences cooler temperatures with average highs around 10°C and lows near 4°C. The region receives significant rainfall, averaging around 313 mm over approximately 16 days.
May in Franz Josef Glacier experiences cooler temperatures with average highs around 10°C and lows near 4°C. The region receives significant rainfall, averaging around 313 mm over approximately 16 days.
Open
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Recommended
May offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a good time for visitors seeking a quieter experience. However, be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations due to weather.
May offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a good time for visitors seeking a quieter experience. However, be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations due to weather.
June
LOW

1-5°C
June brings colder temperatures with average highs around 5°C and lows near 1°C. The region continues to experience significant rainfall, averaging around 270 mm over approximately 10 days.
June brings colder temperatures with average highs around 5°C and lows near 1°C. The region continues to experience significant rainfall, averaging around 270 mm over approximately 10 days.
Open
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Recommended
June offers a serene experience with fewer tourists and colder temperatures. While the weather is more stable, be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations.
June offers a serene experience with fewer tourists and colder temperatures. While the weather is more stable, be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations.
July
LOW

0-4°C
July is characterized by cold temperatures with average highs around 4°C and lows near 0°C. Rainfall averages around 232 mm over approximately 9 days.
July is characterized by cold temperatures with average highs around 4°C and lows near 0°C. Rainfall averages around 232 mm over approximately 9 days.
Open
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Some tours may be limited due to weather conditions.
Recommended
July provides a peaceful experience with fewer tourists and cold temperatures. The weather is more stable, but be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations.
July provides a peaceful experience with fewer tourists and cold temperatures. The weather is more stable, but be prepared for significant rainfall and potential tour limitations.
How to get there

Bus
Recommended

Walking
Recommended

Bike

Car

Shuttle

Taxi
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required







