National Kiwi Centre Hokitika
Get up close with New Zealand's unique wildlife, including kiwi, giant eels, and tuatara, with engaging feeding sessions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See animals at their most active!
National Kiwi Centre Hokitika
Best Time
See animals at their most active!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close with New Zealand's unique wildlife, including kiwi, giant eels, and tuatara, with engaging feeding sessions.
"Being able to feed the magnificent eels and then having the privilege of stroking them is something I will never forget."
🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Eel and kiwi feedings are the highlight! Check the schedule upon arrival.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around to see all the different enclosures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Eels
Aquarium
Witness and even feed these massive, ancient creatures. A truly unique and memorable experience.
Nocturnal Kiwi Birds
Nocturnal House
Get a rare glimpse of New Zealand's iconic national bird in a specially designed nocturnal habitat.
Tuatara Encounters
Reptile Enclosure
See these 'living dinosaurs' up close and learn about their fascinating ancient lineage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Kiwi Sightings
Beyond the Kiwi: A West Coast Showcase
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Eel and kiwi feedings are the highlight! Check the schedule upon arrival.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around to see all the different enclosures.
📱 Capture the Magic
Great photo opportunities, especially during feeding times.
💰 Value for Money
Many visitors find it well worth the admission price for the unique experiences.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Eel and kiwi feedings are the highlight! Check the schedule upon arrival.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around to see all the different enclosures.
📱 Capture the Magic
Great photo opportunities, especially during feeding times.
💰 Value for Money
Many visitors find it well worth the admission price for the unique experiences.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
A fantastic indoor activity for families with interactive elements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the National Kiwi Centre for its unique opportunities to see iconic New Zealand wildlife, particularly the giant eels and kiwi birds. The feeding times are consistently highlighted as a major draw, offering interactive and educational experiences. While some find it a bit pricey, most agree the close encounters and knowledgeable staff make it a worthwhile visit, especially for families.
"Great place to stay entertained and busy! Loved all the tropical fish, NZ eels, NZ fish, kiwi, etc. You can even catch your own crayfish and release them back to their enclosure. Such a fun experience loved every second."
Brodie Barsby
"This was our only time that we were able to see the famous kiwi bird in New Zealand, and it was amazing!
The rest of the centre is nice, but mostly oriented to children I would say. When we were there, there were some school groups there, and definitely fun for them.
It was nice, but not sure if it was worth the price."
Fan
"Front desk staff were great. Feeding time is the best time to go. Heardand watched a kiwi call and it made my day. Eels were massive and I can't remember the turtles name but he was a real character."
jess d
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Kiwi Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Hokitika, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying in town. If you're driving, there is usually parking available nearby.
Absolutely! It's a perfect addition to a day exploring Hokitika and the surrounding West Coast attractions. You can easily combine it with a visit to Hokitika Gorge or the beach.
The centre is typically open daily, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
Seeing kiwi in the wild is very challenging due to their nocturnal and shy nature. The National Kiwi Centre offers a reliable way to see them in a controlled environment.
Hokitika offers several attractions, including the stunning Hokitika Gorge, Hokitika Beach with its driftwood sculptures, and local art galleries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official National Kiwi Centre website for the most current pricing. Some visitors have noted it might feel a bit pricey, but many find the experience justifies the cost.
Information on discounts, such as family passes or group rates, is usually available on their website. It's worth checking for any special offers before you go.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season or holidays, can save you time and ensure entry. Check their website for online booking options.
Your admission typically includes access to all exhibits, including the kiwi house, eel enclosures, tuatara, and various native fish displays. Feeding demonstrations are usually included.
The centre is generally considered family-friendly, with many interactive elements that children enjoy. However, some exhibits might be more engaging for adults.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time to visit is during the daily feeding sessions at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. This is when the animals are most active and engaging.
Yes, you can participate in feeding the giant eels, which is a highlight for many visitors. You might also have opportunities to interact with other animals under staff supervision.
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the centre, especially if they time their visit for the feeding demonstrations.
While not always formal tours, the staff often provide knowledgeable commentary during feeding times, sharing fascinating insights about the animals.
There are differing opinions on this. While the centre provides a reliable way to see kiwi, some sources suggest researching ethical wildlife viewing practices. The centre does focus on conservation and education.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the National Kiwi Centre. However, always be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography, especially in the nocturnal kiwi house.
The feeding times for the giant eels and kiwi are prime photo opportunities. The vibrant tropical fish tanks also make for colorful shots.
The kiwi enclosure is designed to allow visitors to see them quite closely, so you should be able to get good photos, especially when they are active.
Be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography in the kiwi house as it can disturb them.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the nocturnal kiwi house. Otherwise, a standard digital camera or smartphone will capture great memories.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The chance to try catching crayfish adds a fun, interactive element that kids will love. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The vibrant colors of the tropical fish tanks also provide excellent material for close-up photography. Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions, especially in the nocturnal kiwi house, and avoid flash photography to respect the animals. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating World of Giant Eels
During these times, you can witness their powerful feeding instincts and learn about their life cycle from knowledgeable guides. The chance to get up close and even gently stroke an eel after feeding is an unforgettable experience for many. These feeding sessions are scheduled daily, typically at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Arriving a little early for these times is recommended to secure a good viewing spot. The staff often share fascinating facts about the eels' behavior and their importance in the local environment, making it an educational as well as an exciting part of the visit.
+1Encountering New Zealand's Iconic Kiwi
The close proximity you can achieve here is remarkable, with some visitors reporting being able to hear their distinctive snuffles and snorts. While the kiwi are the main attraction for many, it's important to remember they are sensitive to light. Visitors are often advised to avoid using flash photography in this area to minimize disturbance.
A Showcase of West Coast Wildlife
The centre also houses a variety of native fish, including colorful tropical species and the smaller but equally important whitebait.
For a bit of interactive fun, visitors can try their hand at catching crayfish (and then releasing them back), which adds an element of playful engagement to the visit. 
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