National Kiwi Centre, Greymouth, New Zealand
Found in the heart of the town of Hokitika, south of Greymouth, New Zealand, the National Kiwi Centre is the perfect place to be for nature enthusiasts wanting to get up close and personal with this unique bird species. The facility imitates the kiwi’s natural habitat and helps in the conservation of New Zealand’s iconic birds. Aside from watching the flightless birds in their nocturnal home, you will also be able to see and feed the longest eel across the globe. The Longfin freshwater eels only thrive in the country, and some are kept preserved in the center. Other interesting animals housed in the facility include the Tuatara, the country’s oldest living dinosaur, and the Koura also referred to as a freshwater Crayfish.
Complete your tour of Hokitika with a visit to the Hokitika Museum and Hokitika Clock Tower. The museum is located in the age-old Carnegie Building and showcases the stories of the West Coast’s historical milestones, such as the gold rush, Tangata Whenua, and white-baiting. Meanwhile, the clock tower is among the iconic landmarks of the area. While it may look like an ordinary clock tower, it is actually a South African War Memorial. A mere 5-minute walk from the clock tower will take you to the 4-star Beachfront Hotel. What guests like the most about this accommodation are that it sits near the beach and features free WiFi, free self parking, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. If you prefer a luxury stay, check out the five-star Rimu Lodge. While roughly five miles from the attractions, this hotel is a top go-to accommodation, thanks to its free breakfast and premier amenities.
