Family-friendly indoor activity
Get up close and interact with living icons of the West Coast
Kiwi, Tuatara, Giant Eels, Crayfish and Whitebait.
The National Kiwi Centre is situated in the heart of Hokitika and provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s national icons. Have fun catching a Crawly.
Feed our Eels at:
10.00am, 12.00pm and 3.00pm every day. Bookings not necessary.
About Our Wildlife
New Zealand Kiwi Bird
At the Kiwi exhibition, you can engage directly with our wildlife keeper to learn more about New Zealand’s fascinating flightless birds. See these endangered birds up close in their nocturnal home, which is a custom-built replica of their natural environment.
Kiwis are an endangered species found only in New Zealand and the National Kiwi Centre takes great pride in supporting conservation efforts to keep these wonderful birds alive and thriving.
Feeding Times:
FOLLOWS EEL FEEDING
Longfin Eel
Biggest Eels in the world!
While in the
These eels are endemic to New Zealand and some are over 80 years old.
These slippery giants can be viewed throughout the day in their aquarium or join the Keeper talk and feeding session.
Feeding Times
10.00am, 12.00pm and 3.00pm every day
Tuatara
Check out New Zealand’s oldest “living dinosaur”, the Tuatara.
These reptiles were considered extinct until they found on local offshore islands and introduced back onto the mainland in 2005 when a breeding programme was launched.
Our Tuatara
Kōura
Kōura/Freshwater Crayfish or Crawly as the locals call them are hard to spot as they like to hide among rocks and debris on the creek bed.
Crayfish are scavengers but don’t go searching for food. They prefer to stay in one spot and grab food as it floats by or sinks to the bottom.
Our hook-less catch and release pond allow both kids and adults to interact and have fun while also feeding these lazy crustaceans.
Whitebait
A visit to the West Coast just wouldn’t be complete without viewing a shoal of Whitebait.
These little fish migrate up the river every year and are highly sought after so strict fishing controls are in place to protect them. They are considered such a delicacy that prices often exceed $70.00 NZD per kilo!
Reviews
M
Growing up as a dinosaur/reptile kid, I've *always* loved tuatara and never imagined I'd actually see one up close. These guys are awesome. Loved all of the animals and appreciated the room kept dark for the kiwi, showing the staff's care for their wellbeing.
Rosealie Robinson
This is an excellent interactive Centre to visit. It has several species of fish as well as Tuataras, kiwis and glow worms which are very easy to see. Visitors love feeding the eels and catching the crawlies. The turtles are also very cute. I highly recommend it to others.
Savannah Jessop
I had a really great time! I was SO EXCITED TO PET THE EELS. Truly the most lovely and beautiful elderly ladies I've ever met. The facility is clean and they kindly set up walkway lights for the kiwi area. Oh my god the kiwi are the most special creatures. Loved this place!!
OPENING HOURS:
Monday-sunday 9:00am - 5pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Eel Feeding Times: 10.00am, 12.00pm and 3.00pm every day
Kiwi Feeding Times: Follows Eel feeding
Admission Prices:
| Adult | $39.00 |
| Child | $21.00(5-15 years) |
| Family | $101.00 (2 adults and up to 3 children 5-15 years) |
| Bookings not necessary |
Children under 5 years are Free.
Group deals are available on request.
School Group Education tours available on request.