Header photo is an artist’s impression of the West Coast Penguin Encounter.
Exciting New Ambassador Kororā Encounter to Open in Franz Josef, South Westland!
The award-winning West Coast Wildlife Centre is thrilled to announce the upcoming construction of a multimillion-dollar, groundbreaking extension to the existing facility in Franz Josef, for injured little blue penguins that cannot be released back into the wild. The extension will be officially launched to the general public on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Meet Katy, who is patiently waiting at Auckland Zoo Vet Hospital after a nasty boat propeller injury off the coast of Thames. Katy is now facing a much brighter future as she recovers and prepares to head down to Franz Josef to discover her new home.
The West Coast Penguin Encounter in Franz Josef is being built to help little blue penguins, just like Katy.
Situated outside the award-winning West Coast Wildlife Centre, a Qualmark Gold-rated facility in the heart of Franz Josef, the new encounter will enhance the Centre’s existing kiwi and tuatara conservation programs. This includes collaborative efforts to help save the critically endangered rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio. Between 2010 and 2022 the West Coast Wildlife Centre hatched and incubated over 353 rowi kiwi and 141 Haast tokoeka chicks and today has a primary focus on kiwi advocacy through sharing these conservation success stories with visitors from all around the world.
Visitors to the West Coast Penguin Encounter will learn that little blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguin—just over 25 cm in height and weighing about 1 kg. They face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and marine pollution. Little blue penguins are subject to multiple threats both on land and at sea. Cats, ferrets, and stoats are some of their major threats while more coastal development brings more dogs and the clearance of traditional nesting sites. Little blue penguins are also injured crossing coastal roads, being hit by boats in the sea, or caught in set nets. The new experience will emphasise practical ways individuals can make a difference, such as supporting sustainable fishing practices, reducing plastic waste, and getting involved in local conservation initiatives.
Location: Cnr Cron and, Cowan Street, Franz Josef, West Coast, NZ
Contact: Richard Benton
Email: richard.benton@me.com
Phone: +64 (21) 669 026
Website: wildkiwi.co.nz