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.
Join along a travelers journey to West Coast Wildlife Centre
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
February
HIGH
11-20°C
Warm with slightly less rainfall than January.
Warm with slightly less rainfall than January.
Open
Advance bookings recommended due to high demand.
Advance bookings recommended due to high demand.
Recommended
February continues the warm and humid conditions with slightly reduced rainfall. Tourist numbers remain high, so plan and book activities in advance.
February continues the warm and humid conditions with slightly reduced rainfall. Tourist numbers remain high, so plan and book activities in advance.
March
MEDIUM
10-18°C
Cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall.
Cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall.
Open
More availability as crowds decrease.
More availability as crowds decrease.
Recommended
March brings cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall. With the end of peak season, visitor numbers decrease, offering a more relaxed experience.
March brings cooler temperatures and moderate rainfall. With the end of peak season, visitor numbers decrease, offering a more relaxed experience.
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.
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
