The National Kiwi Centre & Aquarium Hokitika

The National Kiwi Centre & Aquarium Hokitika brings visitors face to face with some of New Zealand’s most fascinating wildlife in the heart of Hokitika. See a kiwi guaranteed, meet ancient tuatara and get up close to giant longfin eels in this family-friendly indoor attraction.

Located in the heart of Hokitika, this family-friendly indoor experience combines New Zealand wildlife, freshwater species and interactive encounters, making it an easy addition to any West Coast itinerary.

This family-friendly indoor attraction offers the chance to see live kiwi, tuatara and giant longfin eels up close, discover native freshwater species and learn more about New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

Watch the giant eels being fed, see kiwi in a specially designed nocturnal habitat and have a go at catching and releasing kōura — freshwater crayfish known locally as “crawlys”. With interactive experiences and wildlife keeper commentary, the National Kiwi Centre is an easy addition to a Hokitika itinerary in any weather.

Why Visit the National Kiwi Centre?

• See a kiwi guaranteed
• Get close to New Zealand’s ancient tuatara
• Meet giant longfin eels, some more than 80 years old
• Join daily eel feeding sessions
• See kiwi feeding following the eel feeds
• Catch and release freshwater kōura (crayfish)
• Discover whitebait and other freshwater species
• Family-friendly experience for adults and children
• Indoor attraction – ideal whatever the West Coast weather
• Convenient location in the heart of Hokitika
• Group deals and school education tours available

See a Kiwi in Hokitika – Guaranteed

A highlight of the National Kiwi Centre is the guaranteed opportunity to see a live kiwi. The kiwi live in a purpose-built nocturnal habitat, giving visitors the chance to observe New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird up close.

The kiwi live in a purpose-built nocturnal habitat designed to replicate their natural environment. Visitors can observe these remarkable flightless birds and learn more about them from the Centre’s wildlife keepers.

Kiwi feeding takes place following the scheduled eel feeding sessions, making these times particularly worthwhile for visitors wanting to learn more about the birds.

Meet New Zealand’s Giant Longfin Eels

The National Kiwi Centre is also home to impressive New Zealand longfin eels, including eels more than 80 years old.

Visitors can see them throughout the day or time their visit for one of the daily keeper talks and feeding sessions.

Eel feeding times:
10.00am
12.00pm
3.00pm

Feeding takes place every day.

Tuatara – An Ancient New Zealand Reptile

Come face to face with the tuatara, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive native species.

With a lineage stretching back around 200 million years, tuatara offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s natural history and are another highlight of the wildlife experience at the Centre.

Catch a Crawly

Kids and adults can get hands-on at the kōura catch-and-release pond.

Kōura are New Zealand freshwater crayfish, affectionately known locally as “crawlys”. The Centre’s hookless catch-and-release experience provides a fun way to interact with these freshwater creatures while learning more about them.

Discover West Coast Whitebait

Whitebait is closely connected with life on New Zealand’s West Coast, and visitors can see these tiny native fish at the Centre while learning more about their lifecycle and the controls used to protect the fishery.

It’s another distinctly West Coast experience to include during a visit to Hokitika.

A Family-Friendly Indoor Activity in Hokitika

The National Kiwi Centre is an excellent option for families looking for things to do in Hokitika, particularly when the West Coast weather makes an indoor activity appealing.

Its central location also makes it easy to combine with Hokitika’s other attractions, shops, galleries and waterfront during a day exploring the town.

The Centre is open throughout the year.

Groups & School Visits

The National Kiwi Centre welcomes groups and offers group deals on request, along with educational tours for school groups.

The combination of live native wildlife, keeper information and interactive experiences makes the Centre suitable for families, tour groups and educational visits.

Opening Hours & Feeding Times

Open 7 days

9.00am – 5.00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Eel feeding: 10.00am, 12.00pm and 3.00pm daily
Kiwi feeding: follows eel feeding.

Admission

Visit the National Kiwi Centre official website for current pricing.

Group deals and school group education tours are available on request. Bookings are not necessary for general admission.

Explore Hokitika & the West Coast

Make the National Kiwi Centre part of a wider West Coast adventure. Explore Hokitika and discover more activities, attractions, accommodation and places to visit throughout the region in our West Coast Travel Guide.

Visit the National Kiwi Centre

See kiwi, tuatara and giant eels, experience interactive wildlife encounters and discover some of the species that make New Zealand unique.

Located in central Hokitika, the National Kiwi Centre is an easy wildlife experience to include in a West Coast family holiday, South Island road trip or Hokitika day out.

Support local and book direct with the National Kiwi Centre.