VIP Backstage Pass Tour – Guided

The VIP Backstage Pass Tour is a combo ticket that combines the All Day 48-Hour General Pass PLUS the VIP Guided Backstage Pass Tour. This is a fully guided tour with one of our Wildlife Rangers through the incubation and rearing facility where you will learn about the history and successes of the Operation Nest Egg program.

PLUS you will also go behind the scenes to see our Tuatara Encounter – where we look after 7 Tuatara and you will have the opportunity to meet them close up!

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is the largest Kiwi Captive Rearing facility in the South Island and is helping bring the critically endangered rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi back from extinction – in partnership with DOC and local iwi.  VIP Backstage Pass Tours include a visit behind the scenes to see our kiwi incubation and hatching programme and Tuatara ( live Tuatara ) including guided live kiwi spotting inside our Nocturnal House.

Places are limited to 8 people per tour so book ahead to avoid disappointment. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All tickets booked are non-refundable.

There is no guarantee that chicks or eggs will be available to see.

Kiwi Backstage Tours depart at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm and we are open from 8.30 am each day and close at 5.00 pm.

If you book the 4 pm VIP Backstage Pass Tour and you are planning to leave Franz Josef early the following day – please visit us 1 hour early(3 pm)  to go around the Centre -as we currently close at 5 pm and the VIP Backstage Pass Tour may finish at around 4.45 pm. You are of course welcome to visit the Centre the following day for no additional charge if you are planning to depart later the following day.

Book Tickets