Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, is a largely rare and elusive creature, more often
heard than seen. On the West Coast, however, there are plenty of opportunities to en-
counter them if you know where to look.
Cowan Sts; admission $30, backstage pass $50; )
in Franz Josef Glacier. This feel-good at-
traction ticks all the right boxes (exhibition, cafe and retail), then goes a whole lot fur-
ther by actually breeding the rowi - the rarest kiwi in the world, along with another
local species, the Haast tokoeka. It's worth visiting to view the conservation, glacier
and heritage displays and mature kiwi in their ferny enclosure. However, the pièce de
résistance is the 'backstage' incubating and chick-rearing area. You may well go ga-ga
over the fluffy kiwi babies. Too cute!
You've got a very strong chance of seeing the rowi in the wild on a night-time exped-
DOC Offices
8am-noon & 2-4.30pm
Mon-Fri)
A
Paparoa National Park Visitor Information Centre and i-SITE
( 03-731 1895;
www.doc.govt.nz;
SH6; 9am-5pm Oct-Nov, to 6pm Dec-Mar, to 4.30pm Apr-Sep)
A
Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre & i-SITE
( 03-752 0796;
www.doc.govt.nz;
SH6, Franz Josef Glacier;
8.30am-6pm summer, to 5pm winter)
A
DOC South Westland Weheka Area Office
( 03-751 0807; SH6, Fox Glacier;
10am-2pm
Mon-Fri)
GATEWAY TOWNS
A
Westport (
Click here
)
A
Punakaiki (
Click here
)
A
Greymouth (
Click here
)
A
Franz Josef Glacier (
Click here
)
A
Fox Glacier (
Click here
)
