West Coast Wildlife Centre
Exciting New Penguin Encounter Coming to Franz Josef
The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef is thrilled to announce that construction of its brand-new West Coast Penguin Encounter is well underway, with 50% of the build already completed. Scheduled to open on Saturday, 4 October, the facility will become home to up to eight rescued little blue penguins - known as “ambassador” birds, who are unable to return to the wild.
Daily live penguin feeding sessions at 11AM and 3PM will allow visitors the chance to get up close to these delightful marine birds. The new exhibit will sit alongside the Centre’s existing conservation initiatives, including New Zealand’s largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility.
The Wildlife Centre also features a world-class Tuatara Encounter, open 7 days a week from 8:30 AM—including Christmas Day—offering visitors a full day of conservation-focused wildlife experiences on the West Coast.
Contact: Richard Benton
Email: richard.benton@wildkiwi.co.nz
Phone: +64 (21) 669 026
Information: WCWC A4 Information Sheet
Discover Inland Adventures
Whitewater Rafting
Inland Adventures offers unforgettable whitewater rafting journeys through some of New Zealand’s most pristine and spectacular rivers. From half-day experiences to immersive multi-day expeditions, our trips showcase the raw beauty of the South Island’s backcountry wilderness.
Operating on the West Coast near Reefton and Greymouth, as well as on the East Coast near Hanmer Springs, our itineraries provide the perfect balance of action and accessibility—ideal for families, groups, and adventure seekers alike.
As a small, locally owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on delivering authentic, personal experiences that leave lasting memories. Clients can choose from entertaining day trips or multi-day rafting and camping adventures, all designed to connect them with the landscapes and spirit of New Zealand’s great outdoors.
For travellers seeking an alternative to hiking and a truly unique way to experience the South Island, Inland Adventures offers the perfect fit.
Contact: Nathan Topp
Email: nathan@inlandadventures.co.nz
Phone: +64 21 2360578
Website: inlandadventures.co.nz
Underworld Adventures
Awarded Qualmark Gold!
West Coast operator Underworld Adventures has been awarded the highest Qualmark status - a Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award. This recognition highlights the company’s outstanding commitment to safety, sustainability, and delivering world-class visitor experiences.
Based in Charleston, Underworld Adventures offers guided cave and glowworm tours, combining underground exploration with rich conservation storytelling. Their unique experiences showcase New Zealand’s rarest limestone cave systems and glowworm galaxies, while their sustainability and community contributions set them apart as one of the country’s leading adventure tourism operators.
Contact: Aidan Schurr
Email: aidan@caverafting.com
Phone: +64 (3) 7888 168
Website: caverafting.com
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Introducing Wilderness Tours Regeneration Project
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours has launched its own regeneration project, a planting initiative designed to restore and protect the natural environment of South Westland. The project’s mission is to give back to the land by leaving more than is taken, while actively engaging both staff and guests in the journey. Through hands-on involvement and a commitment to conservation, the initiative highlights the company’s dedication to sustainability and its deep connection to the place in which it operates.
More info here: https://franzjoseftours.co.nz/wilderness-tours-regeneration-project/
Contact: Dale & Bronwyn
Email: info@franzjoseftours.co.nz
Phone: +64 (3) 752 0230
Website: franzjoseftours.co.nz
